Dead in the Water

[FOURTH ESTATE]

After reading the posts on here in regards to Smithfield, Paralowie, Wingfield Royals, Ovingham and North Pines I thought I would offer some constructive thoughts on what is happening in our league.

Since 1994 the league has gone on expansionism taking in which ever club wanted to join whether it was for the better or the worse for the league. In 1994 North Pines joined the SAAFL

At the time the NMFL was operating as its on league. Prior to the 1995 season the NMFL folded with 5 of the 6 clubs joining the SAAFL which meant that in terms of closeness several clubs were now sitting almost on top of each other in the Salisbury - Elizabeth area. In only the last few years we have seen the entrance of Angle Vale & Trinity O.S.

While not trying not to be sounding negative or bagging of clubs, some clubs that now exist in the SAAFL should never have been started or allowed in. When the NMFL folded the SAAFL only wanted to take in 2 clubs from that league but was told by the SANFL if you take one you have to take them all. This is fact!!!

For years we have been seeing clubs in this area struggle to survive and now reality has hit home.

There are only so many footballers around to play for clubs with every new club starting up another club is weakened due to a loss of players.

One very prominent club delegate from the western side of the city once told me that we have toom many clubs in our league and the sooner some clubs die off the better we will be as they are a drain on the league and club resourses.

Putting club loyalty aside and good intentions, losing clubs like Paralowie, Wingfield Royal & Ovingham is it going to be a great loss for the league. Think outside the square when you answer this. There are other clubs in the area where they exist. By not starting up all these little clubs some of the other clubs in the areas might have a chance to survive

[CK]

I wouldn't normally comment on a SAAFL issue, so apologise in advance if anything offends, but I have wondered for years, how the league sustains so many teams, with a number in very close proximity to each other. We hear so often about how junior numbers are steadily falling, as young men move to other pursuits/sports/pastimes, which must mean that the numbers coming through to replace older players is slowly falling.

There are obviously many, many incredibly passionate people out there, on the playing/coaching/committee/trainer/helper side of things, who really want their club to succeed and put in countless hours to help, but I have to wonder about situations when clubs are a few kilometres from each other, and just how many players are out there to sustain these clubs. The other issue that I encountered in country football, was the number of single income families, where the male was the main breadwinner and if they were injured through footy, they did not have income insurance to get them through if they were unable to work for a period of time. Certainly in the Hills also, it has been harder to keep players at clubs for longer periods, as the money being paid to players rises to levels never seen in country/regional football, with the stronger getting stronger and the weaker sadly falling aside as they can't compete against the dollar.

It's a really sad situation when a club falls over like has been seen in the last few years at both SAAFL level and regional levels across South Australia. Is it time to look at a little club rationalisation, in terms of clubs shifting into different divisions or lower levels, to ensure that more clubs can survive and those that struggle to compete financially, can still compete on a more level playing field with similar clubs?

Just my two cents worth, and apologies again if this conflicts with the many passionate SAAFL people here.

[Shark_Hunter]

It is the way the world is moving these days and as sad as it will be for some of these smaller clubs, over time many will close down as the bigger clubs get bigger and councils and governments support a few large community based facilities (think Marion Sporting Club) rather than a larger number of small clubs. Soccer are desperate for more grounds and will swallow up vacant ovals very quickly.
Many players in smaller clubs might have to swallow a bit of pride and be happy to play B/C grade at a bigger club rather than be a Div 6/7 A grader.

[FOURTH ESTATE]

To true Shark Hunter pride will get in the way of looking at the bigger picture. Clubs will get the troops to rally around them which will save them in the short term but what is their long term future. Some of those clubs that live hand to mouth need to realise that now. Is it better to merge and save your history than die with none what so ever.

Port District - (Semaphore Central & Exeter)

Portland - (Alberton United, Riverside & Ethelton)

PHOS Camden - (Plympton High Old Scholars & Camden)

These clubs still survive with a link to the past, where others just fold and history is lost.

My tip is that Ovingham won't survive the season if my sourses are right. Once the floggings begin players will disappear. The SAAFL need to take a stance and say enough is enough your time is up. This is not Ovingham bashing but the reality of thier survial is less than 25% in my eyes. Make the move merge with Blackfriars as they are looking for a ground I believe or with Fitzroy and give them a C Grade side. You can save a club for today but what happens when those servants move on who saved the club will anyone else step up to the plate.

Your right councils will only put money into facilities if they see a future for the club. No future No money.

