2013... rumours.. signings... something..

[ShortHalfHead]

North Shore and Manly have the same pathway group - all the other groups have one Premier Division club and a couple of other clubs. It'll be interesting to see what happens to the players that both clubs have put on their pathway lists.

I think if players want to play 18'as Div 1, there will be no problems as they can go where they like if listed by both. On the other hand, I wonder if Manly will apply to go to Div 1, which makes the draw a lot clearer.

From what I have seen, Manly will be quite competitive in PD. I think it will hurt North Shore a lot.

[Pekay]

On the subject of Pekay, well done to you Sir on the B&F award at your club

Thanks mate, much appreciated! Was great to be able to run around again, kicked a few goals and ended the season in the ones, so very happy with how it went.

[DLH]

From what I saw of Manly this year they might surprise a few people in Premier Division, they're a very good side. It opens up Division One as well which is handy for the rest of us.

Can't see Southern Power getting promoted anytime soon, you'd think that there will need to be sides go out of the PD competition before anyone else goes in.

[Norris Lurker]

Can't see Southern Power getting promoted anytime soon, you'd think that there will need to be sides go out of the PD competition before anyone else goes in.

In the time I've been around Sydney footy, which isn't all that long, we've gone from 8 teams to 12 in the top division.
It's a lot easier to promote a team than relegate one; but surely 12 teams would have to be as many as Premier Division can take.

[Tim Freedman]

Gilmore has been 100% confirmed as Sydney Uni NEAFL coach. Official announcement expected in the next few days. Smart and expected choice.

Have also heard some unconfirmed rumors of player recruitment at Uni with some big Sydney football names. Some from Balmain.

[justabaraker]

In the time I've been around Sydney footy, which isn't all that long, we've gone from 8 teams to 12 in the top division.
It's a lot easier to promote a team than relegate one; but surely 12 teams would have to be as many as Premier Division can take.

So Norris, the stage is set.....an "even" 12 teams now in PD....a couple of poor performers during 2012....you can bet that the promotion/relegation system will now be extended to PD for end-2013.
But I'm only guessing. Norris, you have the ear of the SFL better than any of us - any beatings from the jungle drums ?

[justabaraker]

Gilmore has been 100% confirmed as Sydney Uni NEAFL coach. Official announcement expected in the next few days. Smart and expected choice.

Have also heard some unconfirmed rumors of player recruitment at Uni with some big Sydney football names. Some from Balmain.

This is an interesting post on so many levels....can't wait to see how it all unfolds

[Norris Lurker]

So Norris, the stage is set.....an "even" 12 teams now in PD....a couple of poor performers during 2012....you can bet that the promotion/relegation system will now be extended to PD for end-2013.
But I'm only guessing. Norris, you have the ear of the SFL better than any of us - any beatings from the jungle drums ?

Way too early to speculate; but the divisional structure with promotion/relegation in the other divisions is well and truly entrenched, so it would be a logical progression.
There's a few other factors to be considered - geographic areas being covered is one, and what happens with the NEAFL after SHE and SU's current licenses expire is another.
Also the pathway system - some groups leading to two Premier Division clubs while others lead to none could be an issue. Promotion/relegation may require a redistribution of pathway clubs every year so that no 16 year-old who is good enough to play Premier Division is denied an opportunity because he lives in the wrong suburb; or possibly the pathway system being abolished. The AFL and clubs will need to work that one out.

But I can certainly see merit in promotion/relegation from Premier Division. After the enormous gap between the top six and the rest this year, and how many lopsided games there were, something needs to be done. Nothing saps a club's morale more than when the seniors haven't been competitive for years.
Clubs are understandably resistant to being relegated. But if there was an automatic process for them to go back up, it may be a way to keep some wins coming in and keeping the club morale going while they're in a bottoming-out phase.

[chatovadafloor]

Ahhh balmain.. New season new team. Wonder if funds have dried up? Be intersting how many could go to uni from there?

[Pekay]

Camden seem to be continuing on their recruiting drive, picking up a handy Towner. They have offered cash all over the league as well, must have a benefactor besides Leesy!

[Gambler]

Looks like the Eagles have been busy bringing a bit of local talent back to the club and also a player that would be familiar to Swans supporters. Home of the Sydney Hills Eagles

[chatovadafloor]

Some good early signings, be interesting the full coaching line up. Also being early season be interesting the signings to come.

[Chicken Legs]

Assuming Towner = Doherty as per Camden update on Sydney AFL website?

I have also heard Leesy linked to Campbelltown not Camden in 2013! Unless there are two of them?

[The Runt]

Just been reading the results of the survey posted on Sydney AFL site some of the answers to the questions range from the funny, insightful through to bitter interesting if you have a few moments to while away.

[Rowdy#8]

Just been reading the results of the survey posted on Sydney AFL site some of the answers to the questions range from the funny, insightful through to bitter interesting if you have a few moments to while away.

The divisional structures have also been posted today. No major surprises - new teams for Blacktown and Penno, looks like Moorebank have dropped their thirds, and Mug Punter will be glad to know that his mates at Auburn are back for another go (although down in Div 3 this year)