Crows in the SAAFL

[FOURTH ESTATE]

If they come in will all games be played at Thebarton. You know cameras will be in plenty of abundance.

If they want in they have to come to our home club grounds to play.

3 inch deep in mud at SPOC or TTG could be interesting. They might find out what real grassroots football is.

[Phantom Gossiper]

Is the idea gaining momentum.. ?

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-07-31/c ... tion-trigg

[Footy Chick]

The Executive Committee & Management of SAAFL wish to provide the follow urgent update to clubs

At our last delegates meeting, we mentioned that we had been in confidential discussions about the possibility of the Adelaide Crows entering a team in our competition for 2014.

We indicated that we were a "Plan B” for the Crows and that we would keep you informed if anything changed.

The Executive Committee and Management are receptive to the Crows joining our competition as there is only upside in terms of its value to SAAFL in a number of areas.

To date we have no formal written agreement from the management of the Crows, but we have developed initial concepts and plans of how it would work.

To date, the SAAFL has played a low key approach, to respectfully allow the Adelaide Crows to pursue their preferred option of having their reserves team play in the SANFL competition.

Given today’s back page article in The Advertiser, and the increased awareness in the market that we are a legitimate "Plan B" for the Crows reserve team, we would like to advise our member clubs that we are very receptive to having them in our competition. If it plays out that we become the preferred option, we will require a formal detailed value proposition from the Crow management. The benefits of a reserve team in our competition are overwhelmingly positive and will be detailed to clubs if we become the preferred option. Until then we prefer not to speculate about the what if’s and we will advise all club of the next step if we become the Crow’s "Plan A".

Until such time, please be wary of what you read and hear in the media, and be confident that we will get the facts to you as they come to hand. On that note, we ask that you please refer all media contact on this matter to the SAAFL office as we prefer our business decisions made in-house and not through the media. If a club would like to make a comment to media, we request you please have it cleared first with the SAAFL CEO or General Manager – Football Operations.

For those that are unaware, we currently enjoy a positive and rewarding relationship with both the Adelaide Crows and Port Power with both clubs using our Thebarton Oval for training.

It should be noted that to date, we have not been approached directly by Port Power to discuss the possibility of their club entering a team into our competition in any form.

Further, having the AFL Adelaide Crows complement our league in today’s paper is a great testimony – “ In terms of quality of competition, the big bodies, access……..so that’s what we would do.” (page 76). This is a positive media week for SAAFL, and our brand, having announced our new Channel 9 partnership earlier this week.

Please be aware that the Channel 9 partnership does not start officially until next season. Guidelines for clubs participation opportunities will be communicated prior to next season and managed by the SAAFL Office. In any event clubs are not to contact Channel 9 directly.



From the SAAFL Executive Committee & Management team

[Look Good In Leather]

Effectively a similar situation as when Woodville joined the SANFL reserves comp in the late 50s but their reserves team played in the SAAFL. I guess there is precedent (albeit almost 60 years ago).

[moses]

If this does go ahead and that is a if, does it mean from next season onward, Div 1 is compromised for ever and a day until this changes?

[bird of prey]

I think it's an absolute joke if the crows are allowed to do this by the league.
The whole set up of the SAAFL is structured in a way that won't allow this to work.

Do we play 11 teams in div 1? If not, who's the extra team to get relegated or not come up?
Who will the b grade side be for them?

Point system, salary cap, are other issues too.

I thought the SAAFL was the biggest and most cashed up amateur league in Australia. Are we that desperate to have our profile raised? Are they struggling that much for cash? I thought we just signed a new sponsorship deal with channel 9.

Like Marbles said, imagine the b grade ruckman that fills in for the injured a grader and ends up rucking against a Shaun McKernan, or the full back that may have worked a few hours on the Saturday morning who comes up against a tex walker coming back from injury, or a Lewis Johnston.

What can the crows actually get out of it, seriously!!

[FOURTH ESTATE]

The Crows said that if they joined the SANFL they would provide a certain amount of cash to all the league clubs. If they join the SAAFL will they do the same for all our clubs.
I should hope so much needed cash injection for all clubs especially if we lose home & away games to play at Thebarton against the Cows & Paps.
Might go along way to helping clubs with facilities

[Dogwatcher]

The cash injection will be useful for whoever, but it won't be what everyone was expecting.

