Season 2020

[Blinkers28]

Kicking off the thread for season 2020.

Any noticeable changes from last year to this year personnel wise?

Still think the Uni’s will dominate Prems, but expect a decent improvement from West’s and UTS, given their recruitment.

Norths potentially the big sliders, given their outs, with Dragons winning the spoon.

Expecting a very tight and competitive Women’s Prems competition, given head office will help out the three new clubs coming in.

[bomber.]

Kicking off the thread for season 2020.

Any noticeable changes from last year to this year personnel wise?

Still think the Uni’s will dominate Prems, but expect a decent improvement from West’s and UTS, given their recruitment.

Norths potentially the big sliders, given their outs, with Dragons winning the spoon.

Expecting a very tight and competitive Women’s Prems competition, given head office will help out the three new clubs coming in.

No-one biting Blinkers - that’s disappointing!! It’s all a bit boring without the chat isn’t it? Particularly given we get zero promotion from the AFL.

North Shore big sliders? Plenty of quality players called it a day in 2019, so can see how the ill informed might jump to that conclusion. Who wants to give me odds on that?

Tagliabue to SU at prems level rather than going back to UNSW. Underscores what’s been said about the problem with the NEAFL program and the rules around it. Also Will Sierakowski (originally North Shore) so they’ll be better. They haven’t been well coached though, so they’ll need to fix that.

UNSW have just recruited Patty Dangerfield and Nat Fyfe to help educate the juniors, so they should be okay.

Penno will be interesting. They’re always solid and have some very good kids, but their availability could be an issue. Not sure?

East Coast - no clue. They look like a mix of really good players getting older and good kids who might be a bit green yet.

St George will improve plenty. Hearing Flanagan and McKellar both back full time from Swans NEAFL, plus a number of boys coming back. Muddy got some games into kids last year too, so tipping they’ll be better.

Hearing that UTS have recruited the Nick and Ed Lower and there’s a whisper that Will Langford will make an appearance for them too. That’ll lift them for sure, but there’s a long way from where they were to good.

Wests and Camden have both picked up good coaches, but to be successful Wests will need to spend more on their juniors than they have on a bus load of tourists from Tasmania.

Camden are a project that we need to be patient with.

Then there’s Manly. They’ll struggle.

Let’s have a crack at how we’ll finish — and another beer!

UNSW
Sydney Uni
North Shore
Penno
East Coast
St George
UTS
Camden
Wests
Manly

Premiers - Bombers of course!!

Still brand new to women’s Prem Div, but might as well have a crack.

We have picked up a couple, as well as 6 or 7 North Shore girls coming back now that we have prem div team. There will still be quite a few in each week who haven’t played that the level, so 2020 could be a learning year. Should be right there in 2021 though.

Mac Uni have lost plenty of good players and are likely to suffer from that. They’ve benefitted from East Coast, Penno and North Shore not having prem div sides, so you’d think that would have to start to unwind.

Not hearing that much has changed at East Coast, so after a year of experience the East Coast women look more likely than the boys.

Sydney Uni have lost a few players too, but a few well placed scholarships could fix that!

UNSW have picked up a few, so could improve from 2019.

Not sure if anything has changed at Southern Power, but they were pretty solid in 2019, so would expect them to be pretty decent in 2020 too.

Manly were very good in Div 1 last year - probably should’ve won that comp, so based on what East Coast did first year up in 2019, they could do pretty well.

Not hearing that Penno have recruited for prem div. The could have, but if they haven’t they could be stretched first year in prems.

No nothing about what’s happened at Wests or UTS

Tips for the ladder;

East Coast
UNSW
Sydney Uni
Mac Uni
Manly
North Shore
Southern Power
Penno
Wests
UTS

Premiers - East Coast

Let’s get some banter going lads.

Written more than Norris - should be getting paid for this. Off to the fridge.

[Old Puppy]

Very good well informed summary Bomber, its pleasing to see!

The COI piece posted regards Ben Klemke is real, in fact so real that AFL Sydney have been asked for a please explain to which they replied "We have Determined" clause been played internally all whilst still searching for a new leader. Watch this space.

Speaking of the 'We have determined" clause, it will be interesting to see how the points system will affect recruitment especially in the women's premier competition with the New clubs and the transient nature of women's player movement within the league.

In Men's PPS, Looking forward to the addition concessions being looked at currently that will allow last season's highest average points teams fitting in all the potential recruits. All things being EQUAL of course.

That should get some banter going Bomber:

[Blinkers28]

No-one biting Blinkers - that’s disappointing!! It’s all a bit boring without the chat isn’t it? Particularly given we get zero promotion from the AFL.

North Shore big sliders? Plenty of quality players called it a day in 2019, so can see how the ill informed might jump to that conclusion. Who wants to give me odds on that?

Tagliabue to SU at prems level rather than going back to UNSW. Underscores what’s been said about the problem with the NEAFL program and the rules around it. Also Will Sierakowski (originally North Shore) so they’ll be better. They haven’t been well coached though, so they’ll need to fix that.

UNSW have just recruited Patty Dangerfield and Nat Fyfe to help educate the juniors, so they should be okay.

Penno will be interesting. They’re always solid and have some very good kids, but their availability could be an issue. Not sure?

East Coast - no clue. They look like a mix of really good players getting older and good kids who might be a bit green yet.

St George will improve plenty. Hearing Flanagan and McKellar both back full time from Swans NEAFL, plus a number of boys coming back. Muddy got some games into kids last year too, so tipping they’ll be better.

Hearing that UTS have recruited the Nick and Ed Lower and there’s a whisper that Will Langford will make an appearance for them too. That’ll lift them for sure, but there’s a long way from where they were to good.

Wests and Camden have both picked up good coaches, but to be successful Wests will need to spend more on their juniors than they have on a bus load of tourists from Tasmania.

Camden are a project that we need to be patient with.

Then there’s Manly. They’ll struggle.

Let’s have a crack at how we’ll finish — and another beer!

UNSW
Sydney Uni
North Shore
Penno
East Coast
St George
UTS
Camden
Wests
Manly

Premiers - Bombers of course!!

Still brand new to women’s Prem Div, but might as well have a crack.

We have picked up a couple, as well as 6 or 7 North Shore girls coming back now that we have prem div team. There will still be quite a few in each week who haven’t played that the level, so 2020 could be a learning year. Should be right there in 2021 though.

