doubletrouble wrote:Why don't the Div 1 clubs merge with the Div 2 clubs
Good point - but I suspect some time in the future these smaller clubs will begin to grow. As Mt Barker gets too big, and employs more people, the smaller towns around will be attractive for families to move to rather than live in suburban Mt Barker.
I think the two divisions should be run totally independently like in the Riverland. Div 2 take control of their own destiny and make their own decisions and choices and leave Div 1 to their own. Ive heard two sides that the HFL is always dealing with Div 2 clubs complaining about Div 1 clubs and vice versa. Split the leagues and if clubs want to switch across then they apply. If clubs want to merge, then it has to come from them, however the HFL and SA CFL should provide them financial incentives to merge if thats what they want to do (grants for guernseys, legal costs for new constitutions, management assistance ) but the league shouldnt force mergers. Its not business, its a not for profit community club, "owned" by its members.