Crows in the SANFL - Q & A with the AFC

[Look Good In Leather]

1. Should the AFC form a team in the SAAFL would the AFC be required to invest money in SAAFL venues to meet OH&S requirements for its players?

2. Should the AFC form a team in the SANFL, can the club state categorically that none of their SANFL games would be played as curtain raisers to AFC AFL games?

1: No, we would play all of our games at Thebarton Oval.
2: That's not the plan, no. They are home games for the SANFL clubs.

Thanks David.

In response to Q1 - Why then wouldn't you play home games in the SANFL at Thebarton Oval?

It;s the HQ for the Amateur League. The idea of the Crows playing all away games is to help the the SANFL clubs. David

In that case, why not play all away games in the SAAFL to assist those community clubs?

[RustyCage]

The current proposal put forward sees the SANFL season shortened by a couple of games each year. Was the the request of the AFC or the SANFL, and what is the reasoning for the shorter season

[Look Good In Leather]

Not in the SANFL, no, it;s not an option. The Club did look at perhaps creating a four team comp with West Coast, freo and Port, or playing Port every week. But being a part of the league competition became the Club's preferred option. David

Hi David,

I think most would agree that the SANFL Premiership is the second most prestigious team based award in Australian Football (behind the AFL Premiership), you could argue a WAFL premiership is of similar standing. For some clubs (ie the current SANFL clubs) this is the highest possible prize they can attain, due to the fact they do not have the opportunity to participate in the AFL. In effect, winning an SANFL Premiership is to Glenelg, Central District or Norwood, just as important to them as winning the AFL Premiership is important to the Adelaide FC.

As you have indicated, Adelaide's preferred option is to participate in the SANFL League competition along with the AFL competition. What I would like to ask is how important is winning the SANFL Premiership to the AFC?

Would it be comparable to qualifying for AFL Finals, but not winning the Premiership? Would it be comparable to winning a NAB Cup?
Where would an SANFL Premiership rank on the list of possible achievements that the AFC could win in any one season?

Lets look at this season, Adelaide are now unlikely to play finals in the AFL, with 4 games to go they are 4 games and percentage out of the eight, a massive task. If Adelaide's SANFL League team were currently sitting in the 5 in the SANFL League competition, would Adelaide now re-adjust its priorities to maximise its opportunity to win that Premiership, a significant prize in itself? Or would it continue to field its strongest team in the AFL competition in a series of dead-rubbers to the detriment of its SANFL League team?

Thanks David for your efforts to engage with us

[UK Fan]

As it hasn't been answered, I'll ask again. If the AFC is so confident of their supposed 4000-6000 supporters to reserves games why did they refuse to cover the gate for host clubs. As has been mentioned each SANFL club has different setup costs and break even costs. Surely if you've done your research thoroughly and are assured of your supporter turnout this would be a non issue and give host clubs certainty.

David, I can't find where you reckon this has been answered. I've asked it numerous times now, it's a simple question and as a Sturt supporter one which is VERY revelent. Please answer.

We expect crowds of between 2000 and 6000. The SANFL clubs will be no more at risk of covering match costs than they would playing most other SANFL club. Clubs make most of their match day revenue from catering etc. But the overall financial package put together for this proposal will be a positive result for the SANFL Clubs, even if absolutely no-one turned up to our games. And that's not going to happen.
David

No more risk ??? Are you serious ??? Has a recent survey on this website indicated 90% of fans/members will refuse to attend if we continue having SANFL vs SANFL . What a ridiculous risk assessment from the only party that stands to lose nothing out of this.


Have you spoken to Centrals junior Paul Marschall about all kids in sa want to play afl ??? Cos he like me thinks you should stick to liking comments on facebook as opposed to being any sort of spokesperson for junior developement in this state.

Keep talking up your square peg into a round hole solution and how you think the SANFL will only be slightly damaged by your proposition. Let me assure you David you wont just damaged the oldest league with your ridiculous solution you will break it.

[whufc]

Is it true in the proposal their will be 18 games instead of 20, does this mean clubs will have to reduce membership prices, so not only would I get to see less games a year my club is also at risk of losing money from memberships?

How is that good for me as a supporter of my club

[mighty_tiger_79]

Have the AFC considered that having a BYE in the SANFL is actually a good thing so that interstate recruits are able to go home for a few days and that without a BYE these players maybe harder to recruit and keep??

