Adelaide Plains Football League

[Ace of Spades]

I think you'd find that probably 90% of players in the APFL would be champing at the bit to play Assoc football. Its the other 10% who are either genuinely injured, ex-league/AFL players who have little let to prove, and the players who have represented the league on numerous occasions (who prob deserve a break if they want one), who arent keen on playing. oh and prob add bloke with boats to that list

Perhaps the league should sent out a reg form at the start of the season for all those interested in representing the Assoc? then atleast selectors would know who to look out for during the selection period (which sometimes seems to be the previous few years )

Not too sure about 90% Ace?? From what i have seen over the years, some good players have exagerated & in some cases manufactured injuries to ensure they are not selected. Don't get me wrong, i know there are many who do hold the league jumper in hi regard but 90% is way too high a figure from what i've seen. Great effort by our u17's too. But its fair to say that those kids enthusiasm for assoc footy may not transfer to senior assoc footy.

I still reckon 90%'s not far off, I must admit I havent conducted a player survey lately though. Lets say a club has 21 genuine A grade footballers, I dont think that an ave of 2 players per club genuinely not wanting to play Assoc would be too far off the mark? Ill drop it to 85% but thats my final offer

[Woofa]

Yeah fair point, but I cant see Byron doing what these guys have done. Wanganeen is a freak and stays naturally fit and lean. How do you think Byron would be looking at the moment and can you see him training the house down to get fit for a country club when he's not willing to do it for an Afl or sanfl club?[/quote]

As an isolated case, i think Swamp is right. Without knowing the bloke personnally i don't think Pickett would put in the hard yards that most players in the ones would put in. And if the form isn't there than that can cause friction within the team. Especially if big dollars are involved. Rumour at the start of the year was that he wanted $30K for the year. That put him out of reach in this league.

[Woofa]

I think you'd find that probably 90% of players in the APFL would be champing at the bit to play Assoc football. Its the other 10% who are either genuinely injured, ex-league/AFL players who have little let to prove, and the players who have represented the league on numerous occasions (who prob deserve a break if they want one), who arent keen on playing. oh and prob add bloke with boats to that list

Perhaps the league should sent out a reg form at the start of the season for all those interested in representing the Assoc? then atleast selectors would know who to look out for during the selection period (which sometimes seems to be the previous few years )

Not too sure about 90% Ace?? From what i have seen over the years, some good players have exagerated & in some cases manufactured injuries to ensure they are not selected. Don't get me wrong, i know there are many who do hold the league jumper in hi regard but 90% is way too high a figure from what i've seen. Great effort by our u17's too. But its fair to say that those kids enthusiasm for assoc footy may not transfer to senior assoc footy.

Yeah you could be right mate, I guess we can only go by the clubs that we have been involved with. And all clubs are different....

I still reckon 90%'s not far off, I must admit I havent conducted a player survey lately though. Lets say a club has 21 genuine A grade footballers, I dont think that an ave of 2 players per club genuinely not wanting to play Assoc would be too far off the mark? Ill drop it to 85% but thats my final offer

[The Big Shrek]

Yeah fair point, but I cant see Byron doing what these guys have done. Wanganeen is a freak and stays naturally fit and lean. How do you think Byron would be looking at the moment and can you see him training the house down to get fit for a country club when he's not willing to do it for an Afl or sanfl club?

As an isolated case, i think Swamp is right. Without knowing the bloke personnally i don't think Pickett would put in the hard yards that most players in the ones would put in. And if the form isn't there than that can cause friction within the team. Especially if big dollars are involved. Rumour at the start of the year was that he wanted $30K for the year. That put him out of reach in this league.[/quote]

Why doesn't the APFL attract more big name players? It's close to Adelaide and has a reasonable standard. Is the only reason the money issue? Why don't clubs pay more money? The only reason I can think of is that the population supporting the league is to small, there are no big population centres and this means that the money doesn't flow through to the clubs. I think this may have developed a culture of keeping the purse strings tight.

While its good there are fewer imports, it does tend to isolate the league a bit. You don't see as much movement between the APFL and SANFL as you do in other leagues. If some ex-league players came out I think some locals would realise they're not too far off the pace and that playing league footy is acheivable. However I don't think it's desirable to end up like the BLGL where the last two GFs where between the two teams with the most imports.

[Woofa]

I still reckon 90%'s not far off, I must admit I havent conducted a player survey lately though. Lets say a club has 21 genuine A grade footballers, I dont think that an ave of 2 players per club genuinely not wanting to play Assoc would be too far off the mark? Ill drop it to 85% but thats my final offer [/quote][/quote]

Yeah you could be right mate, I guess we can only go by the clubs that we have been involved with. And all clubs are different....