Mac Uni have lost plenty of good players and are likely to suffer from that. They’ve benefitted from East Coast, Penno and North Shore not having prem div sides, so you’d think that would have to start to unwind.

Not hearing that much has changed at East Coast, so after a year of experience the East Coast women look more likely than the boys.

Sydney Uni have lost a few players too, but a few well placed scholarships could fix that!

UNSW have picked up a few, so could improve from 2019.

Not sure if anything has changed at Southern Power, but they were pretty solid in 2019, so would expect them to be pretty decent in 2020 too.

Manly were very good in Div 1 last year - probably should’ve won that comp, so based on what East Coast did first year up in 2019, they could do pretty well.

Not hearing that Penno have recruited for prem div. The could have, but if they haven’t they could be stretched first year in prems.

No nothing about what’s happened at Wests or UTS

Tips for the ladder;

East Coast
UNSW
Sydney Uni
Mac Uni
Manly
North Shore
Southern Power
Penno
Wests
UTS

Premiers - East Coast

Let’s get some banter going lads.

Written more than Norris - should be getting paid for this. Off to the fridge.

Just wanting to start the debate.

My predictions

Prem Men
1. UNSW
2. Syd Uni
3. Penno
4. East Coast
5. UTS
6. North Shore
7. Wests
8. Camden
9. Manly
10. Dragons

UNSW three-peat

Prem Women
1. East Coast
2. Mac Uni
3. UNSW
4. North Shore
5. Syd Uni
6. Manly
7. Penno
8. Wests
9. Power
10. UTS

East Coast premiers

Power to sweep both Platinum divisions again

[bomber.]

My predictions

Prem Men
1. UNSW
2. Syd Uni
3. Penno
4. East Coast
5. UTS
6. North Shore
7. Wests
8. Camden
9. Manly
10. Dragons

UNSW three-peat


Blinkers, want to have a case of Grange on North Shore finishing 6th or lower?

[justabaraker]

LLoyd Perris to Dragons - he was involved with Swans NEAFL.

Would he play ? I thought that his knees were shot, and playing on our SFL cow-paddocks wouldn't help the arthritis !

He might be like Dylan Addison and work for a NEAFL club while moonlighting with our comp. Strange juggling act if he did.

[justabaraker]

Spotted recently...
At Blacktown on Saturday...Jon Vlatko, premiership captain at Baulko, now on the coaching staff at the GWS women,
...also, Roger Moten, past coach of Sydney Uni (and maybe another SFL club??), also on the coaching staff at GWS,
and Paul Sattler, long time a part of the scenery on SFL matchdays, now active in AFL in the north of the state.
and Kieren Emery, premiership player at Baulko (NEAFL then SFL), now involved in player welfare with the Swans.

It seems there are 'pathways' to AFL playing glory, and pathways to coaching too,

[5yearplan]

I think Vlatko, Moten and Emery have been in roles for a few years now, sattler who knows.

Here another one gone at Syd AFL too. Sam Graham went now Sam Chadwick

[Norris Lurker]

Roger Moten's been at the Giants on and off for years. A few years ago he'd left and was going to coach Wests, but then he ended up back at the Giants. Vlatko's been there for a couple of years.

[justabaraker]

Roger Moten's been at the Giants on and off for years. A few years ago he'd left and was going to coach Wests, but then he ended up back at the Giants. Vlatko's been there for a couple of years. Ah hah.....Norris is back - it must be footy season.

Bring it on !!

[twobob]

I think Vlatko, Moten and Emery have been in roles for a few years now, sattler who knows.

Here another one gone at Syd AFL too. Sam Graham went now Sam Chadwick

So are they taking their 5 year plans with them?

[justabaraker]

Spotted #2.
The familiar green headband of our leader Norris, at Robertson Oval Wagga on Saturday.
And how about those hot shades...!!!

[saviour01]

When do the fixtures normally come out?

[Norris Lurker]

Spotted #2.
The familiar green headband of our leader Norris, at Robertson Oval Wagga on Saturday.
And how about those hot shades...!!!
I do stand out LOL. And definitely needed those sunnies - it wasn't particularly hot, but the sun was blazing down.


When do the fixtures normally come out?
Should be any day now. I think they were waiting for a few clubs to confirm their numbers and how many teams they wanted to nominate. I've seen a draft draw for Mens & Womens Prems plus Mens Reserves & Under 19s Div 1; but I think they're waiting to finalise all the divisions.
Season will start the weekend 4-5 April, then taking a week off for Easter the following weekend.

[Tim Freedman]

Really enjoyed reading AFL Sydneys match review on the rep game played on the weekend. And the quarter by quarter updates on their social media account was much appreciated.

#bringbackgarry

[Jupiter]

Really enjoyed reading AFL Sydneys match review on the rep game played on the weekend. And the quarter by quarter updates on their social media account was much appreciated.

#bringbackgarry

Amen to that. Honestly, a team picture on social media and nothing else. I'm sure the clubs that had players playing received a report on their performance / areas to work on too.... hapless rudderless crew at Moore Park.

[Norris Lurker]

They just put some scores & photos up on Facebook.

[Blinkers28]

Head office management has proven to be very incompetent over the last few years. But don’t tell Dean Lee that, he can do no wrong.

Memo went to clubs to say the draw will be released today, yet unsurprisingly nothing. I anticipate the draw will be released in early May, so round 4 or 5.

[justabaraker]

Head office management has proven to be very incompetent over the last few years. But don’t tell Dean Lee that, he can do no wrong.

Memo went to clubs to say the draw will be released today, yet unsurprisingly nothing. I anticipate the draw will be released in early May, so round 4 or 5.
So right Blinkers. And l reckon that this comment comes out every year at about this time.
But, as we know, they ark up as the season gets rolling.
No...wait...no they don't.

[justabaraker]

Really enjoyed reading AFL Sydneys match review on the rep game played on the weekend. And the quarter by quarter updates on their social media account was much appreciated.

#bringbackgarry
Yes indeed Tim, and you would know more than most about Rep fixtures not being promoted very well.
Ahhh, I have fond memories of the coverage of matches against Canberra, Tassie and Melbourne ammo's.
No...wait...no I don't.

#garrywouldntcomebackanyway

[Steamboat]

Inner West Magpies St George Picken Oval
Manly Warringah Camden Weldon Oval
North Shore Sydney University Gore Hill Oval
Pennant Hills UTS Mike Kenny Oval
UNSW/ES East Coast Eagles Trumper Park

Above is Prems 1st round draw that i was given a month ago.

