AFL Reserves Discussion...

[Barto]

My mail from a reliable source close to the SANFL is the following pecking order for the Power & Crows

SANFL
VFL
NEAFL
SAAFL
SANFL RESERVES.

They're bonkers if they'd choose the SAAFL over the SANFL reserves.

They're bonkers if they'd choose all of them ahead of the sanfl reserves.

yep would seem pretty stupid to go spend all the extra coin to play in the NEAFL which would be of a similar standard to the SANFL reserves.

After witnessing Southport last night, you're bang on the money about the standard.

[Barto]

No doubt there are probably 5-6 clubs who would struggle to be able to afford an AFL reserves comp, unless the AFL bankroll it - hence why I think the AFL are doing everything to ensure they don't have to go down that path.

Then there are 5-6 clubs which have no place in a league which purports to be both commercial and national. Let the AFL have its reserves competition and let Darwinism sort the wheat from the chaff, rather than prostitute the SANFL to keep underperforming Victorian clubs afloat.

Didn't we already do that? After we capitulated and accepted their invasion and paid them for the privilege, they're still going to go ahead and blow up the Eiffel Tower.

[Jim05]

No doubt there are probably 5-6 clubs who would struggle to be able to afford an AFL reserves comp, unless the AFL bankroll it - hence why I think the AFL are doing everything to ensure they don't have to go down that path.

So how can a cash strapped club like the Bulldogs afford to enter a stand alone VFL side next year.
I believe that within 2 years all Victorian clubs will have stand alone sides in the VFL

[PhilH]

SANFL MEDIA RELEASE (WEDNESDAY JUNE 19TH 2013)

MESSAGE FROM SA FOOTBALL COMMISSION CHAIRMAN

Following tonight’s SANFL League Director’s meeting held at AAMI Stadium, SA Football Commission Chairman John Olsen made the following comments in regard to discussions around the possible inclusion of teams from the Adelaide and Port Adelaide football clubs within the SANFL competition:

“The SANFL and the SANFL League Clubs are working through a process of analysing the various pros and cons of additional teams entering the competition,” Mr Olsen said.

“The League Directors have agreed on a series of guiding principles which would form the basis for any negotiations. These principles are designed to ensure that, should any changes be considered, they strengthen the competition,” he said.

“At tonight’s meeting, the League Directors have agreed to the requests of the Adelaide and Port Adelaide football clubs that they make presentations to the Directors, and this invitation will now be extended to the two AFL clubs in the coming weeks.

“Once all the input has been received from the various stakeholders, the SA Football Commission will make a recommendation for the League Directors to consider.

"Together we will make a decision that is in the best interests of the SANFL and the South Australian football community.”

[Pseudo]

“The League Directors have agreed on a series of guiding principles which would form the basis for any negotiations. These principles are designed to ensure that, should any changes be considered, they strengthen the competition,” he said.

The last time the SANFL set down a set of guiding principles for a planned change to the nature of football in SA, those principles were roundly ignored when an actual decision was made. The result of this was the formation of an AFL team which has clearly underperformed in the long term. Forgive me for being cynical, but when the SANFL announces that it will set down more guiding principles for a forthcoming decision, I hear alarm bells ringing.

[on the rails]

What worries me in this whole debate is the role of the Commission. Going back to 1996 and the Power’s entry into the AFL it was the Commission that over rode the wishes of the League Clubs to keep the Magpies in the SANFL. As a result the constitution was changed to give the League Directors some power on controlling their competition. Had the clubs got their way back then we may not be having this debate now or certainly at the least, the PAFC would be in the same position as the AFC in terms of an even playing field! Let’s hope that some of the more progressive Presidents / Directors don’t get “swayed” by Commission influence when the final vote is taken whenever that will be?

I don’t have any real trust in my own club President given that he has been “courting” a spot on the Commission for a number of years and had in the past 5 years indicated he would retire from the NAFC Board only to run again at the end of his then current term. He is obliged, as are the other Club Presidents to vote on what the individual club Boards agree on and at present for the NAFC that is a NO for AFL Reserves in the SANFL Comp.

From my "limited" knowledge of the Commission and what it actually does (not alot from where I sit?) and having seen them at some SANFL functions, the majority of them seem to be more interested in the AFL, nice lunches, copious amounts of red wine (have seen a number of them “pissed as” at official functions) and comfy seats and do not inspire any confidence in me as to not being influenced by AFL needs. Also knowing 2 of the SANFL Presidents well outside of football they echo those thoughts also.

Can an already compromised SANFL Competition be anymore compromised? Ultimately one feels the threat or fear of AFL $$$ either more or less given the current SANFL debts will ultimately guide the recommendation of the Commission to the Directors re this vote.

