Is Premier Division a lower standard now ?

[Norris Lurker]

You'd expect Premier Division to be slightly weaker than a couple of years ago, simply because a lot of the top players will gravitate to the NEAFL; which wasn't an option a couple of years ago.

I tend to agree with Tim Freedman's assessment. There's good footy played by the top half dozen teams, but the gap between them and the rest was enormous last season; and we may see plenty of blowouts in Premier Division this season. No team outside the top 6 beat a top 6 team last year; and rarely was the margin less than ten goals.

[justabaraker]

No team outside the top 6 beat a top 6 team last year; and rarely was the margin less than ten goals.

This is why they're paying you the big bucks Norris - 'cos you can give us stats like that !
A bit off-topic but that won't happen this year because four of last year's top six have lost already ! And Manly has shown they are to be taken seriously.
Gonna be a good season I think !

Back to my question for more input.....is PD getting stronger or weaker ?

[justabaraker]

I know there are some who reckon PD players are well paid, but I have my doubts about that.
It's the time of year when players are asked to pay their registration fees (NB - pay up front then play, not get match payments), and the time will soon come when those who haven't paid their subs will be locked out.
That will change the ladder when that happens !

[BOOMERHARVES]

I think that most agree that the overall depth has dropped in the premier division. The top 6 teams (UNSWES, Penno, UTS, North Shore, St George and now Manly thrown into the Mix) are heads and shoulders above the rest given last years performances. Wests, Sydney Uni and Campbelltown have all improved given what we have seen in 2013. I agree with the comment that the bodies are not as big as what they were back in the mid 2000s but thats the change in our great game.

In terms of comparing an ECE side of 09,10,11 with UNSWES of 2012, it is difficult to compare but given I have played with and against those sides, the ECE sides of all years would comfortably do the Dogs. Lets just say UNSWES would not have won the 2012 flag if ECE had not gone to the NEAFL.