[Phantom Gossiper]

When you look around Division 1, there are quality footballers - most who would've been involved with an SANFL club at some stage, some who have played league footy or Div 1 for a long period of time.

When you look at the Crows reserve side, this would obviously be made up of fresh drafted players, players returning from injury and fringe players - would imagine mostly young recently listed players.

So really when you weigh it up, would the competition be that lob sided? The younger players wouldn't have the size or physical presence of seasoned players and i'm sure some of the quality players around the div would still match up ok.

It's not like its the crows best 21 that would be playing..

[bird of prey]

When you look around Division 1, there are quality footballers - most who would've been involved with an SANFL club at some stage, some who have played league footy or Div 1 for a long period of time.

When you look at the Crows reserve side, this would obviously be made up of fresh drafted players, players returning from injury and fringe players - would imagine mostly young recently listed players.

So really when you weigh it up, would the competition be that lob sided? The younger players wouldn't have the size or physical presence of seasoned players and i'm sure some of the quality players around the div would still match up ok.

It's not like its the crows best 21 that would be playing..

Not sure how much you know about div 1, but there wouldn't be many in each side that have been involved with sanfl league in the previous few years. There may be a decent number that played underage and a few ressies games at a league club but that's it.
And from looking at the crows listed players playing sanfl, I reckon almost all of them are playing league at the moment. And the fresh drafted players you're talking about would've come from clubs where they have played at least a few league games, or at the very least dominated the U/18's or ressies.
Makes a pretty good side I would think.

If they don't dominate div 1, then sanfl clubs would have nothing to fear in terms of them dominating the league then would they.
The crows ressies team would win quite easily in div 1.

[Phantom Gossiper]

LOL yeah thats fair, i was just trying to look at it from a different perspective instead of tje continual negative view everyone seems to have.

[X Runna]

When you look around Division 1, there are quality footballers - most who would've been involved with an SANFL club at some stage, some who have played league footy or Div 1 for a long period of time.

When you look at the Crows reserve side, this would obviously be made up of fresh drafted players, players returning from injury and fringe players - would imagine mostly young recently listed players.

So really when you weigh it up, would the competition be that lob sided? The younger players wouldn't have the size or physical presence of seasoned players and i'm sure some of the quality players around the div would still match up ok.

It's not like its the crows best 21 that would be playing..

Not sure how much you know about div 1, but there wouldn't be many in each side that have been involved with sanfl league in the previous few years. There may be a decent number that played underage and a few ressies games at a league club but that's it.
And from looking at the crows listed players playing sanfl, I reckon almost all of them are playing league at the moment. And the fresh drafted players you're talking about would've come from clubs where they have played at least a few league games, or at the very least dominated the U/18's or ressies.
Makes a pretty good side I would think.

If they don't dominate div 1, then sanfl clubs would have nothing to fear in terms of them dominating the league then would they.
The crows ressies team would win quite easily in div 1.

Need to remember the AFL squads have a limit on numbers. With injuries and the like you'd be surprised if any more than maybe a dozen would play any given week, and a lot of them will be young players.

I have had a thought, and reckon there is another option.

The Crows reserves align themselves with an existing Div1 club. A strong club, but not one which dominates on the field....the club which readily comes to mind is Broadview. The club would be provided a quality coach, quality medical staff, quality players and an input from the Crows administration wise.

There is then no
a) angst by any club losing their Div1 position to make way for the Crows
b) situation of a bye for Div1 Res
c) loss of integrity in the competition

Other benefits include the retainment and recruiting of juniors because of the Crows players factor.

Any current A Grade Broadview player not happy with possibly losing his spot could transfer to another club which would not lessen the quality of the competition.

Thoughts?

[Failed Creation]

When you look around Division 1, there are quality footballers - most who would've been involved with an SANFL club at some stage, some who have played league footy or Div 1 for a long period of time.