[Swamp Donkey]

Why doesn't the APFL attract more big name players? It's close to Adelaide and has a reasonable standard. Is the only reason the money issue? Why don't clubs pay more money? The only reason I can think of is that the population supporting the league is to small, there are no big population centres and this means that the money doesn't flow through to the clubs. I think this may have developed a culture of keeping the purse strings tight.

While its good there are fewer imports, it does tend to isolate the league a bit. You don't see as much movement between the APFL and SANFL as you do in other leagues. If some ex-league players came out I think some locals would realise they're not too far off the pace and that playing league footy is acheivable. However I don't think it's desirable to end up like the BLGL where the last two GFs where between the two teams with the most imports.

Im glad we're not a league that pays big money. Trouble with big money, the big clubs can afford it and keep getting wealthier and the lesser clubs cant and get flogged every week and thier following, sponsorships suffer and they end end up worse off. I reckon we go alright over here given our population. B&LG is completely different, they have the highly populated gawler and Barossa which keeps expanding. Employment in the area is also a huge draw card.

[Woofa]

Why doesn't the APFL attract more big name players? It's close to Adelaide and has a reasonable standard. Is the only reason the money issue? Why don't clubs pay more money? The only reason I can think of is that the population supporting the league is to small, there are no big population centres and this means that the money doesn't flow through to the clubs. I think this may have developed a culture of keeping the purse strings tight.

While its good there are fewer imports, it does tend to isolate the league a bit. You don't see as much movement between the APFL and SANFL as you do in other leagues. If some ex-league players came out I think some locals would realise they're not too far off the pace and that playing league footy is acheivable. However I don't think it's desirable to end up like the BLGL where the last two GFs where between the two teams with the most imports.

Im glad we're not a league that pays big money. Trouble with big money, the big clubs can afford it and keep getting wealthier and the lesser clubs cant and get flogged every week and thier following, sponsorships suffer and they end end up worse off. I reckon we go alright over here given our population. B&LG is completely different, they have the highly populated gawler and Barossa which keeps expanding. Employment in the area is also a huge draw card.

I agree, this area could not support paying money like that. A cash strapped Hamley Bridge would not last & it wouldn't take long for a couple others to go. Then we would find that the surviving few stronger clubs would be looking for new leagus to play in. Is $30k a season what might get paid in the BLG? Thats approx $2k a game! I'm not sure what gets paid out in this league but surely our best wouldn't be on more than 5 or 6 hundred?? Can anyone add input to that? You don't have to add names.

[Mythical Creature]

Yeah fair point, but I cant see Byron doing what these guys have done. Wanganeen is a freak and stays naturally fit and lean. How do you think Byron would be looking at the moment and can you see him training the house down to get fit for a country club when he's not willing to do it for an Afl or sanfl club?

As an isolated case, i think Swamp is right. Without knowing the bloke personnally i don't think Pickett would put in the hard yards that most players in the ones would put in. And if the form isn't there than that can cause friction within the team. Especially if big dollars are involved. Rumour at the start of the year was that he wanted $30K for the year. That put him out of reach in this league.

Why doesn't the APFL attract more big name players? It's close to Adelaide and has a reasonable standard. Is the only reason the money issue? Why don't clubs pay more money? [/quote]

Pretty easy comment to make about money if you have the Kilburn pokies supporting your club Shrekky!! I'm sure clubs would pay more money if they had it but its a lot of hard work to raise what money each club has at the moment especially given the drought conditions.

You ask are clubs being too tight, well I can only say look at Hamley Bridge now if you go too loose. They were ordinary about 7-8 years ago but cashed up, bought a heap of players won a premiership money dried out and players left. The last two seasons they have been randomly competitive but have no money. Are they better off for buying a premiership??? No.

[The Big Shrek]

Yeah fair point, but I cant see Byron doing what these guys have done. Wanganeen is a freak and stays naturally fit and lean. How do you think Byron would be looking at the moment and can you see him training the house down to get fit for a country club when he's not willing to do it for an Afl or sanfl club?

As an isolated case, i think Swamp is right. Without knowing the bloke personnally i don't think Pickett would put in the hard yards that most players in the ones would put in. And if the form isn't there than that can cause friction within the team. Especially if big dollars are involved. Rumour at the start of the year was that he wanted $30K for the year. That put him out of reach in this league.

Why doesn't the APFL attract more big name players? It's close to Adelaide and has a reasonable standard. Is the only reason the money issue? Why don't clubs pay more money?

Pretty easy comment to make about money if you have the Kilburn pokies supporting your club Shrekky!! I'm sure clubs would pay more money if they had it but its a lot of hard work to raise what money each club has at the moment especially given the drought conditions.