[bandar]

It is the way the world is moving these days and as sad as it will be for some of these smaller clubs, over time many will close down as the bigger clubs get bigger and councils and governments support a few large community based facilities (think Marion Sporting Club) rather than a larger number of small clubs. Soccer are desperate for more grounds and will swallow up vacant ovals very quickly.
Many players in smaller clubs might have to swallow a bit of pride and be happy to play B/C grade at a bigger club rather than be a Div 6/7 A grader.

Interesting you mention Marion as they have been going through their own problems with a lack of players to fill 2 sides. Just as there are clubs out north struggling there are clubs south having similar problems. Marion, Hackham OSB/Lonsdale and Aldinga have had their own problems.

There seems to be a decline in player numbers but there also seems to be a decline in the numbers of quality admin people to run the clubs. A lack of either and your club can be in trouble.

[FOURTH ESTATE]

Too true mate good admin people are few and far between. We are fortunate to have some good people running our club. Good to see you guys back in D1 always look forward to the trip down Anzac Hwy. Our clubs have a good rivalry hope to catch up for a beer with when we play you

[bandar]

Too true mate good admin people are few and far between. We are fortunate to have some good people running our club. Good to see you guys back in D1 always look forward to the trip down Anzac Hwy. Our clubs have a good rivalry hope to catch up for a beer with when we play you

Good to be back, hopefully I feel that way at the end of the year. Look forward to a beer and a chat.

[TheAussieBogan]

There seems to be a decline in player numbers but there also seems to be a decline in the numbers of quality admin people to run the clubs. A lack of either and your club can be in trouble.

That is true, 2 years ago Glenunga were putting 1.5 teams on the track, A new coach & a few more administrators and I believe we might even have a C grade next year.. So its all about having the right person for the right club.

[morell]

There seems to be a decline in player numbers but there also seems to be a decline in the numbers of quality admin people to run the clubs. A lack of either and your club can be in trouble.

That is true, 2 years ago Glenunga and Fitzroy were putting 3.5 teams on the track, A new coach & a few more administrators and I believe we might even have a enough for 2 teams in D5 and D6 plus a C Grade next year.. So its all about having the right person for the right club.

Edited for accuracy.

[SATCHEL]

All points are valid. Look at the Western suburbs. There is almost a punt from club to club. Players would jump ship from time to time but when a club did struggle which has been recently but more so earlier on. They merged. The examples given which mentioned our club is true to the word that our history still lives on and our club will continue to grow. With out speaking out of turn though, some of these clubs have the older administrative people running the clubs. This has 2 sides. The $$ needed to secure higher grade players wont happen as the scenario is thought of like this "We cant spend that sort of money (knowing full well that they do have the money, but dont want to spent as their financial advisor that looks after their personal situation says save save save), we never did that when we were palying and if they love the club they will stay" and so on. These are the types of people with all their concieved good will make it harder for teams to keep players thus not getting fees and in turn folding. Their are definately good people out there running their respective clubs dont get me wrong. Its just i think its time some of the older generation moved on from running the clubs and maybe support rather than guide and lead. There are far more experienced and qualified people who can lead these clubs taht have a better sense of current issues and concerns tahn the good old "bugger em let em go they'll be back" and they dont come back. The flip side is their life experience and contacts that can bring in good money (even though they say they dont have any) and true love for their club, with the ones that eat breath and sleep at the club. These things dont sit much any more as players chase coin or better conditions.
The league should as has been mentioned above culled those clubs taht have 1 side and merged tehm with clubs to create bigger better clubs. The state and federal governments have done it with super schools etc. If it can be done at tht scale Im sure something it could be doen by the older stateman of the league. Just talking out loud guys no disrespect intended.

[Boosh]

All points are valid. Look at the Western suburbs. There is almost a punt from club to club. Players would jump ship from time to time but when a club did struggle which has been recently but more so earlier on. They merged. The examples given which mentioned our club is true to the word that our history still lives on and our club will continue to grow. With out speaking out of turn though, some of these clubs have the older administrative people running the clubs. This has 2 sides. The $$ needed to secure higher grade players wont happen as the scenario is thought of like this "We cant spend that sort of money (knowing full well that they do have the money, but dont want to spent as their financial advisor that looks after their personal situation says save save save), we never did that when we were palying and if they love the club they will stay" and so on. These are the types of people with all their concieved good will make it harder for teams to keep players thus not getting fees and in turn folding. Their are definately good people out there running their respective clubs dont get me wrong. Its just i think its time some of the older generation moved on from running the clubs and maybe support rather than guide and lead. There are far more experienced and qualified people who can lead these clubs taht have a better sense of current issues and concerns tahn the good old "bugger em let em go they'll be back" and they dont come back. The flip side is their life experience and contacts that can bring in good money (even though they say they dont have any) and true love for their club, with the ones that eat breath and sleep at the club. These things dont sit much any more as players chase coin or better conditions.
The league should as has been mentioned above culled those clubs taht have 1 side and merged tehm with clubs to create bigger better clubs. The state and federal governments have done it with super schools etc. If it can be done at tht scale Im sure something it could be doen by the older stateman of the league. Just talking out loud guys no disrespect intended.

