The AFL today said the recruitment of Israel Folau and Karmichael Hunt had been a success beyond anyone’s ‘wildest dreams.’

“Spending millions of dollars on two players from another code has delivered the biggest return on investment in the history of time,” said AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan.

“Both went to several Auskick clinics and were very useful during our Multicultural Round.”

An independent KPMG report, commissioned by the AFL, estimates that as many as seven people have converted to AFL due to both players. Seventeen, if you count family members.

Gold Coast Suns coach Guy McKenna said Karmichael Hunt had been a wonderful servant of the club.

“I know quite a few boys used to grab a lift from him after training, so that’s a hole we’ll have to fill,” he said.

“I talked to him several times and he seemed really nice.”

GWS Giants CEO Dave Matthews said Israel Folau’s legacy was still almost felt at the club.

“Someone actually mentioned him the other day,” he said.

“We found a box of old posters in a storeroom we were clearing out. They’re on eBay now.”

NRL CEO Dave Smith also agreed Israel Folau and Karmichael Hunt had been a huge success.

“I used to stay awake at night worrying about the AFL pinching our top players,” he said.

“Now I sleep like a baby.”

The AFL said they were still keen to pour money into hare-brained schemes.

“Most of that budget is currently tied up in the GWS Giants and Paul Roos’ salary though,” said McLachlan.

“But something else completely crazy always comes up.”