You ask are clubs being too tight, well I can only say look at Hamley Bridge now if you go too loose. They were ordinary about 7-8 years ago but cashed up, bought a heap of players won a premiership money dried out and players left. The last two seasons they have been randomly competitive but have no money. Are they better off for buying a premiership??? No.[/quote]

I wasn't criticising clubs for not paying much, just asking why they didn't. I assumed most APFL clubs didn't have that much money but I wouldn't know for certain.

I also asked whether money was the only reason big names don't go there. Woofa suggested players were on $500-600 a game. That's plenty to get a big name out.

At least Hamely won a premiership. What do they do, sae up for 6-7 years then spend big, or did they have a one of source of income back then?

[Swamp Donkey]

At least Hamely won a premiership. What do they do, sae up for 6-7 years then spend big, or did they have a one of source of income back then?

Trouble is there werent too many locals who can say they were a part of that premiership. To shop around to top up what you have is good but when you virtually buy teams ala Hamley, and they all PO soon after, its left to the young local lads to carry them through the tough years. In that instance, who really cares if they won a flag, they're in all sorts now. Cant hang your hat on one flag in umpteen years and finish bottom every other year. This is the reason they do 10-20 teas on a Sat night while clubs such as UNited, Mallala and Balak etc are doing 100+ on most nights. It doesnt build strong clubs

[Ace of Spades]

At least Hamely won a premiership. What do they do, sae up for 6-7 years then spend big, or did they have a one of source of income back then?

Trouble is there werent too many locals who can say they were a part of that premiership. To shop around to top up what you have is good but when you virtually buy teams ala Hamley, and they all PO soon after, its left to the young local lads to carry them through the tough years. In that instance, who really cares if they won a flag, they're in all sorts now. Cant hang your hat on one flag in umpteen years and finish bottom every other year. This is the reason they do 10-20 teas on a Sat night while clubs such as UNited, Mallala and Balak etc are doing 100+ on most nights. It doesnt build strong clubs

not every club has Sam Irish, the McArdles or Gavin Page ordering 15 teas each though Swamp 10-20 teas are you stretching it a little? perhaps they're all to full from the steak sandwiches

Gotta wonder what the tattoo's the HB Premiership players got mean to them all??? I remember before the glory years (2005) of the HBFC, hearing an ad on the ABC Radio asking for A Grade players, min $50 per game. Keep in mind this was because they could get enough numbers to fill 2 senior sides and 3 Senior colts were regularly playing 3 games a week!! The club was in trouble long before they "paid" for a premiership, and if that kept them going for another 3-4 years good on them. Gotta do what ya gotta do.

[Mythical Creature]

Have we finally got a Hamley Bridge supporter on this site Ace, or are you just sticking up for them because you feel sorry for them.

[The Big Shrek]

Beat me to my point Ace, Hamley aren't any worse off now than they were before. Does anyone know how they got so much money for a short period of time?

I agree with you Swampy, but what do you consider the criteria are to be a successful club? Maybe Hamley think the only criteria are premierships. Who are we to judge what makes them happy?

Don't United try to buy a premiership every year anyway? At least Hamley's recruits rocked up!

[Swamp Donkey]

At least Hamely won a premiership. What do they do, sae up for 6-7 years then spend big, or did they have a one of source of income back then?

Trouble is there werent too many locals who can say they were a part of that premiership. To shop around to top up what you have is good but when you virtually buy teams ala Hamley, and they all PO soon after, its left to the young local lads to carry them through the tough years. In that instance, who really cares if they won a flag, they're in all sorts now. Cant hang your hat on one flag in umpteen years and finish bottom every other year. This is the reason they do 10-20 teas on a Sat night while clubs such as UNited, Mallala and Balak etc are doing 100+ on most nights. It doesnt build strong clubs

not every club has Sam Irish, the McArdles or Gavin Page ordering 15 teas each though Swamp 10-20 teas are you stretching it a little? perhaps they're all to full from the steak sandwiches

Gotta wonder what the tattoo's the HB Premiership players got mean to them all??? I remember before the glory years (2005) of the HBFC, hearing an ad on the ABC Radio asking for A Grade players, min $50 per game. Keep in mind this was because they could get enough numbers to fill 2 senior sides and 3 Senior colts were regularly playing 3 games a week!! The club was in trouble long before they "paid" for a premiership, and if that kept them going for another 3-4 years good on them. Gotta do what ya gotta do.

I reckon he has a sneaky recently confirmed connection there MC. Mate i was last year, having a beer after our game with prob 6 Mallala players. I sh#t you not there were more Mallala people in there than Hamley people. There would have 35 people in there and at least 20 of them were leaving to head back to Mallala. I dont think t is an exaggeration. The netballers outnumber the footballers on a sat night there. well the times i have been there.

[Old School]

So is anyone heading to Balak to watch the game? perhaps the old super coach will find a new spot for a few of these lads for the rest of the year? Brad Valentine played a bit on the wing at HWE after being tried there in Assoc & zone games last year.