When you look at the Crows reserve side, this would obviously be made up of fresh drafted players, players returning from injury and fringe players - would imagine mostly young recently listed players.

So really when you weigh it up, would the competition be that lob sided? The younger players wouldn't have the size or physical presence of seasoned players and i'm sure some of the quality players around the div would still match up ok.

It's not like its the crows best 21 that would be playing..

Not sure how much you know about div 1, but there wouldn't be many in each side that have been involved with sanfl league in the previous few years. There may be a decent number that played underage and a few ressies games at a league club but that's it.
And from looking at the crows listed players playing sanfl, I reckon almost all of them are playing league at the moment. And the fresh drafted players you're talking about would've come from clubs where they have played at least a few league games, or at the very least dominated the U/18's or ressies.
Makes a pretty good side I would think.

If they don't dominate div 1, then sanfl clubs would have nothing to fear in terms of them dominating the league then would they.
The crows ressies team would win quite easily in div 1.

Need to remember the AFL squads have a limit on numbers. With injuries and the like you'd be surprised if any more than maybe a dozen would play any given week, and a lot of them will be young players.

I have had a thought, and reckon there is another option.

The Crows reserves align themselves with an existing Div1 club. A strong club, but not one which dominates on the field....the club which readily comes to mind is Broadview. The club would be provided a quality coach, quality medical staff, quality players and an input from the Crows administration wise.

There is then no
a) angst by any club losing their Div1 position to make way for the Crows
b) situation of a bye for Div1 Res
c) loss of integrity in the competition

Other benefits include the retainment and recruiting of juniors because of the Crows players factor.

Any current A Grade Broadview player not happy with possibly losing his spot could transfer to another club which would not lessen the quality of the competition.

Thoughts?

I wonder what Broadview would think of that idea?

To me, it's similar to the idea of having the Crows reserves aligning with an SANFL (i.e. Sturt), but on a smaller scale. The question is, to what extent would that bastardize the SAAFL, the largest amateur football competition in Australia?

[X Runna]

When you look around Division 1, there are quality footballers - most who would've been involved with an SANFL club at some stage, some who have played league footy or Div 1 for a long period of time.

When you look at the Crows reserve side, this would obviously be made up of fresh drafted players, players returning from injury and fringe players - would imagine mostly young recently listed players.

So really when you weigh it up, would the competition be that lob sided? The younger players wouldn't have the size or physical presence of seasoned players and i'm sure some of the quality players around the div would still match up ok.

It's not like its the crows best 21 that would be playing..

Not sure how much you know about div 1, but there wouldn't be many in each side that have been involved with sanfl league in the previous few years. There may be a decent number that played underage and a few ressies games at a league club but that's it.
And from looking at the crows listed players playing sanfl, I reckon almost all of them are playing league at the moment. And the fresh drafted players you're talking about would've come from clubs where they have played at least a few league games, or at the very least dominated the U/18's or ressies.
Makes a pretty good side I would think.

If they don't dominate div 1, then sanfl clubs would have nothing to fear in terms of them dominating the league then would they.
The crows ressies team would win quite easily in div 1.

Need to remember the AFL squads have a limit on numbers. With injuries and the like you'd be surprised if any more than maybe a dozen would play any given week, and a lot of them will be young players.

I have had a thought, and reckon there is another option.

The Crows reserves align themselves with an existing Div1 club. A strong club, but not one which dominates on the field....the club which readily comes to mind is Broadview. The club would be provided a quality coach, quality medical staff, quality players and an input from the Crows administration wise.

There is then no
a) angst by any club losing their Div1 position to make way for the Crows
b) situation of a bye for Div1 Res
c) loss of integrity in the competition

Other benefits include the retainment and recruiting of juniors because of the Crows players factor.

Any current A Grade Broadview player not happy with possibly losing his spot could transfer to another club which would not lessen the quality of the competition.

Thoughts?

I wonder what Broadview would think of that idea?

To me, it's similar to the idea of having the Crows reserves aligning with an SANFL (i.e. Sturt), but on a smaller scale. The question is, to what extent would that bastardize the SAAFL, the largest amateur football competition in Australia?

