Moving forward and feeling good again

[GrandOldFlag]

I put the below post on the Redleg forum but have put it here as we are all in the same boat.
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We, the SANFL fans and the league have taken lots of hits over the past 25 years. First there was demise of West Torrens and Woodville, Crows, 2nd Licence and Power entry and more recently 1Club at Port Adelaide, trashing AAMI stadium, the AFL reserves teams debate and lastly entry of AFL reserves teams.

We could just give up and stay away but myself, like many of you love the Redlegs and SANFL. I know it will never be what it used to be (pre 1990) but we are the people who can still help to keep it a great competition and league.

We can do this by sticking with our team and all head down to AAMI stadium tomorrow in large numbers. Pick our mates up and don't give them an excuse (weather will be perfect) not to turn up. If we and the other four teams supporters do this we can bring some atmosphere and enjoyment back to the SANFL and the finals.

I'm over feeling shitty and disappointed about the changes to the SANFL. We cant change it now but if people do stop support it will only hurt Norwood and the other clubs even more.

Lets move forward and start feeling good about footy again.

[csbowes]

I think a bunch of people who are saying they won't go to SANFL games next year, will probably do so. I don't think you'll be able to tell the full effect of the decision until the 2015 season as its only by then will people be convinced one way or another as to whether the league has been compromised to such a degree that its not worth watching.

Considering I live about 100km from Unley Oval, its more likely I won't go to SANFL games and will do the opposite, follow the competition from afar and determine at the end of the year whether its worth returning to as a spectator. Any signs that the AFL teams will be regular finals attendees, even dominant, will surely kill the league off for just about everyone.

The main thing that interests me about next year is Sturt membership, Sturt revenue and Sturt profit / loss. I'm keen to see whether the decision made by the board, which I believe was reprehensible, is proven a winner or loser in even year one.

[therisingblues]

A nice sentiment GOF. I agree with alot of what CSBowes said too.
I'm not up for a "boycott", as some are. But I am concerned about the relevance of the comp now. I'm worried about the media focussing on the availability and performances of individuals rather than the results of games. I'm worried also that traditional heavyweights will have their supporterbases further eroded as they now compete with the AFL sides that some of their fans surely follow and must decide about.
I've solved that dilemma as I am now a Carlton supporter.
I am worried all kids attending the SANFL are logically going to follow their AFL reserves. Afterall, they'd be attracted to the glitz and hype and all the promotion of the stronger AFL comp, they may then ask the question of themselves if it's worth attending the SANFL at all if their main side they follow doesn't even play in that comp. As dome have stated, will our home club just get reduced to "that club that plays against the Crows reserves"?
Etc....
I sort of feel like the end has indeed come for SANFL, that it cannot recover from this most recent of blows, those of us that've stood with it, in spite of the many intrusions if AFL footy, have perhaps finally been cast aside.
I hope I look back on this pist and others like it as foolish tripe next year and beyond. I hope the opinions of Grsnd Old Flag hold sway, I'll attend wherever possible if the comp still feels like a comp and not just a training clinic for two AFL sides.

[Reddeer]

I'll attend wherever possible if the comp still feels like a comp and not just a training clinic for two AFL sides.
You may not be attending any games then!!!!!

[Barto]

I'll give it one more year to see what happens to the comp before deciding whether to stop following SANFL footy from afar altogether. Although if I had to be 100% honest, the passion was fading before the decision to accept AFL reserves came in and I probably follow SANFL footy more out of habit these days. It's more to do with being so far away for so long and with no plans to move back to Adelaide there doesn't seem to be a point to keep the passion fueled.

Having said all that, even if I stop following the results of games, I will still buy a membership for Sturt no matter what, as the club has given me the opportunity to enjoy some wonderful times over the years (and some life long friends). It's a shame all the thousands of people who enjoyed SANFL footy during the glory days dont do the same, clubs would never have financial issues.

[topsywaldron]

A nice sentiment GOF. I agree with alot of what CSBowes said too.
I'm not up for a "boycott", as some are. But I am concerned about the relevance of the comp now. I'm worried about the media focussing on the availability and performances of individuals rather than the results of games. I'm worried also that traditional heavyweights will have their supporterbases further eroded as they now compete with the AFL sides that some of their fans surely follow and must decide about.
I've solved that dilemma as I am now a Carlton supporter.
I am worried all kids attending the SANFL are logically going to follow their AFL reserves. Afterall, they'd be attracted to the glitz and hype and all the promotion of the stronger AFL comp, they may then ask the question of themselves if it's worth attending the SANFL at all if their main side they follow doesn't even play in that comp. As dome have stated, will our home club just get reduced to "that club that plays against the Crows reserves"?
Etc....
I sort of feel like the end has indeed come for SANFL, that it cannot recover from this most recent of blows, those of us that've stood with it, in spite of the many intrusions if AFL footy, have perhaps finally been cast aside.
I hope I look back on this pist and others like it as foolish tripe next year and beyond. I hope the opinions of Grsnd Old Flag hold sway, I'll attend wherever possible if the comp still feels like a comp and not just a training clinic for two AFL sides.