[Psyber]

What is really wrong with the present arrangement between the Crows and the SANFL clubs?
Why is, if it is, running a separate team in the SANFL or the amateurs beneficial to the Crows?
Is liaising with the coaching staff off a few SANFL teams to mutual benefit really all that hard?

What advantage is there really to SANFL teams that would compensate for their own players being removed to play against them when not in the Crows AFL team?

Are the Crows any less self-centred and uncaring about their home state football roots than Port Adelaide?

[Reddeer]

What is really wrong with the present arrangement between the Crows and the SANFL clubs?
Why is, if it is, running a separate team in the SANFL or the amateurs beneficial to the Crows?
Is liaising with the coaching staff off a few SANFL teams to mutual benefit really all that hard?

What advantage is there really to SANFL teams that would compensate for their own players being removed to play against them when not in the Crows AFL team?

Are the Crows any less self-centred and uncaring about their home state football roots than Port Adelaide?

Nothing
Its not
No
None
Yes

[the joker]

Have the AFC considered that having a BYE in the SANFL is actually a good thing so that interstate recruits are able to go home for a few days and that without a BYE these players maybe harder to recruit and keep??

No one likes the bye

[whufc]

Have the AFC considered that having a BYE in the SANFL is actually a good thing so that interstate recruits are able to go home for a few days and that without a BYE these players maybe harder to recruit and keep??

No one likes the bye

Are u serious!!!

Kris Grant has been quoted a few times in the messenger saying how much the players really enjoy going 'home' and considering their semi proffesionals it's nice to give them some time off.

I know Ritchie Cochrane was a massive fan, use to take the family up to wallaroo every bye.

I love it, gives me a chance to earn some browny points with the misses which I can then lose the next weekend when I get loose

[CUTTERMAN]

Have the AFC considered that having a BYE in the SANFL is actually a good thing so that interstate recruits are able to go home for a few days and that without a BYE these players maybe harder to recruit and keep??

No one likes the bye

Are u serious!!!

Kris Grant has been quoted a few times in the messenger saying how much the players really enjoy going 'home' and considering their semi proffesionals it's nice to give them some time off.

I know Ritchie Cochrane was a massive fan, use to take the family up to wallaroo every bye.

I love it, gives me a chance to earn some browny points with the misses which I can then lose the next weekend when I get loose

Agree. The bye is good for everyone.

[Aerie]

Will there be provisions for an AFL listed player to play for an SANFL Reserves club if they are coming back from injury and are only going to play half a game, or in the case of team balance, or if a player is in really poor form and not up to the required standard?

How much would a top up list player be paid? Is it important your SANFL league and reserves opponents are sufficiently paid so you are playing against the best possible players and not losing more players to country and amateur football?

How much pressure comes from the AFL to reduce the SANFL salary cap to fall in line with other leagues?

[sjt]

Hi David, is it true the reason the club is not providing any real financial incentive to the clubs or being prepared to back up or underwrite their own claims because the club has no money? Is the sanfl negotiating a Westpac loan on the crows behalf as per an earlier article in the advertiser? So the strategy is to change the status quo and enter a teserves team that you can't afford for potentially no benefit? Have you determined the cost of entering a reserves team and is it in excess of $500,000?

[sjt]

Has it been considered for the "Crow's reserves" to not play in a competition as such but to play the teams having the byes? The team having the byes could consist of league, reserves or u/18 players. This would benefit the SANFL clubs as there will be some league players who need a run, and others who require development against decent opposition without being compromised against a team with the need to win at all costs. The SANFL season wouldn't need to be shortened, as the "Crows" could play all teams twice and still be able to have byes if necessary.
The other benefit could be if you play at the SANFL teams ground it may be a revenue raiser for the club.
This would not then compromise the SANFL.

Why is this not the solution? If the crows are worried that the opposition would not be strong enough (yet saafl is) then add some prize money for the team with the best result, over the season. The crows would also pay all players for the game. This is a result that would achieve what the crows want and not impact on the sanfl.
Top up players would be provided from "the pool" nominated at the start of the year, othrr than from the team that is been played that week. The other teams would want their players to play well to enhance their chances of winning the prize money (for example $60k). the top up players would be paid by the crows and it gives them the opportunity to play under the nose pf the crows and enhance their chance of playing league, by playing a better standard. all the other supposed positives claimed by the crows are addressed. We'd also get to see actual crowds. I reckon you're right dogmatic.
David your thoughts?

