Tasmania or NT side to be 10th team in SANFL?

[therisingblues]

Coincidentally I spoke with a coach from NT AFL yesterday on this very issue.
The AFL has pledged $500k and the NT Govt $200k to establish an NT team in another comp.
My source told me that QLD is where the NT is keenest, principally because there is a concern about the ability of the NT players to be competitive in the SANFL comp. Apparently the NT's top 5 players would be up to regular SANFL selection but beyond that the 'depth' falls away very quickly. The QAFL is also a competition looking to further develop itself quickly with the forthcoming establishment of the Gold Coast team.

Thanks for that info Squawk.
I cannot understand the lack of scope in this assessment though. Surely if the NT had a team in the SANFL it would give incentive for the locals to stay in the Territory, and develop their skills there.
Recently a NT U18's side destroyed a Qld U18's side by almost three times their score. With such a huge difference at a junior level, doesn't it look as though the NT is selling itself a bit short sending a combined side into a league that it has just embarrassed at a junior level?
Of course some of those juniors will move onto the AFL in time. But there will also be many that move onto the SANFL, because of its strength.
If the NT is so free to acknowledge the lack of quality in that league right now, I'd be interested in hearing their view on their side if all the ex NT players now in SANFL were currently in the NT.
My guess is that they will continue to migrate to the SANFL in search of greater opportunities, whereas if the NT had joined the SANFL they could play in our comp' and stay at home at the same time.
The only thing threatening this would be if the NT could match the salary cap of the SANFL clubs, but with the AFL funding (hypothetically, I realise the AFL don't want the NT in the SANFL) this would have been overcome.
Worst case senario for the SANFL now is that the QLD league becomes stronger through the NT's inclusion. The AFL pours more money into that league so they can retain the players which will be going through the NT/QLD system. Less players come to SA. The SANFL becomes a little weaker.

[CUTTERMAN]

Theri, I don't think we'll become weaker but certainly miss a chance to become stronger and there is no doubt that the AFL will flood money into the QAFL and coerce their outlines of their future and that of footy in all of Australia. It would be interesting to see if the NT had a team in the new QAFL and a secondary team in the SANFL which one the players would choose to play in, in order to develop their game and profiles. Forgive me for being dramatic but the way the AFL is being run currently and their designs of footy for the future continually gives me a feeling I'm watching an Aussie version of Star Wars, sounds even more stupid when I write it I know but the over governing and dictatorial style that is prevelent at the moment leaves me with dread when I consider the future and independence of the SANFL. I've said it before but I don't care if they F-up the AFL but the day they ruin the SANFL is the day I set sail. We're being white-anted at the moment.

[Mickyj]

Theri, I don't think we'll become weaker but certainly miss a chance to become stronger and there is no doubt that the AFL will flood money into the QAFL and coerce their outlines of their future and that of footy in all of Australia. It would be interesting to see if the NT had a team in the new QAFL and a secondary team in the SANFL which one the players would choose to play in, in order to develop their game and profiles. Forgive me for being dramatic but the way the AFL is being run currently and their designs of footy for the future continually gives me a feeling I'm watching an Aussie version of Star Wars, sounds even more stupid when I write it I know but the over governing and dictatorial style that is prevelent at the moment leaves me with dread when I consider the future and independence of the SANFL. I've said it before but I don't care if they F-up the AFL but the day they ruin the SANFL is the day I set sail. We're being white-anted at the moment.

It does raise the issue of the Swans seconds team they couldnt stay in sydney and now are in the act .
Will the same occur to a NT side in qld.
And yes cutterman a very interesting way to write it .You may set sail and I might just keep casting a fly throughout winter if it occurs.
May the force be with you Cutterman

[CUTTERMAN]

Amen brother and may the fish be with you!

[Mickyj]

Amen brother and may the fish be with you!

love it
Give me a bass yeah !!!!!!!!

[doggies4eva]

I heard an interview on the radio with the CEO of NTAFL and he said that their preference was to join the SANFL but their bid has been rejected by a unanimous vote.

[Wedgie]

I heard an interview on the radio with the CEO of NTAFL and he said that their preference was to join the SANFL but their bid has been rejected by a unanimous vote.

I find it hard to believe as the AFL announced their agenda to get the NT side into the Queensland side a while ago BUT it wouldn't surprise me with the thought process of some of the people in charge of our clubs and league which continues to send the competition backwards. They have more reverse gears than an Italian tank.

[doggies4eva]

I heard an interview on the radio with the CEO of NTAFL and he said that their preference was to join the SANFL but their bid has been rejected by a unanimous vote.

I find it hard to believe as the AFL announced their agenda to get the NT side into the Queensland side a while ago BUT it wouldn't surprise me with the thought process of some of the people in charge of our clubs and league which continues to send the competition backwards. They have more reverse gears than an Italian tank.

Yes, I heard that Queensland was seriously on the agenda about a week ago but the SANFL decision was reported on ABC radio about 2 days ago and I saw a news release stating the same.

This was confirmed by the CEO, NTAFL who alluded to his disappointment at decision by the SANFL.

[PhilH]

My assessment from afar (and listing to Radio TAB's AFLQ segment on Monday Morning)
Some of these are educated guess's but as they say "you know it makes sense".

- SANFL first preference for NT

- SANFL decision made my commission & league directors (one per club)

- No direct benefit for individiual SANFL clubs to have NT team
(ie how does it benefit say a North Adelaide, Sturt or Westies to have extra team with extra games and travel costs, not to mention loss of a successful recruiting area for many clubs).

- As GC17 comes into play Qld option comes into play for NT
- AFLQ backed by AFL who needs NT & Qld youngsters to form the base of GC17, offset compliants from established AFL clubs giving too many current AFL players to GC17.
- for AFLQ gives them opportunity to raise profile of competition to be the 4th best state league.
- NT able to put in its submission to SANFL with the knowledge a backup in Qld available

- Thus submission provided had no benefits, indeed costs to SANFL clubs, so their directors vote against. In order to follow suit and show a united fromt, comissioners also decline.

- NT now to go down QLD road.

In my dealings with the SANFL, many proposals put to them (All be it on a much more minor basis to a 10th team) are treated as take or leave it. Very rarely will the league comeback with issues and negotiate them through to a mutually agreeable solution.

If the submission was "compelling" could not these issues have been negotiated through to see if something mutually could be agreed to. Or had that negotiation taken place before the NT did their submission?

To make this work (assuming SANFL wanted it to work)
- The SANFL should have laid down specific conditions under which NT would be accepted.
- Then up to NT to meet or not meet them.

Do we know under what conditions SANFL would have accepted an NT team?

[OCT]

I think you have answered your own question in your article Phil. Also I thought in the paper yesterday it was made pretty clear of the reasons behind the decision. I have had no dealings with negotiating with the SANFL however I would be surprised if they don't return to negotiations . They certainly have with the NT case. Other cases I am not sure of but they obviously have compeeling reasons not to .

[doggies4eva]

Yes, I agree PhilH.

I can accept that there may have been problems with teh NTAFL proposal but the lack of a counter offer or any negotiation process has me a little concerned about the professionalism of the SANFL in handling one of the major issues since the Crows and Port Power were formed.