The recent success of all-access sports documentaries and docuseries is becoming hard to ignore. Whether it's Drive to Survive, All or Nothing or Making Their Mark, the demand for more access is growing.

It offers the average fan an opportunity to see inside the secretive inner sanctums of elite sport. More than that, it offers a chance to see who the players or athletes are off the field and away from the sport.

The release of It's Up To Us, which documents the inside story of the Gold Coast Suns' 2021 season is the AFL signalling their intent to delve deeper into this area of sports media.

The real question now is, where to next?

Why it works

On the back of Drive to Survive, the Melbourne Grand Prix will install expanded grandstands to cater for demand. It's not that it hasn't been here for two years, it's that something else has generated a whole new set of Formula 1 fans.

Drive to Survive, the smash-hit Netflix docuseries has given even the most casual observer a much better understanding of the tactics, teamwork and egos that are involved in F1. As a result, the sport has attracted a large number of new fans worldwide.

In the US alone, The Guardian reported that more than 400,000 turned up to watch the Grand Prix last year, which was a record figure for attendance. On top of that, one million more watched it on TV. Overall ratings were up by 40% and it wasn't a stretch to say that Drive to Survive had played a significant role in that.

Likewise, the NFL has been running Hard Knocks since 2001 and has enjoyed the ratings spike and general interest in the sport ever since. The show enjoys an 8.4/10 rating on IMBD due to its excellent coverage of a singular NFL team's pre-season and the human stories that are involved.

What format could the AFL follow?

This all begs the question, should the AFL look at emulating one of these two formats and spike interest in our national game? If so, what's the best way to go about it?

There's no doubting the Drive to Survive format, where you cover a season and everyone involved, would garner the most interest. It would be the most broadly appealing format, offering something for everyone.

It does have its drawbacks however. It's hard to get decent access to all clubs, particularly over the course of an entire year. It also risks diluting the contribution of many, if not all of the clubs, as giving a fair share of screen time to all 18 teams would be close to impossible.

An alternative option, the 'Hard Knocks' style approach, where you cover one team for a pre-season and tie in the AFLW season, could be viable. It runs the risk of alienating some viewers, but if done correctly, could generate enough interest that draws more eyeballs to teams that the neutral otherwise wouldn't watch.

Why the 'Hard Knocks' style works

After cricket season, footy fans are desperate for any news they can get. The AFLW season is well underway and people are following their club's - and others - pre-seasons closely.

There's no doubting there's a risk of lacking interest, however if done correctly, particularly early with a club that the AFL has a vested interest in succeeding, you could win over the viewers.

This could entice people to watch games during the season they otherwise would have no interest in. By telling the human stories behind some of these players, you allow the viewer to connect with them.

Seeing the struggles that often go unnoticed, players become people you can sympathise with. A shared focus on both the star talent and the fringe players fighting to get a spot on the list serves to highlight the cut-throat nature of elite sport.

Anyone who has watched Hard Knocks will tell you, it's addictive. It draws you in simply because you get a proper insight into the inner sanctum. The AFL could use this appeal to their advantage and if so, the first 18 seasons are already taken care of.

Who to start with?

While it's extremely tempting to go with one of the powerhouses, due to the high number of viewers it would attract, the AFL should double down on their investment. If the Gold Coast Suns are to work, they need people to care about them.

While it's perhaps overkill given the release of It's Up To Us series, when it comes to the Suns, there is no such thing as too much press.

AFL Rd 5 - Geelong v Gold Coast
GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JULY 04: Matthew Rowell of the Suns is seen with his arm in a sling during the three quarter time huddle during the round 5 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Gold Coast Suns at GMHBA Stadium on July 04, 2020 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

There would be no better way to give them the spotlight than for an entire pre-season. Yes, there's a huge risk of backfire, but at this stage there's really nothing to lose and they boast a crop of elite young talent people are keen to see succeed.

With Ben King, Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson, Izak Rankine, Touk Miller and the upcoming Elijah Hollands, there's no shortage of players to give exposure to.

Properly advertised and marketed, it could engage even the most apathetic of footy fans. Those who think nothing of the Gold Coast Suns may find themselves suddenly interested.

Perhaps it's just the anticipation that this time of the year brings, but there's absolutely no doubt that there's an opportunity there for the AFL. Let's hope it comes sooner, rather than later.