SA Footy

Hazydog wrote:SANFL says AFL mid-year draft and trade period will hurt local leagues

Warren Partland, The Advertiser


Norwood chief executive James Fantasia has vehemently spoken out against a mid-season AFL draft and claims the negative impact on the game far outweighs any positives for its introduction.

Fantasia said no one begrudged a player’s good fortune in getting an opportunity on the national stage, but he is adamant strong state leagues are critical for the health of the game.

And he is worried a team could miss out on a premiership because of a mid-season decision by an AFL club.

While Fantasia said the Redlegs were bitterly opposed to including state league players in a mid-season draft, he has backed player trades between AFL clubs.

“A mid-season draft could have such a negative affect on a team which equates to financial stability,” Fantasia said. “The impact on what happens at (SANFL) club level is so much greater than the positives for an AFL club.

“This is not about trying to block a career pathway. When a player gets drafted at the end of the year they go with the club’s blessing. But we get an opportunity to replace the player.

“We cannot just worry about under 18 football and the AFL and have a void between them.

“What is critical for the betterment of the game is to have strong state leagues and diminishing them will impact on the game long term.”

The return of a mid-season draft has again raised its head and could be implemented as early as June in a huge blow for state leagues.

Fantasia is well versed to discuss the subject, having had lengthy stints in the AFL in recruiting and management roles.

“It could derail a club’s season,” he said. “Imagine Central District last year losing Nick Holman mid-season and the impact that would have had.”

The Bulldogs lost Tony Lynn to Carlton when a mid-season draft existed in 1994, two years following his club best and fairest award win and the season after being best on ground for South Australia against Western Australia.

Bulldogs chief executive Kris Grant said the loss of Lynn midway through the season deflated enthusiasm at the club.

“There needs to be more consideration for competitions below the AFL and losing one of your best players in the middle of the season has a massive impact, as we know only too well,” he said.

“There are other factors not being considered. The player could be someone we have found a job for, which is not easy.

“All of a sudden the player is gone and that would be frustrating for the employer who could be lost to the club.”

The SANFL, concerned with any change which could disrupt clubs’ lists during the season, has yet to discuss a mid-season draft with the AFL.

“There is a great deal of investment in resource, time and energy, by volunteers, members, players, coaches and staff, that goes into building a list and positioning for success,’’ SANFL general manager football Adam Kelly said.

“While SANFL clubs are invested in both on field success and providing a pathway to the AFL, we would be opposed to disruption during the season.”

sib wrote:Damian Barrett on the Footy SHow last night broke news that clubs have gotten together about forming a national reserves comp for 2019. This would see Port and Crows out of the SANFL. Also probably end o the Magpies as I assume they would just be called Power in a reserves comp. Unless SANFL allow Port to keep an Academy side in the SANFL. I hope not.

Booney wrote:

sib wrote:Damian Barrett on the Footy SHow last night broke news that clubs have gotten together about forming a national reserves comp for 2019. This would see Port and Crows out of the SANFL. Also probably end o the Magpies as I assume they would just be called Power in a reserves comp. Unless SANFL allow Port to keep an Academy side in the SANFL. I hope not.

So Barrett discussed Port and Adelaide in the SANFL? Interesting.

Jim05 wrote:

Booney wrote:

sib wrote:Damian Barrett on the Footy SHow last night broke news that clubs have gotten together about forming a national reserves comp for 2019. This would see Port and Crows out of the SANFL. Also probably end o the Magpies as I assume they would just be called Power in a reserves comp. Unless SANFL allow Port to keep an Academy side in the SANFL. I hope not.

So Barrett discussed Port and Adelaide in the SANFL? Interesting.

Apparently no mention of the two Adelaide sides just that all 18 clubs would be playing in a National Reserves comp so would think that means the end of them in the SANFL. I know at the Essendon AGM the subject was raised and the clubs are very keen for double headers to return

Booney wrote:

Jim05 wrote:

Booney wrote:

sib wrote:Damian Barrett on the Footy SHow last night broke news that clubs have gotten together about forming a national reserves comp for 2019. This would see Port and Crows out of the SANFL. Also probably end o the Magpies as I assume they would just be called Power in a reserves comp. Unless SANFL allow Port to keep an Academy side in the SANFL. I hope not.

So Barrett discussed Port and Adelaide in the SANFL? Interesting.

Apparently no mention of the two Adelaide sides just that all 18 clubs would be playing in a National Reserves comp so would think that means the end of them in the SANFL. I know at the Essendon AGM the subject was raised and the clubs are very keen for double headers to return

Removing the on field warm up 40 minutes before the bounce paved way for this.

amber_fluid wrote:How much will it cost the crows and port to fly interstate every second week?
Who foots the bill for that?
Surely not the clubs as how will Gold Coast and Brisbane afford it?

UK Fan wrote:Sanfl has two choices:


One : not allow afl reserves games to be played in sa

Two: ask for 1 million a year for afl reserves to be played in Sa



Up to you Gill

MW wrote:

UK Fan wrote:Sanfl has two choices:
One : not allow afl reserves games to be played in sa
Two: ask for 1 million a year for afl reserves to be played in Sa
Up to you Gill

How do SANFL have control over an AFL reserves match location?

MW wrote:

UK Fan wrote:Sanfl has two choices:


One : not allow afl reserves games to be played in sa

Two: ask for 1 million a year for afl reserves to be played in Sa



Up to you Gill

How do SANFL have control over an AFL reserves match location?

bennymacca wrote:I think the plans for a mid year draft have expedited this. Reckon teams will basically have their whole reserves team as a rookie list that can be called upon mid season.

Seems like a good outcome for everyone. The sanfl fans get their comp back, even if it will be more like the ammos

amber_fluid wrote:

bennymacca wrote:I think the plans for a mid year draft have expedited this. Reckon teams will basically have their whole reserves team as a rookie list that can be called upon mid season.

Seems like a good outcome for everyone. The sanfl fans get their comp back, even if it will be more like the ammos

Not sure how the dwindling Magpies supporters would feel about this.
If they aren’t dead now then they certainly will be come next year.