Opinions - Danny's Diatribe on sydneyafl.com.au

[Coastal Boy]

I think you can mount a good argument to support some of MPs argument.
Good players back in the 90s were earning up to $600 per game. Some clubs had player payments well in excess of $50k per year. This was 20 years ago so in today's money probably double it. Without this money in today's comp, good interstate players are not attracted to Sydney AFL and the best local talent go elsewhere. The PD competition is weak. However the Div 1 comp has been a powerhouse over the past few years and better than the old SFL 2s comp or SFA 1s (I believe). The proof is simple. The fact Manly can win the flag at their first attempt is an embarrassment to other clubs in the PD.

[justabaraker]

the local comp is so weak these days that the only good news story they can come up with is the chicks' comp.

I've seen a couple of SFL games this season and I am convinced I have never seen it at a lower ebb. It fair dinkum is about halfway between first and reserve grade from back in the 90s.

And it is not hard to see why - when you have 50+ top line first graders taken out of the system to make up the NEAFL numbers then the top 5-6 players of each side remaining are replaced by the bottom 5-6 players leading to a huge drop in playing standard.

I don't think anyone who has any genuine knowledge and interest in the game in Sydney can dispute this.

Oh well, off to the footy for the day...then again, I might go and watch a NEAFL game. It's great to have so many choices isn't it ?
It will be good to catch up with the boys and have a beer.
One thing is for sure - I won't be crapping all over our game and making everyone depressed. We don't need that !

[justabaraker]

when you have 50+ top line first graders taken out of the system to make up the NEAFL numbers then the top 5-6 players of each side remaining are replaced by the bottom 5-6 players leading to a huge drop in playing standard.

I don't think anyone who has any genuine knowledge and interest in the game in Sydney can dispute this.

Cue usual muppets from Sydney Uni to attack me again.... ho hum

If only you would get away from your computer screen and go watch some Sydney footy then you wouldn't make dumb comments like this.
The NEAFL teams from Baulko and Syd Uni have about eight locals each playing - the rest are out-of-town imports who wouldn't be playing in Sydney otherwise. You should know that.
The Swans and Giants NEAFL teams use occasional players from our comp - a couple from Penno, couple from St George, one from North Shore, one or two randoms from other Sydney clubs. They are Academy players and you surely can't blame them for taking their chance to take the chance that they're given. That's the deal that the AFL clubs have with our comp, and it's only activated for selected and agreed Swans/Giants games.

Who are the 50+ top line first graders ?
Where are the 5-6 players from each side in Sydney clubs who are playing NEAFL ?
Name names buddy.

Even better...get out and watch some footy before you make these BIG STATEMENTS.

[often_confused]

Bravo JB !!

The numbers that get floated around appear very difficult to support. Additionally, I am not sure other PD clubs should hang their heads because Manly won the flag, it shows how the cycles of Clubs going up and down occur. I am sure there are many PD clubs grooming the younger players and looking to challenge this season or next. It does not take long, as I understand Manly, Penno and Wests have a fair few players under 22 or 23 on their lists.

If we like footy we should also support the grass roots. Buy a pie and a beer and cheer on the teams we have.