I reckon Broadview would love it, what great exposure for their club to start with.

Yeah, the idea is similar but the SANFL wouldn't entertain it, whereas I think the SAAFL might.

I don't think it would bastardize it at all, there are already many ex SANFL and even AFL players now. I doubt many of them would not be on some serious coin, I can really only see it strengthening the league.

[Failed Creation]

I definitely agree with you on that, it looks like a better idea thank plonking them in the SANFL.

[Senor Moto Gadili]

If the Crows field a team in amateurs it would only be a short time until Plan A can be realised. That will happen eventually. If they took over a club like Broadview next year and then Plan A materialised in 2016, what becomes of a Broadview then? They would have to completely re-build.

[The Dark Knight]

I think it's an absolute joke if the crows are allowed to do this by the league.
The whole set up of the SAAFL is structured in a way that won't allow this to work.

Do we play 11 teams in div 1? If not, who's the extra team to get relegated or not come up?
Who will the b grade side be for them?

Point system, salary cap, are other issues too.

I thought the SAAFL was the biggest and most cashed up amateur league in Australia. Are we that desperate to have our profile raised? Are they struggling that much for cash? I thought we just signed a new sponsorship deal with channel 9.

Like Marbles said, imagine the b grade ruckman that fills in for the injured a grader and ends up rucking against a Shaun McKernan, or the full back that may have worked a few hours on the Saturday morning who comes up against a tex walker coming back from injury, or a Lewis Johnston.

What can the crows actually get out of it, seriously!!

Some excellent points points the BOP.

I for one do not like the sound of this, f**k off and take you're reserves bullsh!t somewhere else.

No AFL in the SAAFL!

[Armytank]

They would play all games at Thebarton, allowing them to set up permanently all the bits and pieces they need and guaranteeing the required space and camera setups.

Not What I heard.

11 team comp with home and away games. Budgies would not be exposed to relegation.

More than likely only 8 to 10 AFL listed players would play (due to injury, travel as emergency etc.) Don't know where the rest come.

[The Dominator]

I think it's an absolute joke if the crows are allowed to do this by the league.
The whole set up of the SAAFL is structured in a way that won't allow this to work.

Do we play 11 teams in div 1? If not, who's the extra team to get relegated or not come up?
Who will the b grade side be for them?

Point system, salary cap, are other issues too.

I thought the SAAFL was the biggest and most cashed up amateur league in Australia. Are we that desperate to have our profile raised? Are they struggling that much for cash? I thought we just signed a new sponsorship deal with channel 9.

Like Marbles said, imagine the b grade ruckman that fills in for the injured a grader and ends up rucking against a Shaun McKernan, or the full back that may have worked a few hours on the Saturday morning who comes up against a tex walker coming back from injury, or a Lewis Johnston.

What can the crows actually get out of it, seriously!!

Some excellent points points the BOP.

I for one do not like the sound of this, f**k off and take you're reserves bullsh!t somewhere else.

No AFL in the SAAFL!

It wont affect Div 5 so Havens are safe TDK

[The Dark Knight]

I think it's an absolute joke if the crows are allowed to do this by the league.
The whole set up of the SAAFL is structured in a way that won't allow this to work.

Do we play 11 teams in div 1? If not, who's the extra team to get relegated or not come up?
Who will the b grade side be for them?

Point system, salary cap, are other issues too.

I thought the SAAFL was the biggest and most cashed up amateur league in Australia. Are we that desperate to have our profile raised? Are they struggling that much for cash? I thought we just signed a new sponsorship deal with channel 9.

Like Marbles said, imagine the b grade ruckman that fills in for the injured a grader and ends up rucking against a Shaun McKernan, or the full back that may have worked a few hours on the Saturday morning who comes up against a tex walker coming back from injury, or a Lewis Johnston.

What can the crows actually get out of it, seriously!!

Some excellent points points the BOP.

I for one do not like the sound of this, f**k off and take you're reserves bullsh!t somewhere else.

No AFL in the SAAFL!

It wont affect Div 5 so Havens are safe TDK

No shit Sherlock.

I care about the whole league and do not want Division One effected by this AFL reserves bullshit.