NSW AFL at their best.

[tara]

The AFL has a model that they are trying to implement which will see clubs being played accross five divisions.

For example a team like Campletown may field a side in Divs 1 and 3 whereas another side like Sydney Uni May end up in Divs 2 and 3. Not sure how far along with it they are but wouldnt be too suprised to see it implemented next year. It would also work on a promotion and relegation system.

I have some information on it somewhere and could probably email it to you (if im allowed cant remember if it contains national secrects)

[Rafters]

Originally posted by tara
Teams in included Bankstown, Liverpool, Hawkesbury, Camden and others.

Back in 1987-89, I played for Auburn in this comp against these teams as well as Wollondilly, Heathcote, Blacktown, Penrith and good ole Baulkham Hills (aka East Coast Eagles). A few other future Goannas including Shaun Edmunds and the Kassems played for us then as well. It was a good introduction to senior footy. There was 2 grades in the comp as well back then. Still remember the disappointment in losing the '89 GF to Penrith (their first ever flag) at Wagener.

[ash]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: NSW AFL at their best.

I think that is underestimating the SFL.

Their are 3-5 players in most teams that can compete or have at SAFL level. Its just that the rest do not have an afl background and struggle the best they can. The coaching in the league is not if the highest standard. However, it is noted that 2 of the teams this year are in good hands as the results are showing

Originally posted by RPM
Wheels27 i have no idea about QLD but i can tell you that i would rate SFL at about Div 3 amature in SA. metro

[RPM]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: NSW AFL at their best.

Originally posted by ash
I think that is underestimating the SFL.

Their are 3-5 players in most teams that can compete or have at SAFL level. Its just that the rest do not have an afl background and struggle the best they can. The coaching in the league is not if the highest standard. However, it is noted that 2 of the teams this year are in good hands as the results are showing

This is exactly what i am talking about there is only 2-3 players per side that would posibly make Div.1

[ash]

Re: Re: Re: Re: NSW AFL at their best.

Hi,

The Qld 2nd division is quite strong and runs a top 8 system.
It is great as it allows all teams pretty much a sniff at finals til the last round.

It is at a good level of footy (probably equivalent 3rd or 4th team in SFL). They travel from Coolangatta to Noosa and the rounds and most clubs and their own licensed clubs.

Several of Qlds better and older players take up coaching/playing position or players who are very good play due to training/work commitments being twice a week (same as SFL) compared to Premier division Qld clubs where some train 4-5 times a week,

The current SFL Top 4 system is outdated as in some years as early as rd 8 the top 4 is pretty much set leaving room for onesided matches latter part of year. A top 5 would be more appropriate and showcase our game better

Originally posted by wheels27
There is good footy being played around Sydney every weekend, particularly SFL, but even, shock horror, in the SFA.
In reality SFA seniors is somewhere between SFL seniors and reserves, admittedly the reserves in SFA can be hit and miss, but even there and in 2nd division there are good players.

I would, however, agree that ten years ago the standard across the board was probably higher.

I have no knowledge of Melbourne local footy, but don't feel that comparison is one that can be made. I don't think in a similar vein I would compare the local Melbourne Rugby League comps with Jim Beam Cup or Group footy in NSW.

We know that the QAFL is fairly high standard, but what of the lower divisions up there? Does anyone have any inside knowledge, would be interesting to compare a similar type region.

[humphrey bear]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: NSW AFL at their best.

Originally posted by ash
Hi,

The current SFL Top 4 system is outdated as in some years as early as rd 8 the top 4 is pretty much set leaving room for onesided matches latter part of year. A top 5 would be more appropriate and showcase our game better

A top 5 would be ridiculous in a 9 team competition. Just as an 8 team finals system is stupid in the AFL. It is only a final 8 for commercial concerns and the SFL certainly doesn't have that problem.

[Gambler]

Wheels27

In reality SFA seniors is somewhere between SFL seniors and reserves, admittedly the reserves in SFA can be hit and miss, but even there and in 2nd division there are good players.

It is pie-in-the-sky stuff but I propose that a game be planned between the Premiers of The Premier Div Reserve grade and the Premiers of the First Division. I believe that this game would be interesting up until half time when the superior fitness, skills and discipline of the Premier Division players would take over.