At the end of the day, the League Directors representing the 8 League clubs will ultimately have to carry the decision and cop whatever fallout comes as you can bet the AFL Clubs, the AFL and the SANFL Commission will distance itself solely on that if it all goes “tits up”!

[LPH]

Foxtel Cup Update: West Adelaide will play Claremont at AAMI Stadium in 2nd Semi-Final on Tuesday July 16th!

Is this the opportunity that those against the AFL in the SANFL need for a mass rally in protest?
2nd week of the School Holidays & an opportunity for ALL of those against this to put their case.

Is that normally the best time for protest?

Probably not, considering it's a cold midweek night but...
What it does do is give National TV Exposure - you can bet that the local Free-to-Air Stations would pick up on a significant protest in their News Items also.

Also, it might just get a bit of coverage 'there & then' - I have watched some Foxtel Games on TV & the lack of crowd noise means that any sort of cheering is heard clearly - as would any sort of 'chanting' (i.e. "No AFL Reserves in the SANFL")

Just a thought...

[holden78]

The Eagles Chairman has been against any AFL in our comp, but we have heard whispers that this stance may well have changed!
We know the coach is all for it as stated pre season.
The CEO only knows $ so enough said about that opinion.
I too have zero confidence in my club to reject an AFL sweet talk, then later on the bend over move

[Booney]

Does anyone feel that each club president or for that matter any of the clubs presidents will call an extraordinary GM to put it to a members vote?

[CENTURION]

Does anyone feel that each club president or for that matter any of the clubs presidents will call an extraordinary GM to put it to a members vote?

no & why would they? this needs rational thinking & the majority of members won't think rationally. Ask the members for their opinions, as a sort of "feel good" thing to do but they won't get a say in proceedings at all, that's why you have a board & directors.

[Booney]

Does anyone feel that each club president or for that matter any of the clubs presidents will call an extraordinary GM to put it to a members vote?

no & why would they? this needs rational thinking & the majority of members won't think rationally. Ask the members for their opinions, as a sort of "feel good" thing to do but they won't get a say in proceedings at all, that's why you have a board & directors.

Hey, I was just asking what people thought their clubs would do.

And you've got at least 51 pages to back your comment up.

[Cambridge Clarrie]

Does anyone feel that each club president or for that matter any of the clubs presidents will call an extraordinary GM to put it to a members vote?

I don't know about a vote but I would like individual clubs to provide some type of formal means for Members to inform them of their views.

[on the rails]

Does anyone feel that each club president or for that matter any of the clubs presidents will call an extraordinary GM to put it to a members vote?

I don't know about a vote but I would like individual clubs to provide some type of formal means for Members to inform them of their views.

I have asked our club to do that and they are "considering" that in some forum or via written information. One Board member told me that the membership base needs to have faith in the current Board to make the right decision in the end but there are a couple on the Board including our President are hard pressed making any sort of decision unless guided by others and are heavily reliant on others making the decisions because they really don't have a clue!

[Cambridge Clarrie]

Just reported that Norwood and South representatives were most outspoken opponents of the concept at last night's meeting...

EXPLAIN TO US THE BENEFITS OF TWO AFL RESERVES TEAMS IN THE SANFL!!!

[Gozu]

EXPLAIN TO US THE BENEFITS OF TWO AFL RESERVES TEAMS IN THE SANFL!!!

"See that suitcase stuffed full of money sitting over there, that could be all yours!"

[Cambridge Clarrie]

How much is in it? Sell the Crows licence. Sell some West Lakes land...

Is money really worth compromising a proud competition for?

[Dutchy]

From Westies in todays newsletter -

As you would be aware, the SANFL and the League Clubs are currently in discussions around the possible inclusion of AFL ‘reserves’ teams from the Adelaide and Port Adelaide football clubs within the SANFL.

The potential transfer of the AFL Licences in the near future has been the catalyst for all parties to take this important opportunity to review our competition.

Although the negotiations are, by necessity, happening on a confidential basis, there is some information we believe it is important that you know.

The League Directors – including Paul Sperling have been working with the SANFL to arrive at four guiding principles which form the basis for all negotiations around this issue.

These guiding principles have been agreed to by all clubs and the SANFL as non-negotiable elements and can be summarised as:

1. Integrity: Any change in competition structure must maintain or enhance the integrity of the SANFL competition;

2. Relevance: Any change in competition structure must maintain or enhance the relevance of the SANFL competition as the best State League in Australia;

3. SANFL & SANFL Club Viability: Any change to the competition structure must improve the long term strength and sustainability of the SANFL and SANFL Clubs; and

4. Game Development: Any change to the competition structure must enhance the development of the game at all levels across South Australia.