Nicely put, couldn't agree more.

Come on the Jags.

[UK Fan]

That's exactly what Olsen and Trigg want you do. They think SANFL fans are spineless sheep like AFC members.

There is no way I can respect a league that doesn't respect itself.

Those 6 directors need to be shot IMHO!!

[sjt]

I put the below post on the Redleg forum but have put it here as we are all in the same boat.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We, the SANFL fans and the league have taken lots of hits over the past 25 years. First there was demise of West Torrens and Woodville, Crows, 2nd Licence and Power entry and more recently 1Club at Port Adelaide, trashing AAMI stadium, the AFL reserves teams debate and lastly entry of AFL reserves teams.

We could just give up and stay away but myself, like many of you love the Redlegs and SANFL. I know it will never be what it used to be (pre 1990) but we are the people who can still help to keep it a great competition and league.

We can do this by sticking with our team and all head down to AAMI stadium tomorrow in large numbers. Pick our mates up and don't give them an excuse (weather will be perfect) not to turn up. If we and the other four teams supporters do this we can bring some atmosphere and enjoyment back to the SANFL and the finals.

I'm over feeling shitty and disappointed about the changes to the SANFL. We cant change it now but if people do stop support it will only hurt Norwood and the other clubs even more.

Lets move forward and start feeling good about footy again.

Nice sentiment gof, but I can't move forward and start feeling good about footy again. It's hard to feel good about something that has become so obviously corrupt.
I think the best result today would be if noone went. Show the yes voters and the sanfl that they are accountable to sanfl supporters and their recent management is unacceptable. Stand up for something rather than fold.
Of course the problem is the players need or deserve the support. For today however if nobody went, then the message would have to be received- wishful thinking I know.
Next year I'll still attend our home games, but won't journey to the bendovers grounds. I'll pay my cdfc membership, pay for the $200 club again, become a member of south, but won't move forward and start feeling good about football again, "football" doesn't deserve it.

[HEADHUNTER]

Agree with you Grand Old Flag. I personally don't agree with the decision to let the gayfl reserve's teams in, but that's not gonna stop me from going to watch my beloved REDLEGS. I've stood with same group of mates for over 20 years and as f*cked up and mentally disturbed as most em are, I love it! To read some people aren't gonna go anymore is their choice, as pathetic as it is. We're all different and deal with shit in our own way but seriously harden up the SANFL's been compromised since 91.

[whufc]

Agree with you Grand Old Flag. I personally don't agree with the decision to let the gayfl reserve's teams in, but that's not gonna stop me from going to watch my beloved REDLEGS. I've stood with same group of mates for over 20 years and as f*cked up and mentally disturbed as most em are, I love it! To read some people aren't gonna go anymore is their choice, as pathetic as it is. We're all different and deal with shit in our own way but seriously harden up the SANFL's been compromised since 91.

Im not to fussed if people are still going to go or not go etc etc

but this is the line thats bugs me the most.

maybe it has been compromised since 91 but surely there is a point where people can put a line in the sand and say enoughs enough.

you throw the doggyiness and corruptness of the deal, the smug arrogant attitude of the crows and john olsen and i can see why people would walk away feeling no remorse.

for me it will be home games only (because we voted yes) i will go down to south adelaide as well but will not go to any of the bendover clubs.
my interest has alread been lost and i will be going more for the social aspect of catching up with mates, the footy will be secondary

[RB]

seriously harden up the SANFL's been compromised since 91.

That is a dumb and inaccurate comment.

[bays2011]

I wont be moving on or feeling good again in a hurry.

My club's board made the decision to vote yes without making the slightest effort to consult with its members. I refuse to remain a member of an organisation that treats its members with such gross disrespect.

Please do not compare what is about to happen with 1991 or any other event in the history of the SANFL. There is no comparison. Starting from 2014 The SANFL will be compromised farce, with 10 teams playing under three different sets of rules, and 2 teams with primary agendas that do not include winning premierships.

There are lots of other things to do in winter that do not involve the SANFL. In that sense I guess I will be moving on after all.

[whufc]

I wont be moving on or feeling good again in a hurry.

My club's board made the decision to vote yes without making the slightest effort to consult with its members. I refuse to remain a member of an organisation that treats its members with such gross disrespect.

Please do not compare what is about to happen with 1991 or any other event in the history of the SANFL. There is no comparison. Starting from 2014 The SANFL will be compromised farce, with 10 teams playing under three different sets of rules, and 2 teams with primary agendas that do not include winning premierships.

