HEALTH CHECK - SYDNEY FOOTY

[Pekay]

I appreciate there are usually valid reasons to explain the points I have mentioned in my previous post. However I believe my point remains valid. To think there is an automatic drive for a club team to play the highest division possible is not always the case.

Is it better to run last in a higher div or win a lower one?

I just think the whole automatic promotion relegation system should be scrapped for a more reasonable approach.

A lot has changed now that Manly and UTS have rightfully been promoted. The new clubs of Blacktown, Gosford, Auburn and Randwick could combine with Camden, Norwest and Moorebank to form the nucleus of a div 2 comp. Throw in Sydney Uni, UNSW and UTS who have 4 teams and we're about there. This division would remain untouched regardless of results.

Div 3 would work better with most premier div clubs 3rd's team. Penno, Sydney Hills, Wests, Norths. Combine this with Div 1's reserves: parramatta, southern power, penrith and mac uni.

For me this makes more sense. Rivalries can develop. Back to back premierships possible. Better home game day organisation. No penalties for winning or advantages in coming last. Natural ups and downs in performance like it used to be.

Not a perfect system but the current system isn't either.

It has some merit, yes. All in the sale though.

- - - Updated - - -

Have a crack at your new look structure. I put mine up back in 2008 and mysteriously it's what 2009 started with!

[Coastal Boy]

I doubt the league will make any wholesale changes to the structure but healthy debate is always good.

I think most clubs have benefitted from divisionisation which has without a doubt strengthened the league. However the negatives to the current format should be highlighted and debated and hopefully addressed in time if possible.

Incidentally, the BDAFL introduced a 3 tiered comp last year however it doesn't seem to be working much at all. Results remain as lop sided as ever. I don't suggest the BDAFL had a better option but any given team across the divisions can win by 15 goals and then lose by the same margin the next week. The gulf between divisions remains massive so a team which were promoted after a stellar season could get smashed the following year.

The local comp has always ebbed and flowed. The U/16s moved to Friday night years ago to boost flagging numbers and even folded for a full season. The U/18s doesn't exist any longer at a senior level. It's very volatile to say the least. I think it's fair to say footy on the Central Coast and Newcastle is not travelling as well as Sydney.

[tara]

At the end of the day the self serving clubs saw the pathway intoduced and divisions. Some still make excuses some have or are adjusting.

Reality is the league compromised. Divisions were intoduced, clubs could no longer field three teams in one division or entice scholarship players(some no longer playing),yet status quo remained in PD. Had the logical happened su n unsw would have played SFA Div 1 and town n balmain would heen dropped infavour of uts n manly with a promotion and relegation system put inplace for clubs not teams.

End of the dsy if clubs were prepared to swallow their pride n do the hard work to regroup n go back up this would be a non issue

[Noodle]

Sydney Uni fought pretty hard to remain in the premier division upon entering the NEAFL, even on the back of a fairly disappointing year last year in PD. The rationale for not being promoted may be twofold, the Div 2 side went out in straight sets last year so didn't make the GF. Also allows the PD sie to be removed should performances not have improved.

[cos789]

The logic behind a divisional structure doesn't need explaining, but the success of any endeavour is to include flexibility.
There has to be a mechanism for review. If stake holders approach with honesty about their immediate or medium term outlook
then the system can be tailored to those who envision a future problem or an abundance of talent or travel or infrastructure.