As you can see from the above, the SANFL and the SANFL clubs are steadfast in our resolve that the SANFL competition must be protected, it must remain relevant, it must be viable and that game development through the SANFL competition must continue to be of the utmost importance.

This is a complex issue. There are many positives and negatives to adding additional teams to our competition, and each of these is being carefully analysed and discussed.

Once negotiations have reached their conclusion, the SA Football Commission will make a recommendation for the SANFL League Directors to consider. Nothing can happen without the authority of the League Directors.

I would like to underline that the West Adelaide Football Club in consultation with the SANFL and the other clubs will make the decision that is in the best interests of our club, our members, our league and the South Australian football community.

Kym Russell
Chief Executive Officer

[heater31]

Not sure how those 'non negotiables' can be met when both AFL teams have continually withdrawn fringe AFL players from the closing stages of the SANFL season

[Aerie]

From Westies in todays newsletter -

As you would be aware, the SANFL and the League Clubs are currently in discussions around the possible inclusion of AFL ‘reserves’ teams from the Adelaide and Port Adelaide football clubs within the SANFL.

The potential transfer of the AFL Licences in the near future has been the catalyst for all parties to take this important opportunity to review our competition.

Although the negotiations are, by necessity, happening on a confidential basis, there is some information we believe it is important that you know.

The League Directors – including Paul Sperling have been working with the SANFL to arrive at four guiding principles which form the basis for all negotiations around this issue.

These guiding principles have been agreed to by all clubs and the SANFL as non-negotiable elements and can be summarised as:

1. Integrity: Any change in competition structure must maintain or enhance the integrity of the SANFL competition;

2. Relevance: Any change in competition structure must maintain or enhance the relevance of the SANFL competition as the best State League in Australia;

3. SANFL & SANFL Club Viability: Any change to the competition structure must improve the long term strength and sustainability of the SANFL and SANFL Clubs; and

4. Game Development: Any change to the competition structure must enhance the development of the game at all levels across South Australia.

As you can see from the above, the SANFL and the SANFL clubs are steadfast in our resolve that the SANFL competition must be protected, it must remain relevant, it must be viable and that game development through the SANFL competition must continue to be of the utmost importance.

This is a complex issue. There are many positives and negatives to adding additional teams to our competition, and each of these is being carefully analysed and discussed.

Once negotiations have reached their conclusion, the SA Football Commission will make a recommendation for the SANFL League Directors to consider. Nothing can happen without the authority of the League Directors.

I would like to underline that the West Adelaide Football Club in consultation with the SANFL and the other clubs will make the decision that is in the best interests of our club, our members, our league and the South Australian football community.

Kym Russell
Chief Executive Officer

Dear Members, Partners and Affiliates of the Woodville West Torrens Football Club,

As you would be aware, the SANFL and the League Clubs are currently in discussions around the possible inclusion of AFL ‘reserves’ teams from the Adelaide and Port Adelaide football clubs within the SANFL.

The potential transfer of the AFL Licences in the near future has been the catalyst for all parties to take this important opportunity to review our competition. Although the necessary negotiations are taking place on a confidential basis, there is some information I believe is important for you to know.

The League Directors, including Kurt Slaven, have been working with the SANFL to arrive at four guiding principles which form the basis for all negotiations around this issue.

These guiding principles have been agreed to by all clubs and the SANFL as non-negotiable elements and can be summarised as:
1. Integrity: Any change in competition structure must maintain or enhance the integrity of the SANFL competition;
2. Relevance: Any change in competition structure must maintain or enhance the relevance of the SANFL competition as the best State League in Australia;
3. SANFL & SANFL Club Viability: Any change to the competition structure must improve the long term strength and sustainability of the SANFL and SANFL Clubs; and
4. Game Development: Any change to the competition structure must enhance the development of the game at all levels across South Australia.

As you can see from the above, the SANFL and the SANFL clubs are adamant that the SANFL competition must be protected, it must remain relevant, it must be viable and that game development through the SANFL competition must continue to be a priority.

This is a complex issue and there are many pros and cons that come with bringing additional teams into our competition, and each of these is being carefully analysed and discussed.

Once negotiations have reached their conclusion, the SA Football Commission will make a recommendation for the SANFL League Directors to consider. Nothing can happen without the authority of the League Directors.

I would like to highlight to you that the Woodville West Torrens Football Club in consultation with the SANFL and the other clubs will make the decision that is in the best interests of our Club, our league our members and the South Australian football community.

Uby Faddoul
Chief Executive Officer
Woodville West Torrens Football Club

[Aerie]

Kym and Uby must have the same script writers!