Magpies/Power Merger 4th Option

[Apachebulldog]

I do not know if anyone has suggested this before but i reckon we all have to look at the big picture of where Aussie Rules is heading.

1. Magpies/Power merge and become the Power's reserve side only if !!

2. The Crows also field a reserves team in SANFL

3. Power and Crows play for points however both sides do not play SANFL finals

4. They only play for a Trophy/Cup for whichever team finishes higher on the league ladder

5. SANFL thus becomes a ten team comp and no bye.

6. This will then create a top 4 for finals system

There could be benefits such as !!!

1. Larger crowds at SANFL games, ie Power/Crow supporters will go and watch their reserve sides

2. Young SANFL players gaining invaluable experience playing against AFL listed players

3. Will further strengthen SANFL as the second best competition in Australia which it already is

[dedja]

Ummmmm ..... No!

[85 WAS A GOOD YEAR]

No - sorry but I can't see this is feasible at all

[beenreal]

Point 1: Finals are what football is all about. Why would I bother watching my team all year without the prospect of September action?

Point 2: The constant challenge for local clubs is to build and maintain interest and memberships. The fielding of a Crows reserves side in the SANFL would be catastrophic for the long-term future of the competition! With an Adelaide side in the AFL and the SANFL, there would be NO incentive for the next generation of Crows barrackers to support Norwood, Glenelg and North Adelaide, etc?

Point 3: I for one do not see the problem with the AFC continuing to distribute their players throughout the other 8 SANFL teams? After all, are they not the alleged "Team for all South Australians?"

[Barto]

The AFL squads wouldn't be big enough to field full teams, they'd have to round out the squad with players from elsewhere. Why would you play for them if there's no finals?

[Wedgie]

We have a top 5 for 9 teams but would have a top 4 for 10 teams?
Im lost already.

[nickname]

We have a top 5 for 9 teams but would have a top 4 for 10 teams?
Im lost already.

There would only be 8 teams fighting for a finals spot.

[Psyber]

Point 3: I for one do not see the problem with the AFC continuing to distribute their players throughout the other 8 SANFL teams? After all, are they not the alleged "Team for all South Australians?"

But not the team for making choices that give Port an advantage.
It has to be the same for both - only a Port supporter could possibly imagine anything else being considered..

[Apachebulldog]

No Wedgie a top four for 8 teams as the Crows and Power will not be allowed to play finals !!!

[Strawb]

Screw the magpies/power get them to make a choise SANFL or AFl not Both enough is enough

[Apachebulldog]

Beenreel because your team is Power/Magpies reserve side hello !!!!

[Wedgie]

Ahh, Im with ya now, dont like it but at least I understand. Too much booze in the last few weeks!

[Apachebulldog]

Its only a suggesstion, for me personally i am against the merger because in the future the rules will change and this side will virtually become a Power reserves side which will mean come SANFL finals time it will be stacked with AFL players , Port Adelaide only does whats best for Port Adelaide and no one else you can not trust this mob.

They have to get out of this mess by themselves and without a vote from the SANFL and clubs, they created the mess so they should fix it.

[Apachebulldog]

No worries Wedgie i thought it might be a good concept to increase attendances ya never know.

[Wedgie]

Actually, if the Magpies dont fall over Im all for a Crows ressies side, give them the same rules as everyone else, they'd never win a flag but bring heaps of more people to the SANFL and get rid of the bye. Won't happen though.

[Apachebulldog]

That was my theory all along to introduce a Power and Crow reserves side into the comp to increase SANFL attendances.

[beenreal]

That was my theory all along to introduce a Power and Crow reserves side into the comp to increase SANFL attendances.

For how long? As I said previously, the next generation of Crows supporters will barrack for the Crows in the SANFL as well.

[Apachebulldog]

I am not sure good question Beenreel i think the Brisbane Lions run a reserves team in the QAFL but i m not sure how it really works maybe someone can enlighten us.

[Psyber]

That was my theory all along to introduce a Power and Crow reserves side into the comp to increase SANFL attendances.

For how long? As I said previously, the next generation of Crows supporters will barrack for the Crows in the SANFL as well.

I tend to agree there beenreal.
There may be short term gains in Apache's plan, but support for the Port and Crows reserves sides would grow and that for the other SANFL teams would shrink in the longer term.

[Apachebulldog]

I really don't see a problem imagine crowds of say 10,000 to 25,000 at local games it would be fantastic just like the old days 60's,70's, 80's i remember a Port/Central game at Lizzie early 1980,s with around 14,000 people awesome.
It will mean clubs will have to promote themselves better to gain new members imagine the revenue stream as well for all clubs.