the bats

[Offal]

Hi,
I have played in First Division for 12 seasons and seen the competition between 7 and 11 teams. To me, it is not so much the number of teams that is the measure of a good comp, but it is the disparity and sadly, 2007 is the widest disparity I have seen in a while.

Still, the team on top is the benchmark regardless of the competition, and for mine, to aspire to beat the best is the best philosophy to have rather than whining about the disparity. Yes, it is hard to ignore and in a perfect world every team in the comp would have 8 wins and 8 losses at the end of the regular season, but for now, all we can do is accept the hand dealt and aspire to get in to the finals and have a crack at UTS.

I have no doubts the gap in disparity will wane in coming years. I remember in the late 90's when Macquarie Uni, Holroyd and South West were the cream of the crop and my club was struggling to get 1 win a season. Clubs rise and fall in cycle as do competitions. First Division will be stronger again soon.

[Norris Lurker]

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.

Alternatively, possibly the Sydney AFL could look at abolishing First Division Reserves and instead have First, Second and Third Divisions, each with 1 grade and clubs having as many or few teams in each division as their numbers and player strength justifies.

[tara]

Great suggestion. If they did we would jump straight back to 1st next year.

[Pekay]

Thats a great solution Norris, leave Prems alone,and we can have 3 single team divs.the stronger clubs-UTS Manly Sharks can have their teams in the 1s and 2s, whereas the not so strong teams-which sadly is Jets and Rams,could perhaps field their two in 2s and 3s.Syd Uni's 3rd and 4th teams could step up to the plate, UNSW as well.its the smartest solution,and needs wheels immediately, before its too late.also welcome my good mate Offal to RWO,and a good point made as well.Footy is cyclical,like the seasons!

[benny_w]

maybe have it like english football

First Tear: AFLSydney Premier League
Second Tear: AFLSydney Championship
Third Tear: AFLSydney League 1

Only way for promotion/relegation is that the top 4 teams in each division have own playoffs with Premiers promoted to next league and last place teams are relegated.

[Offal]

The idea of promotion and relegation was flagged by my club and agreed to by most First Div clubs in 2005. It was presented at a President's meeting and as expected got knocked on the head by Prem Div clubs in the fear of relegation.

It was then put to sleep but I certainly will be putting my foot forward to hopefully gain some momentum from other 1st and 2nd Div clubs to put it back on the radar in the format suggested on this forum, being leaving Prem Div but grading 3-4 grades of 10 team comps below with a promotion-relegation system for probably just the premier and the team coming last.

I will put the thinking cap on and put a rough proposal based on what we threw up to the league in 2005 and see what you all think.

And thanks for the welcome Pekay. I have been a long time observer but thought it was time to throw my two bobs worth in.