Same shit is happening in england, when I was there in January they had 1 or 2 premierleague games a week on setanta so you have to pay that extra subscription fee to see the games.
ESPN's coverage is crap because it's converted to NTSC and then back to PAL for australia... shit house quality. Can't imagine ESPN HD would look any better
I tell ya, after having Foxtel HD... it just opens your eyes. When you watch AFL/League on free to air... it's just.. grubby. Foxsports HD the grass actually has contrast between the blades. So good!