AFL Reserves Discussion...

[passionatelegsfan]

I agree with all that 100 percent. For a while i thought the sanfl were doing a good job in marketing the comp. Even if people from our generation account for most of its support i still see alot of kids at the games i go to. So the idea that youg peoplecare going to grow up knowing nothing but crows and power is rubbish. Letting kids go on the oval and have a kick during the breaks and also letting them go to the players huddle are great ideas. Its a shame they cant come up with more ideas like that.

[rod_rooster]

I'd be genuinely interested in a players opinion. Not necessarily your everyday run of the mill 18 year old interstate draftee but more the likes of a Callinan, Johnston etc. who have strong links to their SANFL club. How do they feel about the possibility of having to play against their own club?

[whufc]

I agree with all that 100 percent. For a while i thought the sanfl were doing a good job in marketing the comp. Even if people from our generation account for most of its support i still see alot of kids at the games i go to. So the idea that youg peoplecare going to grow up knowing nothing but crows and power is rubbish. Letting kids go on the oval and have a kick during the breaks and also letting them go to the players huddle are great ideas. Its a shame they cant come up with more ideas like that.

Exactly, i dont think the SANFL should be trying to compete with the AFL for the kids, the SANFL should be encouraging kids to support an AFL side and an SANFL team, get them to fall in love with the game.

Make the kids feel close to the SANFL players, make them feel part of the team, make them aware that they are a realistic chance to one day play for an SANFL team even if its only at underage level or for the mini league etc etc.

As kids get older they will make a million and one different changes in life, they will flucuate between their sides depending on who is more succesfull, they will play other sports, meet girls, get a car license, start going to town and been hungover on a saturday.

What the SANFL needs to be is the cheap alternative, family orientated football option for people who cant afford or dont feel part of the bright lights.

The reason i love is the SANFL is not the standard of football, it is the team i grew up going to watch live as a kid, i can see my team live everyweek, i stand next to my mates (guys i went to primary school with) every week in my spot and talk rubbish, we have mates who are playing reserves and league, i can go chat to the players after a game.

For me the Crows reserves coming in is only the beginning, the comp in 5 years time will be as agood as AFLSA and the SANFL will be dead.

[whufc]

I'd be genuinely interested in a players opinion. Not necessarily your everyday run of the mill 18 year old interstate draftee but more the likes of a Callinan, Johnston etc. who have strong links to their SANFL club. How do they feel about the possibility of having to play against their own club?

I could tell you Callinans opinion but it wouldnt impress the AFC and may get him in trouble, especially considering he could almost earn more playing for the CDFC and working full time.

Watch that space if the Crows dont delist him at the end of the year and he is expected to play against the Dogs.

[rod_rooster]

I'd be genuinely interested in a players opinion. Not necessarily your everyday run of the mill 18 year old interstate draftee but more the likes of a Callinan, Johnston etc. who have strong links to their SANFL club. How do they feel about the possibility of having to play against their own club?

I could tell you Callinans opinion but it wouldnt impress the AFC and may get him in trouble, especially considering he could almost earn more playing for the CDFC and working full time.

Watch that space if the Crows dont delist him at the end of the year and he is expected to play against the Dogs.

I figured as much. I can't imagine him being particularly impressed. I'd say there'd be a fair few of the same opinion.

[whufc]

I'd be genuinely interested in a players opinion. Not necessarily your everyday run of the mill 18 year old interstate draftee but more the likes of a Callinan, Johnston etc. who have strong links to their SANFL club. How do they feel about the possibility of having to play against their own club?

I could tell you Callinans opinion but it wouldnt impress the AFC and may get him in trouble, especially considering he could almost earn more playing for the CDFC and working full time.

Watch that space if the Crows dont delist him at the end of the year and he is expected to play against the Dogs.

I figured as much. I can't imagine him being particularly impressed. I'd say there'd be a fair few of the same opinion.

I dont think its the Crows having a reserves side thats the issue more having to play against the Dogs including potential finals, important games etc etc.