Thats a very specific example there Marbles, sounds like it could be an example that is very close to home.

When Portland were formed from 3 clubs it was generally expected that Div 1 and 2 would be the grades that you would be occupying. Maybe a change in policy from the one you've mentioned would make this a reality.

[Iron Fist]

All points are valid. Look at the Western suburbs. There is almost a punt from club to club. Players would jump ship from time to time but when a club did struggle which has been recently but more so earlier on. They merged. The examples given which mentioned our club is true to the word that our history still lives on and our club will continue to grow. With out speaking out of turn though, some of these clubs have the older administrative people running the clubs. This has 2 sides. The $$ needed to secure higher grade players wont happen as the scenario is thought of like this "We cant spend that sort of money (knowing full well that they do have the money, but dont want to spent as their financial advisor that looks after their personal situation says save save save), we never did that when we were palying and if they love the club they will stay" and so on. These are the types of people with all their concieved good will make it harder for teams to keep players thus not getting fees and in turn folding. Their are definately good people out there running their respective clubs dont get me wrong. Its just i think its time some of the older generation moved on from running the clubs and maybe support rather than guide and lead. There are far more experienced and qualified people who can lead these clubs taht have a better sense of current issues and concerns tahn the good old "bugger em let em go they'll be back" and they dont come back. The flip side is their life experience and contacts that can bring in good money (even though they say they dont have any) and true love for their club, with the ones that eat breath and sleep at the club. These things dont sit much any more as players chase coin or better conditions.
The league should as has been mentioned above culled those clubs taht have 1 side and merged tehm with clubs to create bigger better clubs. The state and federal governments have done it with super schools etc. If it can be done at tht scale Im sure something it could be doen by the older stateman of the league. Just talking out loud guys no disrespect intended.

Thats a very specific example there Marbles, sounds like it could be an example that is very close to home.

When Portland were formed from 3 clubs it was generally expected that Div 1 and 2 would be the grades that you would be occupying. Maybe a change in policy from the one you've mentioned would make this a reality.

The club is striving to get to that area aswell Boosh. As all clubs are aware, its not easy to climb the ladder up the divisions.

[Perfect Drug]

There seems to be a decline in player numbers but there also seems to be a decline in the numbers of quality admin people to run the clubs. A lack of either and your club can be in trouble.

That is true, 2 years ago Glenunga and Fitzroy were putting 3.5 teams on the track, A new coach & a few more administrators and I believe we might even have a enough for 2 teams in D5 and D6 plus a C Grade next year.. So its all about having the right person for the right club.

Edited for accuracy.

If you are going to edit for accuracy, try 4.5 teams. Fitzroy have had a C grade for ages.

Crap joke is crap though

[morell]

haha, fair point.

[SATCHEL]

All points are valid. Look at the Western suburbs. There is almost a punt from club to club. Players would jump ship from time to time but when a club did struggle which has been recently but more so earlier on. They merged. The examples given which mentioned our club is true to the word that our history still lives on and our club will continue to grow. With out speaking out of turn though, some of these clubs have the older administrative people running the clubs. This has 2 sides. The $$ needed to secure higher grade players wont happen as the scenario is thought of like this "We cant spend that sort of money (knowing full well that they do have the money, but dont want to spent as their financial advisor that looks after their personal situation says save save save), we never did that when we were palying and if they love the club they will stay" and so on. These are the types of people with all their concieved good will make it harder for teams to keep players thus not getting fees and in turn folding. Their are definately good people out there running their respective clubs dont get me wrong. Its just i think its time some of the older generation moved on from running the clubs and maybe support rather than guide and lead. There are far more experienced and qualified people who can lead these clubs taht have a better sense of current issues and concerns tahn the good old "bugger em let em go they'll be back" and they dont come back. The flip side is their life experience and contacts that can bring in good money (even though they say they dont have any) and true love for their club, with the ones that eat breath and sleep at the club. These things dont sit much any more as players chase coin or better conditions.
The league should as has been mentioned above culled those clubs taht have 1 side and merged tehm with clubs to create bigger better clubs. The state and federal governments have done it with super schools etc. If it can be done at tht scale Im sure something it could be doen by the older stateman of the league. Just talking out loud guys no disrespect intended.

