NEAFL 2014 Revamp

[ugg]

From a Swans point of view, and I understand it's not just about us, it's probably a little step backwards at least in the short term. Currently we play the non AFL reserves sides only once (including the NT Thunder one of the stronger teams from the Northern Conference) with the rest being UWS four times Brisbane three and Gold Coast three. With the comp now merging to form just one conference this means we'll have to play more non AFL sides at the expense of playing the AFL sides.

[Swansongster]

I'm surprised they didn't take the long view and include a team from Newcastle, such as the Blues, or create a new rep team.

It would pick up the best players from the Black Diamond League and be more than competitive. The catchment is from the Central Coast to Singleton to Nelson Bay. It's a pretty massive area being overlooked, particularly considering the recent success the Swannies had in Newy with the top ups. I believe the ruckman they used has played more and may be rookied next year.

Good point.

[justabaraker]

From a Swans point of view, and I understand it's not just about us, it's probably a little step backwards at least in the short term. Currently we play the non AFL reserves sides only once (including the NT Thunder one of the stronger teams from the Northern Conference) with the rest being UWS four times Brisbane three and Gold Coast three. With the comp now merging to form just one conference this means we'll have to play more non AFL sides at the expense of playing the AFL sides.

Quite agree with you Ugg.
But the Swans say that they're not fussed to be playing 'lesser' teams (and you'd have to say that it's not harming us in the "silverware department" either !) When I listen to the Crouch in the huddle, there is hardly a mention of the opposition at all - it's all about our structures, etc.
UWS is only at the upper end of the middle, so I don't think they'd be feeling demeaned to be playing community teams either.

It would be interesting to hear what the QLD AFL clubs say....but, then again, who cares anyway.

There's another issue, and that is that we don't yet know whether the 2014 draw will be a level one, or 'biased' as you so rightly point out has happened so far.

- - - Updated - - -

The question has been asked about restrictions to player numbers under the revised NEAFL - it will be interesting to see whether the Swans can play their full list in the Reserves, or whether they will have to use top-ups as is the case at the moment.

[ugg]

Given the majority of the competition are still the old NEAFL Eastern Teams I don't see the restrictions falling off completely but perhaps an increase by one to 15 although due to injuries this year we haven't had many teams with more than 12 listed players

[R-1]

I'd expect the North Queensland side to replace either Sydney Uni or Belconnen.

[Triple B]

Oh! Bum Sniffers LOL

How ironic...