[Aerie]

I agree with all that 100 percent. For a while i thought the sanfl were doing a good job in marketing the comp. Even if people from our generation account for most of its support i still see alot of kids at the games i go to. So the idea that youg peoplecare going to grow up knowing nothing but crows and power is rubbish. Letting kids go on the oval and have a kick during the breaks and also letting them go to the players huddle are great ideas. Its a shame they cant come up with more ideas like that.

Exactly, i dont think the SANFL should be trying to compete with the AFL for the kids, the SANFL should be encouraging kids to support an AFL side and an SANFL team, get them to fall in love with the game.

Make the kids feel close to the SANFL players, make them feel part of the team, make them aware that they are a realistic chance to one day play for an SANFL team even if its only at underage level or for the mini league etc etc.

As kids get older they will make a million and one different changes in life, they will flucuate between their sides depending on who is more succesfull, they will play other sports, meet girls, get a car license, start going to town and been hungover on a saturday.

What the SANFL needs to be is the cheap alternative, family orientated football option for people who cant afford or dont feel part of the bright lights.

The reason i love is the SANFL is not the standard of football, it is the team i grew up going to watch live as a kid, i can see my team live everyweek, i stand next to my mates (guys i went to primary school with) every week in my spot and talk rubbish, we have mates who are playing reserves and league, i can go chat to the players after a game.

For me the Crows reserves coming in is only the beginning, the comp in 5 years time will be as agood as AFLSA and the SANFL will be dead.

How does any of this change if Crows come in next year?

[whufc]

I agree with all that 100 percent. For a while i thought the sanfl were doing a good job in marketing the comp. Even if people from our generation account for most of its support i still see alot of kids at the games i go to. So the idea that youg peoplecare going to grow up knowing nothing but crows and power is rubbish. Letting kids go on the oval and have a kick during the breaks and also letting them go to the players huddle are great ideas. Its a shame they cant come up with more ideas like that.

Exactly, i dont think the SANFL should be trying to compete with the AFL for the kids, the SANFL should be encouraging kids to support an AFL side and an SANFL team, get them to fall in love with the game.

Make the kids feel close to the SANFL players, make them feel part of the team, make them aware that they are a realistic chance to one day play for an SANFL team even if its only at underage level or for the mini league etc etc.

As kids get older they will make a million and one different changes in life, they will flucuate between their sides depending on who is more succesfull, they will play other sports, meet girls, get a car license, start going to town and been hungover on a saturday.

What the SANFL needs to be is the cheap alternative, family orientated football option for people who cant afford or dont feel part of the bright lights.

The reason i love is the SANFL is not the standard of football, it is the team i grew up going to watch live as a kid, i can see my team live everyweek, i stand next to my mates (guys i went to primary school with) every week in my spot and talk rubbish, we have mates who are playing reserves and league, i can go chat to the players after a game.

For me the Crows reserves coming in is only the beginning, the comp in 5 years time will be as agood as AFLSA and the SANFL will be dead.

How does any of this change if Crows come in next year?

I currently get to do this with like minded opposition supporters. Have you ever been to a VFL stand alone club vs AFL reserves club game before, its rubbish no atmospher, half the supporters dont care for the result and are more interested in one or two players individual performances. All you hear is 'you couldnt beat our real side', 'like i care its only the reserves' etc etc

Its the point that if the Crows are allowed in now where does the line get drawn, the next step is they complain that the difference in rule interpretations is affecting players coming from the SANFL to AFL and that it would help the SANFL players get drafted if they played the same rules.

Then comes the we should have 22 players a game because the Crows have a full list at the start of the year and a player is missing out on an SANFL game.

Eventually there will be rules such as teams are only allowed 5 players over the age of 23 etc etc.

If the League wont stand up now they never will.

Im not willing to spend money over the counter of something that will become AFLSA in 5 years time.

Thanks to your piss weak club this is the way the comp is heading.

