I will start here. The most successful team in the ASB is ACFC run by one club. They do it well and do not hide the pathway to ASB football and for locals it is from one club with entry for outsiders at every level. I believe based on ability, hence imports
The franchise system falls down at the volunteer level. Which I turn means paid people to set up and man game day.
Club structure gets bigger base of helpers.
IMHO