[Steamboat]

All games scheduled for 4/4 @ 14:20
Email was from Dean Lee and marked as Final season draw.
Not sure if lower divisions have been sorted.

[Tim Freedman]

Clearly, AFL Sydney is simply an after thought by those based in Moore Park.

[Jupiter]

Clearly, AFL Sydney is simply an after thought by those based in Moore Park.

But they don't run the Canberra Comp, they don't run the Academies, they don't run the NEAFL, how can one of the biggest community comps around be such a low priority, especially given quite a few key folks I know in the junior comps feel similar.

[bomber.]

Blinkers, want to have a case of Grange on North Shore finishing 6th or lower?

What about a 6 pack then Blinkers?

What about a few predictions and a few insights from everyone else. Footy's only 3 weeks away, so there must be a bit going on!!

[saviour01]

I went down to training for a run for the first time on Tuesday. Great numbers. Quinny and Ash doing a good job with prems and 19s.

Our former div 2 side will struggle imo after being forced to promote by sydney afl. Trying to make div 1 the back up prems comp despite div 2 having more prems clubs in it. There is a difference from playing penno/north shore/syd unis 4ths to the thirds and then throw in Campbeltown and Norwests firsts. Could be a long year.

St George will do better in prems with a fair few guys back plus some of those ressies blokes wanting to go back to first grade.

[mrns]

Does anybody know which teams are in which divisions for Mens 1-3?

[saviour01]

Yeh was posted on the website back in Jan

Men's Divisionalised Football - AFL Sydney (http://sydneyafl.com.au/divisionalised-football/)

Over a month before we were told we had to go up. When asked about it "oh no nothing is set yet". Shocked!

[mrns]

Yeh was posted on the website back in Jan

Men's Divisionalised Football - AFL Sydney (http://sydneyafl.com.au/divisionalised-football/)

Over a month before we were told we had to go up. When asked about it "oh no nothing is set yet". Shocked!

Shame they've done that, Div2 was close to being identical to premier division again like it was in 2018 before wests dropped out. Good to see they are back in division 3 at least.

[The Runner]

Will be interesting to see what level of leadership and communication comes from the league over the coming weeks. Will be surprising if we see the opening few rounds played.

[justabaraker]

Will be interesting to see what level of leadership and communication comes from the league over the coming weeks. Will be surprising if we see the opening few rounds played.We should be ok - only the first 500 will be able to get in the gate, but the rest will be able to watch on the big screen on the overflow lawn outside...provided they don't 'socialise' too closely.

[The Runner]

We should be ok - only the first 500 will be able to get in the gate, but the rest will be able to watch on the big screen on the overflow lawn outside...provided they don't 'socialise' too closely.

Yeah, funny guy.
Should clubs be training this week? Social distancing seems counter to footy training.

[Jupiter]

Yeah, funny guy.
Should clubs be training this week? Social distancing seems counter to footy training.

I noticed NEAFL and other state leagues suspended yesterday and I see on their site Home - Sydney University Australian National Football Club : Sydney University Australian National Football Club (www.suanfc.com) Sydney Uni cancelled all activities yesterday across all grades mens, women, youth. Hard to imagine they will be out on their own for long.

[Norris Lurker]

Sydney Uni No 1 was always going to be problematic because there's a quarantine centre on campus and a lot of overseas students wander past. With the grounds out in the suburbs, it's not such an issue.
At this stage they're intending to go ahead; and most clubs are still training. But the way things are going, it seems inevitable it's going to get shut down. I'm not expecting we'll get on the field for round 1, and maybe not at all this season.

[Blinkers28]

At this point, comp to start in early May, from what I’ve heard. Wouldn’t be surprised if it’s cancelled altogether.

[The Runner]

At this point, comp to start in early May, from what I’ve heard. Wouldn’t be surprised if it’s cancelled altogether.

Weird that the social comp would start earlier than the state leagues are nationally.

[Tim Freedman]

AFL Sydney have really been on the front foot with their communication re COVID-19 and showing great leadership once again. :adore

Maybe they were ahead of the curve and their communications / media division self isolated for the last few seasons.

[The Runner]

Rugby league postponing all levels (down to Under 6) until June.
If the AFL follows, which one can assume, would a 10 round season be worth entering?

[Jupiter]

Sydney Uni No 1 was always going to be problematic because there's a quarantine centre on campus and a lot of overseas students wander past. With the grounds out in the suburbs, it's not such an issue.
At this stage they're intending to go ahead; and most clubs are still training. But the way things are going, it seems inevitable it's going to get shut down. I'm not expecting we'll get on the field for round 1, and maybe not at all this season.

There it is folks, suspended until 31 May - following the state league decisions albeit slowly and rudderlessly. Nothing to do with who walks past the ovals Norris old mate, stick to footy analysis chief ; ) See AFL Sydney facebook site.

[Pmcc2911]

When Head Office were asked if the season could start on 31st May, when would the clubs be allowed to start training. The answer “ I don’t know”.
When asked what sort relief the clubs may get with affiliation fees, the answer “ I don’t know”.

[tara]

When Head Office were asked if the season could start on 31st May, when would the clubs be allowed to start training. The answer “ I don’t know”.
When asked what sort relief the clubs may get with affiliation fees, the answer “ I don’t know”.

Te be fair no one really knows what the hell is going on.

I have a young bloke who is part of my team at work who was getting wedding photos done in January before he returned for the official wedding in China who had to cancel photos due the bush fires, then his wedding got cancelled in China a day before due to restrictions on gatherings and now he is stuck with an expired Visa (4 days ago) in limbo. Before anyone suggests I should employ Australians I would but no one likes being an accountant in Western Sydney plus the kid has been here for years and is the process of getting his citizenship and is a bloody good worker. He is one example of someone blindslided completely by this situation.

Im happy to bag the AFL out about the state of juniors and Sydney AFL in general but in this instance I suspect the delays in communicating is due to their genuine efforts in trying to get our season underway. Their lack of answers shouldnt surprise given the lack of direction our Government is providing - we are all in limbo.

Maybe rather than be critical we should be patient and throw them a bit of support for at least trying to give us the opportunity to play.

[andreww1]

Te be fair no one really knows what the hell is going on.

I have a young bloke who is part of my team at work who was getting wedding photos done in January before he returned for the official wedding in China who had to cancel photos due the bush fires, then his wedding got cancelled in China a day before due to restrictions on gatherings and now he is stuck with an expired Visa (4 days ago) in limbo. Before anyone suggests I should employ Australians I would but no one likes being an accountant in Western Sydney plus the kid has been here for years and is the process of getting his citizenship and is a bloody good worker. He is one example of someone blindslided completely by this situation.