[rod_rooster]

I agree with all that 100 percent. For a while i thought the sanfl were doing a good job in marketing the comp. Even if people from our generation account for most of its support i still see alot of kids at the games i go to. So the idea that youg peoplecare going to grow up knowing nothing but crows and power is rubbish. Letting kids go on the oval and have a kick during the breaks and also letting them go to the players huddle are great ideas. Its a shame they cant come up with more ideas like that.

Exactly, i dont think the SANFL should be trying to compete with the AFL for the kids, the SANFL should be encouraging kids to support an AFL side and an SANFL team, get them to fall in love with the game.

Make the kids feel close to the SANFL players, make them feel part of the team, make them aware that they are a realistic chance to one day play for an SANFL team even if its only at underage level or for the mini league etc etc.

As kids get older they will make a million and one different changes in life, they will flucuate between their sides depending on who is more succesfull, they will play other sports, meet girls, get a car license, start going to town and been hungover on a saturday.

What the SANFL needs to be is the cheap alternative, family orientated football option for people who cant afford or dont feel part of the bright lights.

The reason i love is the SANFL is not the standard of football, it is the team i grew up going to watch live as a kid, i can see my team live everyweek, i stand next to my mates (guys i went to primary school with) every week in my spot and talk rubbish, we have mates who are playing reserves and league, i can go chat to the players after a game.

For me the Crows reserves coming in is only the beginning, the comp in 5 years time will be as agood as AFLSA and the SANFL will be dead.

How does any of this change if Crows come in next year?

I currently get to do this with like minded opposition supporters. Have you ever been to a VFL stand alone club vs AFL reserves club game before, its rubbish no atmospher, half the supporters dont care for the result and are more interested in one or two players individual performances. All you hear is 'you couldnt beat our real side', 'like i care its only the reserves' etc etc

Its the point that if the Crows are allowed in now where does the line get drawn, the next step is they complain that the difference in rule interpretations is affecting players coming from the SANFL to AFL and that it would help the SANFL players get drafted if they played the same rules.

Then comes the we should have 22 players a game because the Crows have a full list at the start of the year and a player is missing out on an SANFL game.

Eventually there will be rules such as teams are only allowed 5 players over the age of 23 etc etc.

If the League wont stand up now they never will.

Im not willing to spend money over the counter of something that will become AFLSA in 5 years time.

Thanks to your piss weak club this is the way the comp is heading.

In fairness it's not the club as a whole that is piss weak. Same goes for every club that ends up voting yes. It is the League Director at each of those clubs and to a lesser extent the boards that are piss weak. They certainly don't speak for the members on this issue that's for sure.

[whufc]

Yeah sorry should say piss weak directors!

[Aerie]

[Its the point that if the Crows are allowed in now where does the line get drawn, the next step is they complain that the difference in rule interpretations is affecting players coming from the SANFL to AFL and that it would help the SANFL players get drafted if they played the same rules.

Then comes the we should have 22 players a game because the Crows have a full list at the start of the year and a player is missing out on an SANFL game.

Eventually there will be rules such as teams are only allowed 5 players over the age of 23 etc etc.

If the League wont stand up now they never will.

Im not willing to spend money over the counter of something that will become AFLSA in 5 years time.

Thanks to your piss weak club this is the way the comp is heading.

I agree the difference between AFL and what the SANFL was, is widening more and more.

I think the SANFL has changed a lot in the last few years. Pretty much since Bassett made Norwood the best team in the competition as far as on field play goes. SANFL coaches are coaching to an AFL style. Our rules are half AFL, half still SANFL.

Do you want a Rugby Union/League situation where the SANFL decides it goes in a different direction completely? Is this realistic?

Rule interpretations and the same number of players as in the AFL may happen. That is not much of a change to what is happening now.

I agree there needs to be some clarification regarding how our competition is viewed long term. I don't like the $20,000 less on the salary cap, following on from a reduction 5 or so years ago and import restrictions. I know the Eagles are out sourcing the best recruits around Australia right now for next season.