Old Super Coach, that has to be the biggest joke ever. Of What i have heard from him speaking to the players on saturday he is well and truely past it. he had no game plan to suit the playing group and perhaps if he went and watched a few games he mite play some of the players in there position, IE Buss down back, great natural goal kicker who was wasted down back

i for one will be voting for jared wilson to coach the side, he has great people skills, is great player and and is a great bloke with a lot of good ideas

harry taylor is a joke of a coach i think he only did it so can add to his already glowing resume!!! i think MWEagles mite have made him look a better coach then what he is

[The Big Shrek]

That ought to razz up a few Hummocks boys. They've been in hibernation here for too long.

[Kangaroo Brand]

Gotta wonder what the tattoo's the HB Premiership players got mean to them all??? I remember before the glory years (2005) of the HBFC, hearing an ad on the ABC Radio asking for A Grade players, min $50 per game. Keep in mind this was because they could get enough numbers to fill 2 senior sides and 3 Senior colts were regularly playing 3 games a week!! The club was in trouble long before they "paid" for a premiership, and if that kept them going for another 3-4 years good on them. Gotta do what ya gotta do.

You must have a short memory up your way Ace, you blokes won the flag in 2005! (the Bombers won 2004)

[Ace of Spades]

Gotta wonder what the tattoo's the HB Premiership players got mean to them all??? I remember before the glory years (2005) of the HBFC, hearing an ad on the ABC Radio asking for A Grade players, min $50 per game. Keep in mind this was because they could get enough numbers to fill 2 senior sides and 3 Senior colts were regularly playing 3 games a week!! The club was in trouble long before they "paid" for a premiership, and if that kept them going for another 3-4 years good on them. Gotta do what ya gotta do.

You must have a short memory up your way Ace, you blokes won the flag in 2005! (the Bombers won 2004)

whoops, must have the producer collector's posters up in the wrong order. Still, HB were still in 2005..... so I think ill still call it a glory year

[Ace of Spades]

At least Hamely won a premiership. What do they do, sae up for 6-7 years then spend big, or did they have a one of source of income back then?

Trouble is there werent too many locals who can say they were a part of that premiership. To shop around to top up what you have is good but when you virtually buy teams ala Hamley, and they all PO soon after, its left to the young local lads to carry them through the tough years. In that instance, who really cares if they won a flag, they're in all sorts now. Cant hang your hat on one flag in umpteen years and finish bottom every other year. This is the reason they do 10-20 teas on a Sat night while clubs such as UNited, Mallala and Balak etc are doing 100+ on most nights. It doesnt build strong clubs

not every club has Sam Irish, the McArdles or Gavin Page ordering 15 teas each though Swamp 10-20 teas are you stretching it a little? perhaps they're all to full from the steak sandwiches

Gotta wonder what the tattoo's the HB Premiership players got mean to them all??? I remember before the glory years (2005) of the HBFC, hearing an ad on the ABC Radio asking for A Grade players, min $50 per game. Keep in mind this was because they could get enough numbers to fill 2 senior sides and 3 Senior colts were regularly playing 3 games a week!! The club was in trouble long before they "paid" for a premiership, and if that kept them going for another 3-4 years good on them. Gotta do what ya gotta do.

I reckon he has a sneaky recently confirmed connection there MC. Mate i was last year, having a beer after our game with prob 6 Mallala players. I sh#t you not there were more Mallala people in there than Hamley people. There would have 35 people in there and at least 20 of them were leaving to head back to Mallala. I dont think t is an exaggeration. The netballers outnumber the footballers on a sat night there. well the times i have been there.

Well perhaps ill have to head out there Saturday night to do my bit to even up the ratio! might wear my black volleys for the occasion...

[Ace of Spades]

So is anyone heading to Balak to watch the game? perhaps the old super coach will find a new spot for a few of these lads for the rest of the year? Brad Valentine played a bit on the wing at HWE after being tried there in Assoc & zone games last year.

Old Super Coach, that has to be the biggest joke ever. Of What i have heard from him speaking to the players on saturday he is well and truely past it. he had no game plan to suit the playing group and perhaps if he went and watched a few games he mite play some of the players in there position, IE Buss down back, great natural goal kicker who was wasted down back

i for one will be voting for jared wilson to coach the side, he has great people skills, is great player and and is a great bloke with a lot of good ideas

harry taylor is a joke of a coach i think he only did it so can add to his already glowing resume!!! i think MWEagles mite have made him look a better coach then what he is

Dylan Cicc is a "natural goal kicker" was forward Forward in the HWE first couple premierships I think. I see he was player of the carnival on the weekend.

Agree with the Jaz Wilson comment, was supprised he didnt get the job this year after his last few years, like herman in 2005 (that right Roo Brand?).