Redbacks forfeit

[Rafters]

Must admit that I was very disappointed today to see that the Sydney Redbacks forfeited their match today against the Lions u18s. I understand that the NSW u/15s were playing in Darwin so that may have taken a few of their players ... but surely this side would have to rate as one of the most important teams in Sydney as it is full of developmental players.

This team should NEVER forfeit as it should be able to draw on the whole of Sydney and used as a carrot for all u16 AFL players in Sydney to try & play in - whether it be just one game or a whole season.

Who is responsible for running this side? Can we get an explanation or perhaps review the systems in place to ensure that a forfeit like this never happens again.

[floppinab]

I throw in a few comments here on the things of which I am aware.

There has been a lot of good reports about how the rep. structure in NSW has changed this year not only from what has been setup in Sydney but statewide as well.
But it's been clear from early on that the Redbacks setup simply hasn't worked.

I understood that the team was meant to alternate week by week from Sydney south squad members and Sydney north squad members. This was meant to alleviate concerns regarding these players (remembering many of them are fringe rep. players at best) missing too much club football, not qualifying for finals etc. I think that in combination with a lot of players missing to other rep. programs throughout the year has meant that the Redbacks have rarely been able to field a full team and have been regularly thumped as well. Given that happening from very early on in the year it's no surprise that the rest of the squad haven't then taken it seriously preferring their kids to stick with their clubs.

As I said I think the rep. program has worked pretty well this year but the Redbacks clearly has to be re thoughtout for next year.