Im happy to bag the AFL out about the state of juniors and Sydney AFL in general but in this instance I suspect the delays in communicating is due to their genuine efforts in trying to get our season underway. Their lack of answers shouldnt surprise given the lack of direction our Government is providing - we are all in limbo.

Maybe rather than be critical we should be patient and throw them a bit of support for at least trying to give us the opportunity to play.

Well said Tara. This is a unique situation with so many unknown variables. No one has all the answers. It is easy to criticise sitting on the outside without really knowing the constraints of the situation.


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[Pmcc2911]

These guys are Professional sports administrators with arguably Australia’s most well run sport, we should expect better.
Something like “we are looking at couple of options including x,y and z” would have been an appropriate response.

[saviour01]

Didnt the minister come out saying community sport could still go ahead? My cricket is still on this weekend.

[andreww1]

Didnt the minister come out saying community sport could still go ahead? My cricket is still on this weekend.

No he didn’t. Are you still getting your official notifications from social media?
Now who would you trust more for accurate health information? The AFL or a local suburban cricket comp? Tough choice eh Tommy?


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[andreww1]

These guys are Professional sports administrators with arguably Australia’s most well run sport, we should expect better.
Something like “we are looking at couple of options including x,y and z” would have been an appropriate response.

I can give you options.
Start training? - 21st May, not this year, sometime after 21st May.
Affiliation fee support? - never, half back, all of it back.
It all comes down to when the C-virus is under control. The federal govt and WHO don’t know when that will be so why would you expect a few local sports administrators to know?


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[Pmcc2911]

I am not expecting the locals administrators to know when the virus will be under control, I do expect them to have some idea of options available.
The ones you have mentioned are resonable , why wouldn't head office say we are considering these measures.

[saviour01]

No he didn’t. Are you still getting your official notifications from social media?
Now who would you trust more for accurate health information? The AFL or a local suburban cricket comp? Tough choice eh Tommy?


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Coronavirus cancels kids sport but not because the government said so - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-18/coronavirus-cancels-kids-sport-but-not-because-of-government/12066004)

It took until Wednesday afternoon for the Federal Government to issue any guidelines, which say community, school and junior sport can continue.

I'd trust the ABC over the AFL media dept.

[andreww1]

Coronavirus cancels kids sport but not because the government said so - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-18/coronavirus-cancels-kids-sport-but-not-because-of-government/12066004)

It took until Wednesday afternoon for the Federal Government to issue any guidelines, which say community, school and junior sport can continue.

I'd trust the ABC over the AFL media dept.

So despite the conflicting advise you are still prepared to play cricket this weekend? Especially as a teacher coming in contact with dozens of kids every day?
I know most of the time you post on this site just to stir people and get a response, and I’m so board socially isolating that I’m responding to your and other people’s posts, but mate time to think again.


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[saviour01]

Which conflicting advice?

The govt guidelines literally said it is ok. Just as they said it's ok for 30 kids to be in my 7x7 room despite their new rules on needing 4m2 per person.

ABC and government over the AFL media department for my info.

[andreww1]

Which conflicting advice?

The govt guidelines literally said it is ok. Just as they said it's ok for 30 kids to be in my 7x7 room despite their new rules on needing 4m2 per person.

ABC and government over the AFL media department for my info.

I’m glad that you do everything the government always tells you to do. [emoji23]


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[Clubman]

Now it's time to calm down men. I'm just a mug who works 9 to 5 and enjoys my footy on the weekends and now that's gone.
The world is in a mess right now and this is not a movie it's real and their will be a bright light at the end of this.

Best now we all look after our families and help others to get thru this.

When the footy is back i'm sure some clubs will need our help as well.


Good luck stay safe. :encouragement:

[Pmcc2911]

Here is my forecast:
Start training 1st June
Start playing 3rd July with half season draw.

[Blinkers28]

Footy won’t return for 2020.

[saviour01]

Yeh I reckon we will be out all year.

Despite 5/6 state governments saying golf was ok 3 weeks ago, Golf Australia still maintained it wasn't safe to play and only changed their position on it yesterday after "observing safe measures in 5 states and 1 territory over the past 3 weeks". Sports admin will be really conservative because they don't want to be the one making the decision to play if something goes wrong.

NRL back at the end of May with players in isolation plus constant testing to see if the contract the virus. Local sport wont have any of these measures. Plus you need to give everyone at least a months notice you will return.

It will be cancelled for the whole year.

School Sport Australia has already cancelled everything for 2020. Pretty sure NSWRL cancelled all their reserve grade and junior rep competitions for the year.

[Pmcc2911]

NSW junior rugby league is looking to start training 1st July with playing to start mid July

[Jupiter]

NSW junior rugby league is looking to start training 1st July with playing to start mid July

If any AFL Sydney footy is played it will be a very short "season" you'd have to think - maybe pre-season carnival style (maybe even AFL 9s or something) just to have some fun July/August-Sept. Despite a bit of justified optimism buzzing around currently the reality is its pretty impossible to social distance a full contact game involving 44 players + umps, coaches etc (please lets not use Rugby League admin as a guide to anything).

[Pmcc2911]

The QRU have announced community rugby training to commence on June 1 with matches resuming on July 1. There is hope for us yet.

[justabaraker]

I wish we could have been at Picken today for the traditional Wests v Penno Anzac Day fixture...I'm missing that. Perfect day for the ceremony followed by a Magpie Burger.

[Tom Wills]

Any thoughts (inside information) on if and when there will be a return to community footy this year?

[Norris Lurker]

Probably still several weeks from training and a bit longer till we get a game day in. But looking more likely that it will happen this year.

[Clubman]

If they ever got on the park it will be a lopsided competition.
Swans & GWS to pull out of the NEAFL.

[5yearplan]

all afl clubs out of Neafl, should be dommed, they cant be sending state teams to qld and back and spending money when they letting staff off left right and centre

[andreww1]

If they ever got on the park it will be a lopsided competition.
Swans & GWS to pull out of the NEAFL.

It will be interesting to see what they do with those Swans and Giants players that don’t get an AFL game if NEAFL is not going.


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[Norris Lurker]

Without the AFL reserves, who knows how the NEAFL plays in 2020. The AFL's not going to pay for Sydney Uni, Eastlake and Queensland teams to fly around; plus would NEAFL players get an exemption to Queensland's closed borders.