[adelaidefc]

David, sorry if this has already been asked, but why isn't the club interested in hosting games at Thebby if you are included in the SANFL?

David, could you please attempt to answer some of the tougher questions on previous pages? i.e. the ones that relate to the supposed benefits of this proposal.

It is an Amateurs venue. We believe it is better for the SANFL clubs to host us and take the revenue.
I've been through what I think will be some of the benefits of a Crows team in the SANFL. I think it's fair to say that some of you are against the proposal, no matter what, and I understand that. David

[smac]

Perhaps it's the proposal, not us?

[adelaidefc]

As it hasn't been answered, I'll ask again. If the AFC is so confident of their supposed 4000-6000 supporters to reserves games why did they refuse to cover the gate for host clubs. As has been mentioned each SANFL club has different setup costs and break even costs. Surely if you've done your research thoroughly and are assured of your supporter turnout this would be a non issue and give host clubs certainty.

David, I can't find where you reckon this has been answered. I've asked it numerous times now, it's a simple question and as a Sturt supporter one which is VERY revelent. Please answer.

We expect crowds of between 2000 and 6000. The SANFL clubs will be no more at risk of covering match costs than they would playing most other SANFL club. Clubs make most of their match day revenue from catering etc. But the overall financial package put together for this proposal will be a positive result for the SANFL Clubs, even if absolutely no-one turned up to our games. And that's not going to happen.
David

So under Adelaide's proposal you're more than happy to put host clubs at risk of running at a loss while the AFC risks nothing and walks away happy with another hit out. Gee, where can we all sign up?
You also didn't answer as to WHY Adelaide aren't prepared to cover the gate IF your supporters don't turn up.
Could you please answer this for me.

Does any SANFL guarantee a return when they are the visiting team? But as I said before, no-one could turn up and financially the clubs will still be better off through the deal. However, we are very confident of our crowd pulling power. David

[cripple]

David, what would happen if in 5 years time the AFL decided to bring in a reserves competition funded by big sponsorship dollars and forced all of its clubs to take part. How would the crows justify saying no to the AFL due to your committment to the SANFL?

[adelaidefc]

Has it been considered for the "Crow's reserves" to not play in a competition as such but to play the teams having the byes? The team having the byes could consist of league, reserves or u/18 players. This would benefit the SANFL clubs as there will be some league players who need a run, and others who require development against decent opposition without being compromised against a team with the need to win at all costs. The SANFL season wouldn't need to be shortened, as the "Crows" could play all teams twice and still be able to have byes if necessary.
The other benefit could be if you play at the SANFL teams ground it may be a revenue raiser for the club.
This would not then compromise the SANFL.

Why is this not the solution? If the crows are worried that the opposition would not be strong enough (yet saafl is) then add some prize money for the team with the best result, over the season. The crows would also pay all players for the game. This is a result that would achieve what the crows want and not impact on the sanfl.
Top up players would be provided from "the pool" nominated at the start of the year, othrr than from the team that is been played that week. The other teams would want their players to play well to enhance their chances of winning the prize money (for example $60k). the top up players would be paid by the crows and it gives them the opportunity to play under the nose pf the crows and enhance their chance of playing league, by playing a better standard. all the other supposed positives claimed by the crows are addressed. We'd also get to see actual crowds. I reckon you're right dogmatic.
David your thoughts?

You are talking about something that is not going to happen. The SANFL Clubs will be voting on a Commission endorsed proposal for the Crows to be the 10th team in 2014. David.

[adelaidefc]

Hi David,

Just wondering. Do you still think it was a good idea to come on here and field questions?

I've had some doubts. But yes, I've tried.

Remember, I run a website with 60,000 unique visitors each week, a Facebook page with 107,000 fans, a Twitter account with 34,000 followers and a stack of trolls, and we have a membership of 47,000. So you get used to different views.

I appreciate your efforts David but you havent changed the perception that crows have got nothing to offer but scare tactics of if we don't the footy boogey monster might get us. Whilst talking Down the oldest the oldest football leaguein australia for your own selfish reasons.

When is the timeline on when you'll need a final decision?? 100% proving to all you aren't bluffing re Amatuers. September /October/November.

Why would be want to talk down a competition that we want to join? The decision is with the SANFL Clubs but surely it is sensible for them to be aware of the options for the AFC. Many clubs were apparently convinced that the Crows' second option was either the VFL, the SANFL reserves or the NEAFL, so surely it was fairer on the Clubs to tell them that AFC's second option was the Amateurs. David