Thats a very specific example there Marbles, sounds like it could be an example that is very close to home.

When Portland were formed from 3 clubs it was generally expected that Div 1 and 2 would be the grades that you would be occupying. Maybe a change in policy from the one you've mentioned would make this a reality.

Not a direct attack at my club mate. Its a common version from a few mates out and aboutre their clubs. Some of what i mentioned has crept into our club in the past. havent seen it to date (as of yet anyway)

[dee man]

To true Shark Hunter pride will get in the way of looking at the bigger picture. Clubs will get the troops to rally around them which will save them in the short term but what is their long term future. Some of those clubs that live hand to mouth need to realise that now. Is it better to merge and save your history than die with none what so ever.

Port District - (Semaphore Central & Exeter)

Portland - (Alberton United, Riverside & Ethelton)

PHOS Camden - (Plympton High Old Scholars & Camden)

These clubs still survive with a link to the past, where others just fold and history is lost.

My tip is that Ovingham won't survive the season if my sourses are right. Once the floggings begin players will disappear. The SAAFL need to take a stance and say enough is enough your time is up. This is not Ovingham bashing but the reality of thier survial is less than 25% in my eyes. Make the move merge with Blackfriars as they are looking for a ground I believe or with Fitzroy and give them a C Grade side. You can save a club for today but what happens when those servants move on who saved the club will anyone else step up to the plate.

Your right councils will only put money into facilities if they see a future for the club. No future No money.

[dee man]

To true Shark Hunter pride will get in the way of looking at the bigger picture. Clubs will get the troops to rally around them which will save them in the short term but what is their long term future. Some of those clubs that live hand to mouth need to realise that now. Is it better to merge and save your history than die with none what so ever.

Port District - (Semaphore Central & Exeter)

Portland - (Alberton United, Riverside & Ethelton)

PHOS Camden - (Plympton High Old Scholars & Camden)

These clubs still survive with a link to the past, where others just fold and history is lost.

My tip is that Ovingham won't survive the season if my sourses are right. Once the floggings begin players will disappear. The SAAFL need to take a stance and say enough is enough your time is up. This is not Ovingham bashing but the reality of thier survial is less than 25% in my eyes. Make the move merge with Blackfriars as they are looking for a ground I believe or with Fitzroy and give them a C Grade side. You can save a club for today but what happens when those servants move on who saved the club will anyone else step up to the plate.

Your right councils will only put money into facilities if they see a future for the club. No future No money.

[morell]

Work it out dee man.

[dee man]

To true Shark Hunter pride will get in the way of looking at the bigger picture. Clubs will get the troops to rally around them which will save them in the short term but what is their long term future. Some of those clubs that live hand to mouth need to realise that now. Is it better to merge and save your history than die with none what so ever.

Port District - (Semaphore Central & Exeter)

Portland - (Alberton United, Riverside & Ethelton)

PHOS Camden - (Plympton High Old Scholars & Camden)

These clubs still survive with a link to the past, where others just fold and history is lost.

My tip is that Ovingham won't survive the season if my sourses are right. Once the floggings begin players will disappear. The SAAFL need to take a stance and say enough is enough your time is up. This is not Ovingham bashing but the reality of thier survial is less than 25% in my eyes. Make the move merge with Blackfriars as they are looking for a ground I believe or with Fitzroy and give them a C Grade side. You can save a club for today but what happens when those servants move on who saved the club will anyone else step up to the plate.

Your right councils will only put money into facilities if they see a future for the club. No future No money.

it mighten be ovingham bashing but we are the only club you have named.
dont get me wrong,i actually agree with you and we have spoken unofficially to people but their is a big difference between merging and being taken over.
blackfriars only want the ground and to be honest the council already want it for soccer so if we go the ground goes to soccer.
we have not taken this season on lightly,have over 25 players registered for this season,have nearly paid off our debts and sponsorship wise have already secured this season for ourselves and the people of ovingham.while i do agree with you all administrators of clubs would agree as long as its not their club.
if we were approached with the chance of a merger that would benifit both clubs and guarantee our survival which you say we cant and wont,then we would be amiss not to look at it and i would push that we did

[dee man]

Work it out dee man.

sorry mate
first day back at work after a couple of weeks off and i hit the wall at about 4am this morning
will get myself soughted out
how did the boys go on the weekend?