And if there's no NEAFL, the knock-on effect to our league would be significant.

[felix]

Without the AFL reserves, who knows how the NEAFL plays in 2020. The AFL's not going to pay for Sydney Uni, Eastlake and Queensland teams to fly around; plus would NEAFL players get an exemption to Queensland's closed borders.

And if there's no NEAFL, the knock-on effect to our league would be significant.

Certainly a lot of questions still to be answered before we can see any community football in 2020.
If football does get the go ahead will spectators be allowed to attend?

[Blinkers28]

Certainly a lot of questions still to be answered before we can see any community football in 2020.
If football does get the go ahead will spectators be allowed to attend?

Lots of questions to be answered, that I don’t think will be able to be answered in time for a meaningful season in 2020 to occur.

Write off the year and come back November for 2021.

[Norris Lurker]

Certainly a lot of questions still to be answered before we can see any community football in 2020.
If football does get the go ahead will spectators be allowed to attend?
At the grounds we play on, it wouldn't be possible to stop them.

[bomber.]

No NEAFL would give Sydney Uni a pretty strong team - although they might struggle with the points.

[andreww1]

No NEAFL would give Sydney Uni a pretty strong team - although they might struggle with the points.

Thank goodness for the points system!


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[5yearplan]

What’s this space after tomorrow night, agenda point on points. I think they will come up with usual line “we have determined”

[5yearplan]

Early points.....

We have determined AFL agenda pushed on clubs..... no surprise here

Pushing for a half season.

Pushing for clubs to pay fees for 65% affiliation fees for 50% of a season

Umpires want full pay, no concessions

Syd Uni was comical, but suspect more so with NEAfL push backs

Usual agenda set up where it is about engaging but we are doing as we please.

Is a season viable? Are clubs better off working together to raise funds and focus on 2021?

My thoughts are a season where clubs stand now they will be worse with AFLs proposal

No doubt thousands ... maybe. 10 opinions but something doesn’t sit right.

[tara]

Early points.....

We have determined AFL agenda pushed on clubs..... no surprise here

Pushing for a half season.

Pushing for clubs to pay fees for 65% affiliation fees for 50% of a season

Umpires want full pay, no concessions

Syd Uni was comical, but suspect more so with NEAfL push backs

Usual agenda set up where it is about engaging but we are doing as we please.

Is a season viable? Are clubs better off working together to raise funds and focus on 2021?

My thoughts are a season where clubs stand now they will be worse with AFLs proposal

No doubt thousands ... maybe. 10 opinions but something doesn’t sit right.

The silence from Sydney AFL is actually deafening. Where did you get 65% of fees figure from. If the AFL was serious about a resumption of local football the would waive the fees.

A resumption will send large numbers of clubs broke across the country.

How many clubs rely on pubs, clubs and small businesses for sponsorship that will now see little or none of their pledged money due to the financial downturn associated with the virus?

We have lost one major sponsor that has gone into receivership due to the effects on the financial markets.

How much lost revenue will clubs face due to restrictions around canteens and bars that we will likely face?

How will clubs main social distancing in the change rooms?

What extra measures surrounding cleaning will be required and what will the costings of compliance come in at?

Has NSW Sport and Rec agreed to make a directive around start and finish dates for winter and summer sports to ensure that grounds will be available?

The list of questions is never ending.

[saviour01]

Picture doing the rounds of Football NSW saying they can go back to training. Cronulla JRL put out a statement saying they don't have anything yet.

Can understand umps wanting to be paid for the games they umpire.

[Tom Wills]

Any updates from those in the know

* With training now allowed what date will we start back
* Any major changes other than a shorter season
* Will there be a modified NEAFL season
* Will a shorter season benefits some clubs more than others - ie will UTS get their interstate players (who are often here for work) to commit for 9 games and be OK

Any updates fromr the Sydney footy landscape would be appreciated.

[Blinkers28]

“Round 1” to be 19th July with a 9 or 10 round season.

[andreww1]

Any updates from those in the know

* With training now allowed what date will we start back
* Any major changes other than a shorter season
* Will there be a modified NEAFL season
* Will a shorter season benefits some clubs more than others - ie will UTS get their interstate players (who are often here for work) to commit for 9 games and be OK

Any updates fromr the Sydney footy landscape would be appreciated.

NEAFL season won’t be going ahead so discussions are around how do you equitably distribute NEAFL players back in to community football within a PPS structure.


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[5yearplan]

Any updates from those in the know

* With training now allowed what date will we start back
* Any major changes other than a shorter season
* Will there be a modified NEAFL season
* Will a shorter season benefits some clubs more than others - ie will UTS get their interstate players (who are often here for work) to commit for 9 games and be OK

Any updates fromr the Sydney footy landscape would be appreciated.

Start date they are still working on, and I have heard not all clubs think it is viable there could be some issues whether clubs think it is wise to commit, they league will be charging more per game for a shorter season than a regular season.

No other major changes noted, but issues could be no club canteens, no showering, crowds limited. Umpires are still paid full freight.

Talk is NEAFL gone, aligned players are aligned so would be back at their clubs, remainder will no doubt be fought over between everyone. Talk was someone threw toys out of the cot during the last president meeting about it when it was raised.

Shorter season will benefit league , I think it will impact clubs more than if no official season was held. No season doesnt mean clubs cant work together to still play fundraise minus the massive league and umpiring costs.

I think comms still up in the air, nothing is in concrete, NEAFL everyone sayings its dead but nothing confirmed.

Still a lot of interesting times ahead i think

[Tom Wills]

Thanks 5 year - though have to say that at this point in time we need a Peter V'landys as the leader - make a plan and then we work to it (a date). The lack of anything concrete, IMO, is making the AFL look second rate compared to the NRL.

Who would have thought the 3 months ago we could be stating the NRL has better leadership than the AFL !!!!

[tara]

Thanks 5 year - though have to say that at this point in time we need a Peter V'landys as the leader - make a plan and then we work to it (a date). The lack of anything concrete, IMO, is making the AFL look second rate compared to the NRL.

Who would have thought the 3 months ago we could be stating the NRL has better leadership than the AFL !!!!

Less people on the field - less state restrictions to worry about. They had to push ahead regardless given their TV revenue was in doubt - Its not like crowd and memberships revenue was going to save them But I do agree the AFL did appear to be handling it poorly in terms of communicating their plans.

