I'm a big rap for Open Age State sides....why should we limit the pool to only U/23's?? Surely if the U/23 player/s are good enough to make the State team, they should be able to make it without the age restrictions....The Open Age is also a good pulling power when clubs (particularly D1 and D2 sides) are trying to recruit ex AFL/SANFL players....the chance to play State is a good 'carrot' for them especially if considering going to Country Leagues where $$ are usually a little easier to come by!!
Also they should have played prior to the Crows....if people wanted to watch it, they would have gotten there early....if the simply dont want to watch they will leave at the ned of the Crows game anyway (dont their supporters start filing out the ground by 5 minutes into the last anyway)??? This would have allowed all the State players (Metro and Country) to hang around, watch the game and have a few beers with each other...
But apart from that little winge, good luck to Barts and the boys and hope all get through without injury....personally a little close to Round 1 for my liking.....
