On The Pine wrote:OnSong wrote:Neither of those leagues have footy and netball at the same place. (I think)
RFL don't have netball follow the footy? Pretty sure RMFL do.
Dogwatcher wrote:Not Scared wrote:I agree with that. I reckon the RFL should be looking towards the Mallee for two extra teams though. There are a couple of clubs there struggling and the stronger clubs joining the RFL would make for a vibrant and interesting comp. Travel would still be less than most country leagues.
I reckon you've been on that bandwagon for a few years, NS. What chances do you think there are? And which clubs?
A few years back there was a meeting of Riverland, Independent, Mallee and Mid Murray clubs to talk about the dire situation of player numbers in certain parts of the Murray Mallee region. It was suggested Mallee accept some MM clubs into their league (with some others going to the Indies) and also drop their reserves comp (as so many reserves players come from the city). It was met with total disinterest from the Mallee clubs, they are very proud of their comp (despite all of its concerns). We all know what happened to the MM league as a result.
Five or six years on, it'll be interesting as to how officials feel now.
On the netball bit, netball in the Riverland does mainly follow the RFL now. On Saturdays all but 1 grade are in the same town, and most netball courts are very near to the football oval, if not in the same complex. A1 and A2 do play Friday night, but I dare say that if we are talking about a Mallee or Mid Murray team joining the RFL, their A grade netball sides could quite comfortably compete in the A3 competition, which is always on Saturday and in the same town as the football. Their other teams would then be able to fit in wherever they are best suited out of the other 6 odd grades that are left, most of which are also in the same town.
As for Dogwatcher's comments on the disinterest from the Mallee I know that happened, but I find it funny because the people I speak to in the Mallee are very realistic and actually want it to happen. They know that there are teams there that can't go on the way they are, and that eventually it will come to a head. They know that when a team folds BDT will likely split in the other direction, and they don't want to be left playing Independents if it's all left too late. That's no disrespect to the independents but they see themselves as being good enough to compete in the RFL.
I think a proactive move should made sooner rather than later.
Posted: Wed Jan 08, 2014 3:41 pm