Is the SANFL really better than the VFL?

[Andy #24]

I think not. Everyone seems to claim that the SANFL is the second best competition behind the AFL but I can't see the reason why. Yes we won a couple of state games, but weren't all the AFL listed players excluded? Does anyone believe any SA side could beat Geelongs VFL team? Tom Couch can't get a game in the VFL but is a gun recruit here.

[once_were_warriors]

VFL = AFL Reserves

SANFL = Club competition

SANFL> VFL

[Andy #24]

That post doesn't say anything about the standard of the competition though.

[bayman]

not here, it's bad enough on the vfl site (ask mickyj) all i'll say is while the standards are close the sanfl is quicker (& go & watch a live vfl game & see for yourself), the vics think there is basically a no contest the vfl is better but the sanfl is more affluent to attract players (fair call money wise) & i love that fact that they're not happy that 'we' take 'their players' because imho that's payback from the pre 1991 days

[once_were_warriors]

What I am saying, is the SANFL is a competition, VFL is only there for the AFL non starters to have a kick and catch.

In regards to skill of players probably VFL , in regards to having any relevance as a competition SANFL hands down

[Andy #24]

What I am saying, is the SANFL is a competition, VFL is only there for the AFL non starters to have a kick and catch.

In regards to skill of players probably VFL , in regards to having any relevance as a competition SANFL hands down

Fair enough. Some teams aren't affiliated with an AFL club, but they're shit. I agree that it's a bastardised comp, but I have watched it on TV and believe it is better.

[am Bays]

You talk to the players they say that there a better players in the VFL (i.e the fringe players not getting an AFL gig) but they fall away and that depth isn't there, i.e. it is easier to make a VFL side than a SANFL side.

As one player said to me you are always in the contest in teh VFL as the turnovers and skill errors are always "on", Where as in the SANFL he said, you make a mistake you may as well jog back to position for the ball up from the goal that resulted from your error.

His opinion was (a player that has played both VFL and SANFL) the SANFL is the better competition.

Having lived in Victoria for the past two years and watching both the VFL and SANFL I reckon the SANFL is better because of the more mature bodies and less errors. I found it really hard to watch the VFL on ABC 2 because of the mistakes compared to the SANFL replays.

[OCT]

I 'd like to see a "state team championship of Australia" . Have SANFL Premier Vs WA or VFL . Somehow work it out that you do get the " Sate champion" . I reckon its a great idea, certainl keep a bit of passion in the SANFL after all seasons are finished.

[Psyber]

I 'd like to see a "state team championship of Australia" . Have SANFL Premier Vs WA or VFL . Somehow work it out that you do get the " Sate champion" . I reckon its a great idea, certainl keep a bit of passion in the SANFL after all seasons are finished.

It could be fun but we'd have to have rules preventing the VFL teams being stacked with AFL players who had played a few games in the VFL only, if it were at the either end of the season. And similar rules to prevent the SA and WA leagues doing the same - say a minimum 10 games in the state league in the last 12 months if not a first year player?

[OCT]

I 'd like to see a "state team championship of Australia" . Have SANFL Premier Vs WA or VFL . Somehow work it out that you do get the " Sate champion" . I reckon its a great idea, certainl keep a bit of passion in the SANFL after all seasons are finished.

It could be fun but we'd have to have rules preventing the VFL teams being stacked with AFL players who had played a few games in the VFL only, if it were at the either end of the season. And similar rules to prevent the SA and WA leagues doing the same - say a minimum 10 games in the state league in the last 12 months if not a first year player?

Good point , just play the same 21 as per their GF side.

[Brucetiki]

SANFL wipes the floor of the VFL, both on and off the field. This can be best viewed by more players coming from VFL to play SANFL and not the other way around. SANFL is also more skillful. VFL could only dream of getting 25 000 - 30 000 to a Grand Final.

[OCT]

SANFL wipes the floor of the VFL, both on and off the field. This can be best viewed by more players coming from VFL to play SANFL and not the other way around. SANFL is also more skillful. VFL could only dream of getting 25 000 - 30 000 to a Grand Final.

Spot on. Even more the reason to do it and host it in SA . Stick it right up em I say !!!!! This has to happen I reckon , it will add to all state competitions .

[BUZZ]

Josh Thurgood, the new recriut for the maggies claims the reason he came to SA was that the VFL was quote 'going backwards' in last weeks Portside Messenger, not sure by what he means but there has been an influx of Vic players heading to SA to resurect their careers in the SANFL hoping to get drafted again, maybe the comp is better and more recognised Aus wide to the AFL scouts than the VFL?

[bayman]

if it did happen our grand final would have to finish earlier than it does, it'd have to finish the week before the afl grand final & i can envisage the afl putting the game on as one of the curtain-raisers to their grand final, which i think the players would love but most supporters couldn't go to

[fester69]

Just got back from a weekend in Geelong and having watched Geelong vs Coburg curtain-raiser, and i know it's a trial game, then I say the SANFL is FAR superior to the VFL.

[Dirko]

Having seen a few games (mainly Bullants ), for mine the SANFL is a lot better. As Tassie posted the first tier players are good and would mix it in the SANFL no worries, but after that there would be few that I would go chasing after.

Also the facilities, crowds and coverage (cough, cough) that the SANFL get is far better then the VFL.

[Brucetiki]

Also the facilities, crowds and coverage (cough, cough) that the SANFL get is far better then the VFL.

Absolutely. As much as we moan about the lack of coverage The Advertiser/Sunday Mail, at least they do provide some coverage. The Herald-Sun gives NO coverage to the VFL.

[Macca19]

The only thing making the VFL 'better' is that most of every side bar 2 teams are filled with AFL listed players.

I think the standard of the SANFL is better.

[bayman]

get on the vfl site & tell them they've been debating this for a while, mickyj & myself have been 'discussing' this with them some give us no credit whatsoever (typical victorian )

[MightyEagles]

We're better end of story.