However, I will give select teams in the First Division some credit and state that they could quite easily account for several of the under-achieving Premier Div sides on a week to week basis.

The AFL has a model that they are trying to implement which will see clubs being played accross five divisions.

For example a team like Campbelltown may field a side in Divs 1 and 3 whereas another side like Sydney Uni may end up in Divs 2 and 3. Not sure how far along with it they are but wouldnt be too suprised to see it implemented next year. It would also work on a promotion and relegation system.

I don't think the idea of relegating individual teams within a club to different divisions should occur...the logistics nightmare of getting "Volunteer" staff to attend two or three different games at different grounds across Sydney just doesn't work. Not just volunteers but player availability, club resources, etc. For example...Imagine the trouble involved in having Campbelltown Premier Division playing in Wollongong and having a First Div side playing Penrith, possibly even having their under 18's lining up against Riverview. How could they be expected to build a supporter base and get them to these games to maintain the club atmosphere?

[tara]

Gambler I think you are a bit of the mark. I think you would be suprised by who would win a game like that. I would expect a First Div Senior side to belt a Ressies Side from Prem Div.

[Gambler]

Game On...

When and Where?

[Gambler]

Clearly a game like this will not go ahead....

I think this thread will have no other outcome than us both defending our respective standards of football. This in itself is what makes people so passionate about the game.

[tara]

Originally posted by Gambler
Game On...

When and Where?

Rosedale would be the ideal place for such an event (plus the canteen proceeds would be great given the playing surface and facilities. However I doubt whether the AFL up here would sanction such a game. I think most clubs would be up for it (although Balmain probably wouldnt given no one would want to see them walk off if they were getting beaten) if approached.

[humphrey bear]

It would all depend on which clubs you chose.

There is an enormous difference between the best and worst teams in the SFL reserves.

For instance the 2 teams that played in the reserves Grand Final last year would have been competitive against last years Campbeltown senior team.

The bottom teams in the SFL reserves are awful and would struggle against the best u/18 teams.

[Coastal Boy]

Ah.... the great debate. Which league is better!!!!!

I dont think there is an answer here guys but here is my 2 cents worth:

Each good team in the SFA has 6 quality players which would slot into SFL firsts. However their bottom 8 players are purely there to make up the numbers.

Each SFL club starts strong but the usual 5 injuries to their 1sts and 2-3 of their own leaves them depleted mid year. Overall though their list is more consistent and you would feed their bottom 8 players.

My Verdict: week in and week out the top SFA teams would have more to offer. However when finals come along and the SFL gets their full compliment back the situation gets very interesting.

NB: there seems to be a major drop in footy standards across the board this year with the only exception being ECE. This makes comparisons even more difficult as players who jump from one division to another may have a lop sided view on things.

Come on Rafters, I know you have played in all divisions of all comps. Give us a take on it.

[tara]

Humph I would expect it to be Prem Div Ressie Premiers vrs 1st Div 1st Grade Prem's as originally suggested. Ie NSW Uni (2005)v Sydney Uni (2005).

[tara]

Originally posted by Coastal Boy
Ah.... the great debate. Which league is better!!!!!

I dont think there is an answer here guys but here is my 2 cents worth:

Each good team in the SFA has 6 quality players which would slot into SFL firsts. However their bottom 8 players are purely there to make up the numbers.

Each SFL club starts strong but the usual 5 injuries to their 1sts and 2-3 of their own leaves them depleted mid year. Overall though their list is more consistent and you would feed their bottom 8 players.

My Verdict: week in and week out the top SFA teams would have more to offer. However when finals come along and the SFL gets their full compliment back the situation gets very interesting.

NB: there seems to be a major drop in footy standards across the board this year with the only exception being ECE. This makes comparisons even more difficult as players who jump from one division to another may have a lop sided view on things.

Come on Rafters, I know you have played in all divisions of all comps. Give us a take on it.

I dont think there is any doubt which league is of the better standard. My personal thought on this is Prem div is far superior due to the commitment / professionalism shown by the players. 1st div doesnt have that accross the board and therefore will always be of a lower standard. Players who are committed and skilled footballers generally will always seek to play at the highest level they can.