There are lots of other things to do in winter that do not involve the SANFL. In that sense I guess I will be moving on after all.

Yep cant think of to many sporting comps in the world where that would happen.

Just stinks of the AFL, where the change and make rules to suit on their own needs (sydney extra salary cap, talk of melbourne getting priority draft picks etc etc, suspending a team and dropping them to an exact position the ladder)

AFL and now the SANFL are the weakest excuse for a 'competition' in world sport. They are now on the same level as pro wrestling.

[csbowes]

Agree with you Grand Old Flag. I personally don't agree with the decision to let the gayfl reserve's teams in, but that's not gonna stop me from going to watch my beloved REDLEGS. I've stood with same group of mates for over 20 years and as f*cked up and mentally disturbed as most em are, I love it! To read some people aren't gonna go anymore is their choice, as pathetic as it is. We're all different and deal with shit in our own way but seriously harden up the SANFL's been compromised since 91.

Im not to fussed if people are still going to go or not go etc etc

but this is the line thats bugs me the most.

maybe it has been compromised since 91 but surely there is a point where people can put a line in the sand and say enoughs enough

Bravo!!!

Those comments irk me as well, I didn't make the dumb ass decision to screw around with the league. While people can be disappointed about fans walking away, if I were them, I'd be turning my attention to those that made the decision which alienated those fans in the first place. Not the smartest decision from the league directors...

Though I'm sure it won't be their last dumb ass decision...

[leftlegger]

I put the below post on the Redleg forum but have put it here as we are all in the same boat.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We, the SANFL fans and the league have taken lots of hits over the past 25 years. First there was demise of West Torrens and Woodville, Crows, 2nd Licence and Power entry and more recently 1Club at Port Adelaide, trashing AAMI stadium, the AFL reserves teams debate and lastly entry of AFL reserves teams.

We could just give up and stay away but myself, like many of you love the Redlegs and SANFL. I know it will never be what it used to be (pre 1990) but we are the people who can still help to keep it a great competition and league.

We can do this by sticking with our team and all head down to AAMI stadium tomorrow in large numbers. Pick our mates up and don't give them an excuse (weather will be perfect) not to turn up. If we and the other four teams supporters do this we can bring some atmosphere and enjoyment back to the SANFL and the finals.

I'm over feeling shitty and disappointed about the changes to the SANFL. We cant change it now but if people do stop support it will only hurt Norwood and the other clubs even more.

Lets move forward and start feeling good about footy again.

You probably should have just left it on the redleg forum. Were not all in the same boat!

You blokes are cruzin top of the ladder with one hand on the cup.
A lot easier to move forward & start feeling good from that position

[eaglehaslanded]

I will continue to go to as many games that I can when work commitments allow, including games against the AFL reserves team. If we all stopped attending that's what would kill the competition. Go the might Eags !!!

[prowling panther]

Next year will be a fresh start for all the teams, many will still be enthused to go each week and watch their team play to win.

I would imagine that those who dont go wont be missed.

Roll on next season.

[StrayDog]

I would imagine that those who dont go wont be missed.

Yeah, you're probably right. It's only gate takings, membership, possible supporter related sponsorship, demand for catering, crowd presence, generational support continuance, etc.

Who needs 'em.

[LPH]

I wont be moving on or feeling good again in a hurry.

My club's board made the decision to vote yes without making the slightest effort to consult with its members. I refuse to remain a member of an organisation that treats its members with such gross disrespect.

Please do not compare what is about to happen with 1991 or any other event in the history of the SANFL. There is no comparison. Starting from 2014 The SANFL will be compromised farce, with 10 teams playing under three different sets of rules, and 2 teams with primary agendas that do not include winning premierships.

There are lots of other things to do in winter that do not involve the SANFL. In that sense I guess I will be moving on after all.

That's the thing - isn't it?
My Club did the same - my response is the same.

On the one hand, you can't spend 23 years continually seeking Membership support with: Finance, Raffles, Promotions, Merchandise, etc.
And then on the other, not even have the respect to allow the Members a vote.
Regardless of the actual vote, Yes or No, surely we the Members of our Clubs have a right to a say?
To not give us a say = disrespect
Disrespect = Bye, bye (for me anyway) to Membership & support of the Club.

I will go to various 'Ravens' Games next year - & barrack as hard as possible against them.
I will pay the entry fee to the hosting Club - as support of the SANFL as a whole.
But I will not continue my support of WWTFC - they don't deserve it

[UK Fan]

I would imagine that those who dont go wont be missed.

Yeah, you're probably right. It's only gate takings, membership, possible supporter related sponsorship, demand for catering, crowd presence, generational support continuance, etc.

Who needs 'em.

Well said