More information needs to come to hand, but regardless, IMO the SANFL and SA's two AFL clubs need to be cooperating to make footy better in this State.

[whufc]

[Its the point that if the Crows are allowed in now where does the line get drawn, the next step is they complain that the difference in rule interpretations is affecting players coming from the SANFL to AFL and that it would help the SANFL players get drafted if they played the same rules.

Then comes the we should have 22 players a game because the Crows have a full list at the start of the year and a player is missing out on an SANFL game.

Eventually there will be rules such as teams are only allowed 5 players over the age of 23 etc etc.

If the League wont stand up now they never will.

Im not willing to spend money over the counter of something that will become AFLSA in 5 years time.

Thanks to your piss weak club this is the way the comp is heading.

I agree the difference between AFL and what the SANFL was, is widening more and more.

I think the SANFL has changed a lot in the last few years. Pretty much since Bassett made Norwood the best team in the competition as far as on field play goes. SANFL coaches are coaching to an AFL style. Our rules are half AFL, half still SANFL.

Do you want a Rugby Union/League situation where the SANFL decides it goes in a different direction completely? Is this realistic?

Rule interpretations and the same number of players as in the AFL may happen. That is not much of a change to what is happening now.

I agree there needs to be some clarification regarding how our competition is viewed long term. I don't like the $20,000 less on the salary cap, following on from a reduction 5 or so years ago and import restrictions. I know the Eagles are out sourcing the best recruits around Australia right now for next season.

More information needs to come to hand, but regardless, IMO the SANFL and SA's two AFL clubs need to be cooperating to make footy better in this State.

Agree, the reduction in salary cap is just an insult and is making sure that the standard of the SANFL is reduced.

Much like you have test cricket, t20, one dayers in cricket i think there is a place in the football world for the league to stick more to the 'old sckool' style.

I think if you asked the 'die hard' SANFL fans the reasons they attend the SANFL you would here words such as 'real', 'tough' be used over and over again.

I dont mind rule changes where required but simply following another competitions decisions blindly is plain stupid.

Also i dont care what the Crows say with a reserves side it will only be a matter of time until we see the return of the curtain raisers.

[Aerie]

[Its the point that if the Crows are allowed in now where does the line get drawn, the next step is they complain that the difference in rule interpretations is affecting players coming from the SANFL to AFL and that it would help the SANFL players get drafted if they played the same rules.

Then comes the we should have 22 players a game because the Crows have a full list at the start of the year and a player is missing out on an SANFL game.

Eventually there will be rules such as teams are only allowed 5 players over the age of 23 etc etc.

If the League wont stand up now they never will.

Im not willing to spend money over the counter of something that will become AFLSA in 5 years time.

Thanks to your piss weak club this is the way the comp is heading.

I agree the difference between AFL and what the SANFL was, is widening more and more.

I think the SANFL has changed a lot in the last few years. Pretty much since Bassett made Norwood the best team in the competition as far as on field play goes. SANFL coaches are coaching to an AFL style. Our rules are half AFL, half still SANFL.

Do you want a Rugby Union/League situation where the SANFL decides it goes in a different direction completely? Is this realistic?

Rule interpretations and the same number of players as in the AFL may happen. That is not much of a change to what is happening now.

I agree there needs to be some clarification regarding how our competition is viewed long term. I don't like the $20,000 less on the salary cap, following on from a reduction 5 or so years ago and import restrictions. I know the Eagles are out sourcing the best recruits around Australia right now for next season.

More information needs to come to hand, but regardless, IMO the SANFL and SA's two AFL clubs need to be cooperating to make footy better in this State.

Agree, the reduction in salary cap is just an insult and is making sure that the standard of the SANFL is reduced.

Much like you have test cricket, t20, one dayers in cricket i think there is a place in the football world for the league to stick more to the 'old sckool' style.

I think if you asked the 'die hard' SANFL fans the reasons they attend the SANFL you would here words such as 'real', 'tough' be used over and over again.