[saviour01]

Shorter season will benefit league , I think it will impact clubs more than if no official season was held. No season doesnt mean clubs cant work together to still play fundraise minus the massive league and umpiring costs.


100%

Will clubs still be able to run with no canteen, limited (if any) club functions, potential loss of sponsors. A number of clubs have already gone bust or had to get big loans in previous years, how do they go with similar costs and less revenue? I know of a couple of soccer clubs pushing for just a write off of the 2020 season or even some gala day type events rather than the proposed 9 round no finals season.

Does the Sydney AFL remove some of the rules around needing 2 physios for prems etc? Will there be an increase in injuries with limited training time in the lead up?

Should Sydney AFL cost cut at head office to reduce the costs passed onto clubs. I know they stood down staff originally but surely they are back on jobkeeper.

[Blinkers28]

EFL and NFL in Melbourne have cancelled their seasons, and they are two of the bigger comps down there.

Wouldn’t be surprised if AFL Sydney do the same.

[andreww1]

EFL and NFL in Melbourne have cancelled their seasons, and they are two of the bigger comps down there.

Wouldn’t be surprised if AFL Sydney do the same.

I hope not as it would be a big setback to AFL in Sydney if that happened.
In Melb AFL is the dominant winter sport so it will get back on its feet relatively quickly.
In Sydney AFL is #3 in the winter sports market and is still trying to establish itself at a community level so the work to recover would be much tougher.


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[Pmcc2911]

Get the feeling NSW head office are looking for an excuse to call off the season.
Tiffany the acting CEO was on the news tonight saying they are look for a “traditional “season, what ever that means starting in August.
An August start will be too late.

[Jupiter]

Get the feeling NSW head office are looking for an excuse to call off the season.
Tiffany the acting CEO was on the news tonight saying they are look for a “traditional “season, what ever that means starting in August.
An August start will be too late.

Very disappointing. The rhetoric on the importance of building the code in NSW at grassroots level is being revealed as a low business (i.e. financial) priority it seems. Those with the reins for our region are weak advocates it seems and/or the AFL is run much more poorly and less sustainably than I ever would have imagined. Maybe when a date is given by government the clubs can get together and organise some sort of lower cost short comp and simply contract in some resourcing like umpires (they have the grounds, the players and the volunteers after all). It would not make much sense to fork out affiliation fees at the levels they are tapped, even pro-rata. Clubs care for members who want to play, AFL is big business dealing with their big issues, not community.

[Pmcc2911]

Sorry misquoted above, the commentary said AFL hope to be playing “by” August.

[5yearplan]

Strong rumour

9th June more major community leagues to announce done and off for 2020

10th June meetings between clubs

One thing for sure the discussion between league, clubs and stakeholders been poor.

If there is no season I am confident there will be football just won’t be in the form of a official competition

I think by the end of next week there will be some concrete answers one way or the other

A August season is late, the discussion from the league about fees and costs hasn’t been explored right, clubs I have heard now don’t have near the same numbers and team nominations will vary from original submissions

Fingers crossed some clarity soon

[Tim Freedman]

I hope not as it would be a big setback to AFL in Sydney if that happened.
In Melb AFL is the dominant winter sport so it will get back on its feet relatively quickly.
In Sydney AFL is #3 in the winter sports market and is still trying to establish itself at a community level so the work to recover would be much tougher.

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Andrew, unsure of your history in Sydney AFL so won't comment on your level of optimism. However, I've been in and around Sydney AFL at the senior level for over 15 years and I can tell you that if we haven't established AFL at the community level by now in Sydney, then we never will.

In fact, in my view it has gone backwards at a rate of knots since Gary Burkinshaw left and we now have very poor, disinterested leaders in this competition and they could not give a stuff about the clubs. All you need to do is look at the complete lack of media for the last few years to prove my point. The State office have absolutely no idea what they are doing and where they should take this competition.

[Tim Freedman]

Strong rumour

9th June more major community leagues to announce done and off for 2020

10th June meetings between clubs

One thing for sure the discussion between league, clubs and stakeholders been poor.

If there is no season I am confident there will be football just won’t be in the form of a official competition

I think by the end of next week there will be some concrete answers one way or the other

A August season is late, the discussion from the league about fees and costs hasn’t been explored right, clubs I have heard now don’t have near the same numbers and team nominations will vary from original submissions

Fingers crossed some clarity soon

I really can't see how they can get a season going and more importantly how the clubs will be able to afford running teams. Without things such as canteen sales, beer sales, fundraisers etc, who the hell is going to pay for the things needed to put a team on the park every week. Physios, tape, footballs, new water bottles per player and everything else that is going to be put in place due to COVID. The list goes on. It costs a @@@@e load of money to put teams on the paddock week in and week out.

Sponsors are not going to front up with the same money they would normally donate for a regular season. In fact, I would suggest that it will be harder and harder to maintain sponsors with so many companies impacted by COVID. Players are also not going to want to pay full freight in playing fees or some sort of small discount.

There is zero chance cricket will delay their seasons to help out AFL in Sydney so if it was an August start what is the point.

I love footy more than most, but I would suggest canning it for 2020.

[andreww1]

I really can't see how they can get a season going and more importantly how the clubs will be able to afford running teams. Without things such as canteen sales, beer sales, fundraisers etc, who the hell is going to pay for the things needed to put a team on the park every week. Physios, tape, footballs, new water bottles per player and everything else that is going to be put in place due to COVID. The list goes on. It costs a @@@@e load of money to put teams on the paddock week in and week out.

Sponsors are not going to front up with the same money they would normally donate for a regular season. In fact, I would suggest that it will be harder and harder to maintain sponsors with so many companies impacted by COVID. Players are also not going to want to pay full freight in playing fees or some sort of small discount.

There is zero chance cricket will delay their seasons to help out AFL in Sydney so if it was an August start what is the point.

I love footy more than most, but I would suggest canning it for 2020.

Tim, cricket has already agreed to delay their season.
Presidents meeting this week will revel all the details of return to play. Return to training has already started.


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[bomber.]

We have a date and a season setup.
17th of July, 9 home and and away rounds and a full finals series.
Finish will be mid October.
Subject to final NSW govt approval, but that’s a legitimate season and worth having a crack at!!
Time to stop the whingeing and have a go.

[justabaraker]

We have a date and a season setup.
17th of July, 9 home and and away rounds and a full finals series.
Finish will be mid October.
Subject to final NSW govt approval, but that’s a legitimate season and worth having a crack at!!
Time to stop the whingeing and have a go.

