by BrekkyDJ » Fri Aug 09, 2013 11:42 am
Another reason for the stalling by AFC is that an AFL reserves comp could be closer than we think!
As you know, Collingwood, Essendon and Geelong all have 'reserves' in the VFL. Technically you can include Carlton (Northern Blues) and Box Hill Hawks (Hawthorn) in that group as well.
Next year, Richmond will have reserves (breaking away from Coburg) and so will Footscray (Williamstown told them to nick off).
That leaves Melbourne aligned with Casey, St.Kilda aligned with Sandringham and North Melbourne splitting their players amongst Werribee and North Ballarat.
HOWEVER, there is movement at the station!
St.Kilda are yet to confirm if they will continue their alignment with Sandringham next year. It all seems to hinge on a proposed redevelopment of Moorabbin - if that happens, the split is on.
At the end of last season it was widely reported that Casey were on the verge of collapse, due to a failed pokies venture... a white knight was called in to bail them out. Scenarios of Melbourne taking over Casey or Melbourne reserves (with Casey folding) have been floated.
If either or both those situations were to occur, there would be only one or two true alignments left in the comp, with all the rest being AFL reserves.
Plus remember, all VFL licences expire at the end of 2014 - from what happens there... who knows!