I dont mind rule changes where required but simply following another competitions decisions blindly is plain stupid.

Also i dont care what the Crows say with a reserves side it will only be a matter of time until we see the return of the curtain raisers.

Can't argue and agree with what you say except for the curtain raisers thing. Again, like the Under 23 proposal you said might happen, that is just based on supposition.

Based on the information from the Eagles meeting, I'm positive this could be a good thing. But now, more than ever, our league directors and the SA Football Commission have to say, and more importantly DO, some things that show strength and preserve what we have whilst at the same time moving with the times.

I am comfortable my club has the right intentions and will do what is best for my club, the competition it plays in and the footballers coming through in our area.

[spell_check]

What I find a little strange is that the reduction in matches to 18 does not match how many matches the AFL club plays (22). Even the split rounds doesn't make 22 (or 23 with the AFL split round).

What does the AFL teams players do in these rounds when their Reserves team doesn't play? Go for a tosca?

[passionatelegsfan]

I agree with all that 100 percent. For a while i thought the sanfl were doing a good job in marketing the comp. Even if people from our generation account for most of its support i still see alot of kids at the games i go to. So the idea that youg peoplecare going to grow up knowing nothing but crows and power is rubbish. Letting kids go on the oval and have a kick during the breaks and also letting them go to the players huddle are great ideas. Its a shame they cant come up with more ideas like that.

Exactly, i dont think the SANFL should be trying to compete with the AFL for the kids, the SANFL should be encouraging kids to support an AFL side and an SANFL team, get them to fall in love with the game.

Make the kids feel close to the SANFL players, make them feel part of the team, make them aware that they are a realistic chance to one day play for an SANFL team even if its only at underage level or for the mini league etc etc.

As kids get older they will make a million and one different changes in life, they will flucuate between their sides depending on who is more succesfull, they will play other sports, meet girls, get a car license, start going to town and been hungover on a saturday.

What the SANFL needs to be is the cheap alternative, family orientated football option for people who cant afford or dont feel part of the bright lights.

The reason i love is the SANFL is not the standard of football, it is the team i grew up going to watch live as a kid, i can see my team live everyweek, i stand next to my mates (guys i went to primary school with) every week in my spot and talk rubbish, we have mates who are playing reserves and league, i can go chat to the players after a game.

For me the Crows reserves coming in is only the beginning, the comp in 5 years time will be as agood as AFLSA and the SANFL will be dead.

How does any of this change if Crows come in next

It may not if what you believe is true and that people keep going. But even if the best case scenario unfolds and crowds are maintained the competition is still compromised. And in rattling of all the benefits of this idea for the sanfl clubs and sa foorty you still have not explained how the sanfl does not become a micky mouse comp with the introduction of crows/power reserves. When someione can convince me of this i will be on board.

[Jim05]

What I find a little strange is that the reduction in matches to 18 does not match how many matches the AFL club plays (22). Even the split rounds doesn't make 22 (or 23 with the AFL split round).

What does the AFL teams players do in these rounds when their Reserves team doesn't play? Go for a tosca?

I would bet money that the SANFL draw will be doctored to allow every side 2-3 byes per season.
They still have the wanktel cup to slot in aswell so need byes for that.
Would think plenty of rounds will consist of only 4 games

[spell_check]

What I find a little strange is that the reduction in matches to 18 does not match how many matches the AFL club plays (22). Even the split rounds doesn't make 22 (or 23 with the AFL split round).

What does the AFL teams players do in these rounds when their Reserves team doesn't play? Go for a tosca?

I would bet money that the SANFL draw will be doctored to allow every side 2-3 byes per season.
They still have the wanktel cup to slot in aswell so need byes for that.
Would think plenty of rounds will consist of only 4 games

Currently the situation is that the AFL players aligned to the SANFL club(s) which has the bye plays in the bottom placed Reserves team in that particular week. This is what I mean - when there is the proposed split rounds to extend the length of the 18 match season, what do the Crows reserves players do when they have the bye/week off?