Great to hear Bomber - we can only hope the good news keeps on coming now.
But, hey, wouldn't have been nice to hear this from AFL Sydney GHQ, instead of from a supporter !

[bomber.]

Great to hear Bomber - we can only hope the good news keeps on coming now.
But, hey, wouldn't have been nice to hear this from AFL Sydney GHQ, instead of from a supporter !

True, but with the way the world is at the moment, I’ll take my good news however I can get it!!

[andreww1]

Great to hear Bomber - we can only hope the good news keeps on coming now.
But, hey, wouldn't have been nice to hear this from AFL Sydney GHQ, instead of from a supporter !

The club presidents were all informed a couple of weeks ago and given AFL NSW is down to a couple of staff members I’d give them a break.
Our President has let all players and officials know, why not yours?


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[tara]

The club presidents were all informed a couple of weeks ago and given AFL NSW is down to a couple of staff members I’d give them a break.
Our President has let all players and officials know, why not yours?


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Andrew we were only given an indication of start dates - mid july being the most likely/preferable. Some of the information i heard in the platinum meeting was inline with what id heard about the prems meeting but at the same time it appeared to be catered for separately.

[andreww1]

Andrew we were only given an indication of start dates - mid july being the most likely/preferable. Some of the information i heard in the platinum meeting was inline with what id heard about the prems meeting but at the same time it appeared to be catered for separately.

Yes I agree which is another reason the AFL have not gone public with return to play dates, especially with other leagues around Australia calling it quits for the year.


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[Norris Lurker]

NEAFL is officially off - we knew it was coming, now it's confirmed.
Has quite a knock-on effect to our comp; especially for Sydney Uni, but for other clubs as well.

[Tom Wills]

Any local footy news out there? Are all teams on board for the restart date of July 18?
Lots of talk on the QAFL site that the demise of the NEAFL will be good for the local comp with the standard being lifting the highest level in a decade. Do we agree with this in Sydney.
Come on any news on whats happening around the clubs would be good to hear.

[5yearplan]

last i have heard Syd uni has Tom Morrison now as head coach and all aligned players are targeted to stay at Sydney uni

[saviour01]

Hear wests have been recruiting reality tv 'stars'.

[5yearplan]

Which one they get? Few others have them too.... stand out will be unsw one... and who he brings with him

[Tom Wills]

Which one they get? Few others have them too.... stand out will be unsw one... and who he brings with him

Please for us not in the know..who are these players?

[Pmcc2911]

Any local footy news out there? Are all teams on board for the restart date of July 18?
Lots of talk on the QAFL site that the demise of the NEAFL will be good for the local comp with the standard being lifting the highest level in a decade. Do we agree with this in Sydney.
Come on any news on whats happening around the clubs would be good to hear.
I agree that with the ex NEAFL players returning to their aligned clubs you are going to see a big jump in the quality of Sydney footy.
Unfortunately this also may see a widening of the gap between the top clubs and the bottom clubs.

[5yearplan]

One I know is only Michael Brunelli for unsw, MAFS claim missus Martha posting all the time so game time will be good promotion

Unsure on west’s reality people

- - - Updated - - -

I have heard a lot of aligned being targeted by Syd Uni to keep them still. Will be interesting if this so called points system has any impact.

What gets said from Syd Uni to what occurs can be different.

3 weeks to go we will soon find out.

[saviour01]

Wests is also from mafs.

[5yearplan]

Big seb? He big body if it is him

[Nuttsy]

I hear that Blacktown will only have a Senior side in the Platinum Division, no reserves? Wasn't that a prerequisite for competing in that division?

[5yearplan]

There are rules for all competitions Prems and Reserves, one would hope the Syd AFL would work out this season isnt like a normal season I would dare think all clubs will see a reduction in teams, those that dont will be a minority.

Clubs should be encouraged to do what they can not have a rule book thrown at them as this season has been changed through no fault of their own.

[Blinkers28]

I hear that Blacktown will only have a Senior side in the Platinum Division, no reserves? Wasn't that a prerequisite for competing in that division?

They are struggling for numbers, so you’re right. Same with Parramatta, shame for both clubs as there’s good people there.

Rumour is that the AFL are pushing for 16-per-side games, with 4 on the bench. That in theory helps alleviate this problem, as well as social distancing requirements.

[The Runner]

If there's two teams with 1 team in the Platinum comp, wouldn't you just move them both to the Division 1 comp and have no byes in either comps?

16 a side is interesting. Shorter quarters too? Will be a much more open and fast game, with limited prep, so would probably benefit all grades.

[Blinkers28]

Platinum can’t have a 6 team competition, not viable. If both those clubs are moved out, AFL would have to bring in Campbelltown and Norwest. Can’t see that happening though.

[The Runner]

Platinum can’t have a 6 team competition, not viable. If both those clubs are moved out, AFL would have to bring in Campbelltown and Norwest. Can’t see that happening though.

Is there too much integrity in a 9 game season to only do it with 6 teams?
Platinum isn't a sustainable model. Half of the clubs there have no real juniors feeding through. It's a gradual consolidation back towards the Prems clubs.

[tara]

Is there too much integrity in a 9 game season to only do it with 6 teams?
Platinum isn't a sustainable model. Half of the clubs there have no real juniors feeding through. It's a gradual consolidation back towards the Prems clubs.

Maybe if the AFL stopped pandering to Premier Division clubs and wrecking the junior comps we wouldnt be in the situation we are now and platinum would be a strong comp. The academies and bull@@@@ promises by PD clubs to junior players see most of those kids disillusioned and out of the game by the time their 21. AFL in Sydney should be booming with the expansion of the game but its is a worse state that it was 30 years ago when the Swans were a basket case.

[Pekay]

Magic down to one team - good. Self serving test tube football club, I hope they fold eventually.

[andreww1]

Magic down to one team - good. Self serving test tube football club, I hope they fold eventually.

Very disappointed in this opinion. We all compete for players from soccer and league and other recreational pursuits, and in these times all club survival is tough. Let’s not start eating our own.


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[Pekay]

Very disappointed in this opinion. We all compete for players from soccer and league and other recreational pursuits, and in these times all club survival is tough. Let’s not start eating our own.


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I stand by it. Lucky we live in Australia, where differing opinions are your own business!

They were dropped on the landscape without any consultation with local clubs, and filled with development officers which is a handy recruiting tool in itself, not to mention getting access to the best facilities in Sydney. If they drop off completely, I won't lose sleep.

