the bats

[carnthebats]

is anyone going to be able to beat the bats in the 1st division 1st grade????

[BeeEmmAre]

Not a chance in hell.

Hello Premier League.

[Pekay]

is anyone going to be able to beat the bats in the 1st division 1st grade????

The only mob that will come within Coo-ee will be Philpy's Sharks, both very well drilled teams.The way the Bats ran the ball and used it against us was second to none.Very good team. However, thats the 2nd time you've asked that question, when you very well know the answer. Perhaps Sydney Uni displayed the same level of arrogance last year before you boys knocked them off their perch. Just a thought. But BMR is right, i think you'll find yourself in with the big boys before too long.INEVITABLE.

[DLH]

But BMR is right, i think you'll find yourself in with the big boys before too long.INEVITABLE.

In all seriousness, it does raise some important issues about the health of footy in Sydney. Over the past couple of years the Jets, Rams, Goanna's and Magpies (of the SW variety), all clubs located in western Sydney, have gone through or continue to go through major difficulties, whilst inner city clubs like Sydney Uni and UTS with seemingly unlimited player resources go from strength to strength. I presume that Campbelltown have the means to pay their guys decent money so that they don't have to rely on locals to fill their ranks.

This isn't just co-incidence, and I can't believe that the AFL continue to stand by and watch this happen as there is a geographical pattern going on here that is pretty obvious.

I'm no great fan of affirmative action in wider society, but in this instance I think that the AFL need to act in some tangible way to ensure a level playing field for western Sydney clubs.

[tara]

DLH I have found the AFL this year to be very helpfull. We are putting measures into place to ensure that we do not fall into the same predicament again. I expect to see us back again stronger than ever before in the not too distant future.

[DLH]

DLH I have found the AFL this year to be very helpfull. We are putting measures into place to ensure that we do not fall into the same predicament again. I expect to see us back again stronger than ever before in the not too distant future.

That's great news, First Division needs a strong SWS.

I'm glad the AFL are providing assistance, my point is that there is an obvious issue with clubs succeeding in what is supposedly a critical region for the game's future success. I hope that the AFL are aware of it and putting strategies in place that will actually make a difference.

This is no knock on a club like UTS, good luck to them.

[carnthebats]

but it is a pity when the 2nd division is more competitive and in my opinion a better comp then the 1st division reserve grade (apart from the bats and manly). at the moment at the bats we have about 20 guys a week missing out on a game because we decided not to put in a 4th grade team.

[DLH]

but it is a pity when the 2nd division is more competitive and in my opinion a better comp then the 1st division reserve grade (apart from the bats and manly). at the moment at the bats we have about 20 guys a week missing out on a game because we decided not to put in a 4th grade team.

And this is the problem, through the natural order of things clubs located in the inner city are able to field 4-5 teams whilst others struggle to field two. I think it is too simplistic to say that it is the level of administration or facilities that are available, although this would obviously have some effect.

The overriding reason is access to player resources, simple as that.

[carnthebats]

well we get most of our players from interstate that come to sydney to work. we oly have about 5-6 guys that are actually from sydney or from uts playing with our club

[DLH]

well we get most of our players from interstate that come to sydney to work. we oly have about 5-6 guys that are actually from sydney or from uts playing with our club

Exactly.

And people who come to Sydney from interstate for work or study, young males in their 20's, guys who play footy, invariably choose to live near the city.

They don't live in Penrith or Richmond or Liverpool or Parramatta unless they have a specific reason to, and that isn't many blokes.

[tara]

but it is a pity when the 2nd division is more competitive and in my opinion a better comp then the 1st division reserve grade (apart from the bats and manly). at the moment at the bats we have about 20 guys a week missing out on a game because we decided not to put in a 4th grade team.

Pesonally I reckon its above the Ressies level with a number of the sides. NSW Uni shouldnt be in the comp not should Sydney Uni. When clubs have the sort of numbers available to them that these two do there is no justification to be there. When we have the right numbers to be able to field two sides we will return straight away.

[DLH]

Pesonally I reckon its above the Ressies level with a number of the sides. NSW Uni shouldnt be in the comp not should Sydney Uni. When clubs have the sort of numbers available to them that these two do there is no justification to be there. When we have the right numbers to be able to field two sides we will return straight away.

Agreed.

First Division is currently a shrinking and lopsided 7 team competition which is ridiculous.

Sydney Uni and UNSW should be made to play their 3rds and 4ths in Div 1, not Div 2. Along with SWS this would mean a far more viable 10 team competition.

[DLH]

Pesonally I reckon its above the Ressies level with a number of the sides. NSW Uni shouldnt be in the comp not should Sydney Uni. When clubs have the sort of numbers available to them that these two do there is no justification to be there. When we have the right numbers to be able to field two sides we will return straight away.

Agreed.

A shrinking and lopsided 7 team First Division competition is ridiculous. Both Sydney Uni and UNSW should be made to play their 3rds and 4ths in Div 1, not Div 2. With SWS that would mean a far more viable 10 team competition.

[carnthebats]

the move of sydney uni didnt do sydney football any good they have not won a game in premier year and has severly weakend the 1st division to a joke

[tara]

Disagree Bats. SU had been by far the strongest club for a number of years in 1st Div. Obviously you guys have come on well since your inception and wouldnt be suprised to see you guys up there one day. The fact that they havnt won a game yet shouldnt be that big a concern in their first year. Their move up should be looked at as a long term investment not one that should bear fruit immediately. Their Ressies are performing well at the moment and an injection of a few more quality players to the club will see them become more competetive.

Whilst 1st div has dropped off over the past few years I would expect it to pick up again in the not to distant future with the increased junior activity in the Sydney metro region.