[Aerie]

It may not if what you believe is true and that people keep going. But even if the best case scenario unfolds and crowds are maintained the competition is still compromised. And in rattling of all the benefits of this idea for the sanfl clubs and sa foorty you still have not explained how the sanfl does not become a micky mouse comp with the introduction of crows/power reserves. When someione can convince me of this i will be on board.

Yep, there is no hiding from the fact the competition will be compromised.

We've had a Crows ring-in Fergus Watts kick 10 goals in a final to win it for the Eagles against North. We've had West rest most of their best players in the last round last year to give the Eagles a win and a spot in the finals.

There is compromise already, but to what extent you can compromise a competition before it becomes Mickey Mouse, I'm not sure? Perhaps a different answer for different people.

Our SANFL clubs vs another SANFL club will be less compromised than what has been since 1991.

I think it is also important the best footballers in the state want to play in the SANFL competition if not in the AFL. I would say the vast majority of footballers coming through want to play AFL, but if not, they would want to play against a team of AFL players to test themselves.

As for the AFL Reserves teams. I think once the players cross the white line they will be fair dinkum. There needs to be some changes and some additional things put in place to the current proposal to add integrity. I think it was a massive mistake to release such a flimsy initial proposal and I think that has caused a lot of unnecessary angst. Pretty unprofessional by the Crows and SA Football Commission.

As long as our SANFL clubs are strong enough to keep the Crows and Port down the lower half of the ladder I think we'll be fine.

[whufc]

Its great that people have opinions either way and can voice them on a forum.

The things about a Ravens SANFL side i cant get over and havent heard a satifactory answer for are

-For me wanting to win the Thomas Seymour Hill Trophy should be the number one criteria for any team entering the SANFL. No matter what spill the Crows say the AFC number 1 priority is to win the AFL premiership, even the Ravens number 1 priority will be to develop rather than win no matter what the club says (yes players will try on the day but the overall philosiphy is to develop) This will also be evident in the Ravens supporters attitudes on game day

- We will now have a club who is competining on a completely different playing field in regards to salary cap, finances, resources, recruiting etc etc they will have their own set of rules compared to the other 8 clubs.

-We now may develop players for anywhere up to 6-7 years only to have them competing against us (different to losing a player to an AFL club now) at the call of a name with the SANFL club having 0% of a chance to compete for the players services.

-Despite being the lesser resourced club we may now may have the ridicoulous situation where we 'loan' our players out so another team can fill their side. Its not the Craigmore YMCA indoor soccer comp FFS. This will also cheapen the 'prestige' of being an SANFL league player

-Reduced salary cap and less games a season. We may also lose our standalone GF, we give alot up to the AFL and its brilliant that the SANFL has one week in the year where it is the sporting highlight of South Australia

-We now have a 'club' in our league who has no home ground and no juniors, hardly fits in with the whole SANFL clubs being community based etc etc.

-We will now have a league where we have one side who at times will be full of proffesionals competiting against sides who are semi proffesional sides. What other league in the world has proffesional sides playing against semi proffesional sides on a weekly basis, i cant think of any.

-Throw in the fact im very cynical and spectical and think that this is only the beginning of the SANFL becoming AFLSA

[passionatelegsfan]

Well i could argue that the afl is compromised because they give concessions to sydney and collingwood get scheduling preferences to bring in the crowds. From that point of view every competition is compromised. When do u cross the line to an extent it becomes mickey mouse? Well im not 100 percent sure either but im fairly sure having a team in your league whose main focus is to develop players (not win a flag) brings it very close to the line. I dont doubt that every players goal is to play afl but what about players say in their mid twenties that are not quite good enough to make the afl? Is the most important thing for them playing against afl talent? I would argue that one of the things that attracts the brett zorzi's of the world is the opportunity to play in front some sort of a crowd in a competition that matters. Hence i dont see why having crows and power players in the league is necessary from that end.