NT Side in the SANFL good for the League or not?

[Navy2005]

G'day guys just wondering what are peoples thought on the NT entering a team in the SANFL? As I think the prospect brings up some interesting questions like the draw the Under 17's and 19's and even the reserves what would be the situation there?

Would the NT side be based soley out of Darwin or represent other area's of the NT such as Alice Springs and Katherine?

Also the question of the travelling costs to the current 9 clubs? Is it in there best interests?

And what would a new NT team do to the current leagues up in the NT?

Anyone care to share their thoughts on this interesting subject?

[panthers 2008]

Definately good for the league in my opinion.It will change the dynamics of the SANFL,as now teams will have to travel to either Darwin or Alice Springs to play,but I see the positives out weighing the negatives.Apparently the home games will be split between Darwin and Alice,I personally think they would be better off playing all their home games out of Darwin,although I can understand why they would be split between the two.
I think it will be in the best interests of the clubs to have a NT team in the comp.It SHOULD generate more interest,especially in the NT,and you would think if they are even moderately successful,good crowds should follow.Surely they will attract crowds around the 4000/5000 at home?
Will the SANFL clubs individually have to absorb the cost of travel when going interstate,I am not sure,but I am gathering It wont be a cheap exercise to send at least 30 people by plane.
As long as the NT are in for the long haul,which they ought to be,I think it will be great!!

[Dogsbody]

It won't do anything to the NT league, as the NTFL runs between October and March. It will probably benefit the Territorians more than anything else, the competition would act as a pathway for NT based players to the SANFL and in turn the AFL.

[Navy2005]

It won't do anything to the NT league, as the NTFL runs between October and March. It will probably benefit the Territorians more than anything else, the competition would act as a pathway for NT based players to the SANFL and in turn the AFL.

Yeah aware of that mate but what will a NT team do to the rest of the comp they will have no junior sides no reserves side the draw will get messy for the rest of the competition. It will create the same scenario that the Swans reserves do in the ACTAFL except there they got around the reserves issue using the Australian Defence Force Academy side as their reserves side.

I think the issue will really be the financial concerns of the existing 9 clubs. mainly over the travel concerns

Also I'd like to know if a team raised from within the state that could even up the draw be a better alternative maybe eveest Torrens could reform? Or a side from Mount Gambier or Mount Barker

[smac]

Entering a new side to the competition must be done for reasons other than getting rid of the bye - I don't think a team from NT will bring anything of great value to the SANFL. Just say no!

[bayman]

are we a suburban state league competition or are we now only another feeder competition for the afl ?


NO

[locky801]

are we a suburban state league competition or are we now only another feeder competition for the afl ?


NO

Is that a NO to both Bayman

[Dutchy]

personally I would have much rathered Tassie to come in

[darley16]

Something that expands our competition and brings greater attention and influence that has little financial burden on the existing 9 clubs has to be good. The issue is one of sustainablity, this cannot be a 5 year project to see what happens, it must have a long term focus.

[Rushby Hinds]

Personally, it means i will get to see the Bays play at least once less every year.


So a big NO from me.

[smac]

are we a suburban state league competition or are we now only another feeder competition for the afl ?

Our actions determine what we are, not which clubs are in our league.

There is so much unknown at this point - will the clubs pay for travel & accommodation? will the SANFL reduce dividends? will an interstate footballer relocate without a few byes that can be used to visit home? Plenty of other unknowns as well.

[Sojourner]

The SANFL should be exactly that, A "National" Competition. The inclusion of an NT side is a good idea if the SANFL is to stay relevant to Australian Football.

If we go down the pathway of being inflexable and unwilling to change, we will soon find ourselves overtaken by other state football leagues that are innovative and up to the challenge of being the second best competition in the nation. Go check out some of the football clubs on the east coast of Australia that are cashing up at a rapid rate at present. Those competitions are steadilly getting themselves in a better place to pick the best selection of players available to them as what the SANFL clubs are doing now.

The last major change that we had in the SANFL was the amalgamation of Woodville & West Torrens and although perhaps debated in here, the number of times they have played in the finals and consistantly put sides on the field that are competitive would suggest that it has been a major success.

Put simply, if we cant embrace change we will die. What concerns me somewhat is that in my primary school, SANFL sides were keenly supported and kids wore their colours to school and naturally various heated debates took place about which team was the best. Nowadays I would not be surprised if the larger half of the kids at primary school do not know what the colours are of the various SANFL clubs, or who their local club is.

I am confident though that the SANFL can reverse this trend though and expansion and media coverage is one of the key things that we need to do to make it happen. The side from the NT gives us a chance to increase interest in the SANFL and resultantly I support the idea, despite the percieved negatives of the idea, which I am sure will be overcome!

[Wedgie]

Can't wait for a NT side to come in, will be great for the comp and increase exposure.
No byes will be a blessing.

Someone said it creates difficulties for the junior league/s and ressies.
Not really, its very simple, the club that has their league side playing the NT has the bye.

Would love to see the SANFL expand even further as its been very stagnant in the last decade (if not, going backwards).

[spell_check]

Personally, it means i will get to see the Bays play at least once less every year.


So a big NO from me.

Make that three times less.

[locky801]

Personally, it means i will get to see the Bays play at least once less every year.


So a big NO from me.

Make that three times less.

thought that would be a blessing is diguise

[whufc]

Just a question are all clubs in a financial position to send 42 players plus coaching staff and stewards up to Darwin possibly twice in a year. Will they be subsidesed for this by the SANFL.
Im happy if a NT side comes in but not at the expense of the financial status of all nine clubs.

[Strawb]

They should do what the raiders did in the then NSWRL paid for the teams to play in Canberra for the first 3 to 5 seasons I think it was one or the other i forget but that is what they did.

[panthers 2008]

I think if the SANFL tread waters like it has, and does not move forward the good times may fall on hard times in the future. Sure clubs have been doing ok financially the past couple of years, but we really have to promote the SANFL,to keep the flame flickering.
What will happen in the future if the youngsters cannot identify with a SANFL team?
Most of us hard core SANFL supporters are getting older and we need a new wave of supporters.
I love the SANFL, and hope the comp can move forward and get even stronger!
If the NT joins and is a success,could we expand to 11 or 12 teams? Whatever the decision,go the SANFL,its a more down to earth version of the AFl!!

[cd]

Personal Post Only

Does the league dividend to each club get reduced?
The cost are increased with travel
The NT is a team/club with costs too
The dividend is currently around $410,000 per club or 3.7 million
So new dividend $370,000

Do they pay a license fee to cover this and then become one tenth share of assets (eg AAMI)
remembering all 9 clubs got benefit of greater share when the merger took place.

I dont have answers but think clubs need to know all the details.
I'm cetain briefings will be provided to all clubs in the near future if proposal is viable.

Col D

[Navy2005]

The general perception about the idea of having a NT side in the SANFL is that it will allow talented NT players the opportunity to experience playing in the second best competition in Australia (only second to the AFL) however the point which hasn't been raised yet is the best players out of the NT are recruited to major State league clubs anyway.

Wouldn't the SANFL be better off giving more opportunities to South Australian player to play the highest level they can by bring in a 10th side from within the State itself? Which would also cause no problem with travel and accomodation costs etc.