I certainly hope that the option of an 11 team competition is put to a vote and that the clubs do the right thing by Hills Football as a whole and vote it in. Hills Central enjoyed one of the closest seasons in its history with almost all A Grade games having uncertain winners at the first bounce. Country division on the other hand was largely dominated by one club, and if any of the current central sides go down that is exactly what they will have on their hands again next year. An 8 team Country comp will be fought out strongly between Kersbrook and Nairne and will also likely feature an improving Macclesfield- and hopefully a stronger Meadows side. Let's not forget that Gumeracha knocked over Kersbrook late in the year.

Echunga have just won probably the greatest premiership in league history (has any other club ended the season for every other finalist as Echunga did this year?!) so to not have them have the opportunity to defend it would be a travesty. And I bet their other grades will be stronger next year as they will find it easier again to attract players (for free) to help stock their b grade and going by Legs Man's posts it seems they are working hard to further strengthen their junior grades so this should be given time to bear fruit.

Any club officials who think it would benefit their club to see the premier relegated so there is less opposition for a flag should seriously grow a pair- I bet Uraidla will relish the chance at revenge next year.

Finally I hope all at Echunga are enjoying the fact that so many people in Hills footy are sucking on sour grapes at your success this year. To suggest Echunga 'bought' a premiership is petty and out of touch with the realities on Hills Central football. Mt Lofty won a country premiership with a squad of largely home grown talent plus a few players who came to the club for nothing (Sascha, Eli Highfold, Pete Sanders) plus a few former recruits returning and playing for $0 (Gordon and Wood). We are confident that with the side we had this past season we would have been competitive with anyone in Central this year, but that means we could have ended up anywhere from 2nd to last! However if we want to seriously compete for a flag in 2015 we will need to bring in 2-3 players of high quality and that doesn't happen for free. It seems that Echunga recruited some quality players/people into their club, which is what Uraidla have been doing for years and what Mt Lofty did in the mid to late 2000s and are still reaping rewards from.

Hats off to Echunga, Mt Lofty FC certainly look forward to having a crack at your title in 2015!