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I doubt that "athletes" will take over football in the same way that it is happening with other sports. The sports where it's happening most are the ones where physical attributes dominate skills for being the most desirable trait. If you are big, fast and strong then you'll do well at both forms of rugby without too much skill, but you won't be playing at stand off without the skills. They will put you on the wing. What skill you'll need can be taught (look at that extremely quick winger for the USA for instance)
On the other hand football balances more toward the skill side of the game. Speed is an attribute that is being coveted, but if you look at the likes of Bellion, it's very difficult to take a quick football player and make him great if he hasn't got the skills.
In most positions on the pitch in football size won't really matter, except for Goalkeeper and centre backs. Certain types of centre forwards would benefit too but it's by no means essential.
Take the AFL fella you are talking about, I'm sure from your description he'd make a good rugby player or american football player at some position without being fabulously talented, his physical attributes would mask a lack of talent. I doubt, without natural talent, though he'd be any good at sports like cricket, soccer, squash etc where the balance is much more toward the skill side of the game.
Don't get me wrong, it's by no means easy to walk into a top Rugby union side, but if you are big, strong and quick it would be easier than getting into a top soccer side or being the top badminton player in the world for instance.
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