Any Sydney Kids Drafted?

[Pekay]

Northern Swan,i was legless all weekend,but we spoke behind Terrigals bench if memory serves correct.still congrats are in order for coaching a flag.looking forward to ADFA,we took 28 blokes(about 5-6 senior players) down to Duntroon this year to be met by 90+ dead set units running around the nicest field ive seenin a long time.they beat us well in searing heat,and we only had 1 hr to get ready after the drive,but even wth a nice sleep in we still wouldve worn it.a great bunch of blokes on and off the field, and will be affiliated with them for awhile now.we are attempting to affiliate with more defence clubs(eg-Tindal,East Wagga, Ipswich et al)to strengthen our position in the west,so if ya know of any(besides your local Sardines!)let me know.now you must excuse me,i need to PUMP UP MY OWN TYRES AGAIN!THANX PRINCE YA SEPPO

[Northern_Swan]

we are attempting to affiliate with more defence clubs(eg-Tindal,East Wagga, Ipswich et al)to strengthen our position in the west,so if ya know of any(besides your local Sardines!)let me know

Nah, you wouldn't wanna get involved with the sardines!! Distinct lack of quality there. (not to mention a few chromosomes)

The few guys who have come through the club in the RAAF I think have come interstate, plus the one from the Nor- west. The raffies up here tend to spread themselves between a few clubs (us, city & the bay) given the base is pretty much 1/2 way between Newcastle & Nelson Bay. Traditionally we have seemed to get more army guys since the Singleton club were removed from the competition (as opposed to folding) & we being the closest to the freeway & the New England Highway, Cardiff became the closest option.

[Rod]

"Rod" I feel it un appropriate to further comment on the board to the issues you have put forth. There is a lot to this issue that shouldn't be made too public & we'll leave it at that ey!

N_Swan - I didn't put those issues forth, I was responding to issues already raised by others on the board. I totally agree with you in that there is a lot to this issue, but my point was that in order to improve things, we need to contructively criticise, rather than just criticise.

For example if you think the kids up north are being stitched up in terms of getting exposure, why don't you force the issue with the U/18's rep team playing the top 4 U/18 Sydney teams in pre-season matches? Get in touch with the U/18 coaches and tee up the games - I'm sure they'd love the chance to play against a good tough unit in the pre-season. The NSW AFL would appreciate the helping hand, and that way you also ensure the games go ahead and the kids up there get the exposure they deserve.

[Northern_Swan]

For example if you think the kids up north are being stitched up in terms of getting exposure, why don't you force the issue with the U/18's rep team playing the top 4 U/18 Sydney teams in pre-season matches? Get in touch with the U/18 coaches and tee up the games - I'm sure they'd love the chance to play against a good tough unit in the pre-season. The NSW AFL would appreciate the helping hand, and that way you also ensure the games go ahead and the kids up there get the exposure they deserve.

That is supposed to happen for 2005, as a culmination of a few years effort, however the first 4 rounds of the competition, the top 4 from '04 were to have a bye. Now that the bye has been eliminated, the whole plan seems to have been halted. The Under 18 side are training as a development squad from early January.

In 2004, the Rep team was scheduled to play the Redbacks, however this seemed to disappear when the rep side beat the North Coast by 300 points in a earlier match. (I think the coach got scared)

Unfortunately, due to this 6 very talented players were not looked at (from various clubs) and are too old for Under 18 football in 2005

[Rod]

That is supposed to happen for 2005, as a culmination of a few years effort, however the first 4 rounds of the competition, the top 4 from '04 were to have a bye. Now that the bye has been eliminated, the whole plan seems to have been halted. The Under 18 side are training as a development squad from early January.

Gotcha. That's a shame for the 6 kids that missed out last year, and would be a real bugger if it doesn't happen in the first 4 rounds next year, but can't you hook some pre-season games up at least for early 2005 between the top 4 Sydney clubs?
I know there are some bloody good players up there - Kris Williams/Dave Flynn/Simmo/Ryno - not sure about the U/18's, but there has to be a way of getting them exposure. Have you tried organising a meeting with Carter to see exactly why the Redback game didn't go ahead and try to make plans to ensure that it doesn't get missed again? Or why not try and make it a yearly fixture where the Premier from Sydney u/18's takes on the Rep squad from up North? Could make a big deal out of it.