[5yearplan]

Nice rotational plan for Syd uni prems with neafl squad planned apparently. Great way for integrity of the comp.

I’m wondering is there any funds from afl for neafl program now being used to advantage of every other Sydney AFL club

[Tom Wills]

I stand by it. Lucky we live in Australia, where differing opinions are your own business! .

Ha PK - time for you to pull the boots on again. Too many angry pills that you need to release.

[justabaraker]

Nah...I reckon he's funny when he's angry.
So's my wife, but I wouldn't write that if she could read this !

11 days to go - bring it on !

[ShortHalfHead]

Magic down to one team - good. Self serving test tube football club, I hope they fold eventually.
Didn't realise that Hillsong was still in lockdown.

[Blinkers28]

Confirmed tonight that Blacktown will only field 1 team in Platinum Seniors. Platinum Reserves will continue with 7 teams so therefore a bye. Have no idea how that gets through.

[ShortHalfHead]

Confirmed tonight that Blacktown will only field 1 team in Platinum Seniors. Platinum Reserves will continue with 7 teams so therefore a bye. Have no idea how that gets through.

Guessing they will still be well looked after. I would say 5 home games and 4 away and playing the lower ranked teams twice

[Pekay]

I've been stretching since I finished playing. Still tight in the hips!

[Junior]

Been a long time since I've posted on this forum, still keep an eye on it from time to time though.

My question for all you gurus out there, how can this weekend's matches conceivably go ahead with hotspots popping up all over Sydney? I see the Magpies HQ in Croyden Park had a confirmed case last friday night, let's hope there was no team meeting that night.

Confirmed cases in public spaces in Campbelltown, Milperra, Caringbah, Parramatta, all within a few drop punts of Sydney AFL clubs, among other sites.

Is it at the point where it's irresponsible to put hundreds of men and women in close contact with others from all over Sydney this weekend?

[Norris Lurker]

Unless there's any official government advice not to play, I don't think we're at that point. I haven't heard any suggestion that there's any cancellation of community sport being considered.

[The Runner]

If players or coaches need to travel interstate at any time in the next few weeks, they probably can't play in the hotspot areas yeah?

[saviour01]

My position is you follow government advice on how far you push it. But if you want to be more cautious then you can choose to do so. i.e. if you don't think it's safe, don't play. But if the health advice is it's ok, then you can.

Someone who was a confirmed case going for a meal at Caringbah a week ago shouldn't rule out anyone playing at Sutherland.

Soccer has been going for a couple of weeks now with no issues.

[Clubman]

Has anyone have inside into the Points System if any in Prems this year.

[saviour01]

https://aflnswact.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/AFL-SYDNEY-PREMIER-DIVISION-MEN%E2%80%99S-PLAYER-POINTS-SYSTEM-POLICY.pdf

This 2019 document says 50 points per club but Camden, UTS and Wests would get 52 points. Can't find an updated one for 2020. Think they have dropped it to 44 this year instead of 50.

[tara]

No footy at Rosedale this weekend as Magic have decided not to play

[saviour01]

Fixtures up.

Penno 30/44
Syd Uni 41/44
North Shore 33/44
Manly 23/44
St George 22/44
Camden 37/52
Wests 39/49
ECE 28/44
UNSW 33/44

UTS team not named.

[Pekay]

Special treatment for the test tube club again.

[saviour01]

UTS 49/52

- - - Updated - - -

Hows Ed Lower only a 1 point player?

[Steamboat]

Seems the health authorities got it wrong, not Wests AFL but Wests leagues, apology apparently on its way.

[water boy]

Piss weak from Blacktown kick them out.

[The Runner]

Piss weak from Blacktown kick them out.

Interesting take

[5yearplan]

UTS 49/52

- - - Updated - - -

Hows Ed Lower only a 1 point player?


Very interesting, but its typical, some clubs are rewarded for not having junior pathway's, wests and UTS seem to actively recruit external big numbers each season and then challenge points system. Ed Lower should no way be a one pointer. But being on maximum points you can read what has occurred, the "league has determined" to assist them no doubt.

Im also hearing similar stories on Women Prems with some clubs who agreed to the rules set out now wish to challenge it, the Womens Prems sees a lot of movement between clubs, the players need to realise by not being loyal makes it harder for them, if they stayed loyal their points reduce. This will be a interest test for the league

[5yearplan]

2020 very close some thoughts and only a view point from myself for the season for both mens and Womens.

Mens:
UNSW: will be very strong yet again, great depth in the club and the NEAFL home grown talent most went back except for a couple who were enticed by Syd Uni to remain there. Strong list regardless
UTS: new coach and recruited heavily as per usual, will be max points and given usual dispensation of more points than most clubs. Will be a improver for this season, but 2021 who knows what their list would be
Syd Uni: NEAFL says enough along with there list they had
North Shore: lost a few but gains just the same and mostly if not al home grown talent, expect to be stronger than previous seasons.
ECE: Lost a couple due to playing issues COVID, few returning NEAFL and juniors stepping up, new coach as well expect to improve on last season.
Penno: Usual home grown solid talent, few handy ins and a stronger outfit
Wests: Usual story a recruitment drive of talent, some handy talent too but will it build the culture they are looking for, 19's they have 14 playing today already.
Camden: New coach and team seems to be close to the same, building a good base but will take some time.
Manly: Lost a few, but havent seemed to be to active neither, will be hard at Weldon but dont expect to be much of a change
St George: Juniors becoming stronger senior players, low on points some small recruitment, always a tough game against them


Womens:

UNSW: Been smashed on transfer outs, with a truck load to wests, their junior base now gets a chance to mould in, will be tough year but a well run club
Bombers: New to prems, recruited very strongly, mostly if not all home grown too or coming home, big thing they will retain good culture
ECE: few out and a few in, same core there which should see them be consistent and building on second year in prems
Penno: New to prems, solid club base of numbers will jump up and be competitive, a club which historically retains talent.
Mac uni: Some big outs, will struggle compared to last year but they wont be easy beats
Wests: could be called the bulldogs or breakways, they have 30 ins of external talent. Whinging about points cap. no wonder why
Power: same base minimal change, same base means talent will build and grow
UTS: fair few outs , I think will struggle this year
Syd Uni: some key outs, likely to fall down a bit
Manly: Promoted and heavily recruiting, points will be issue but recruited some handy ins.

Anyway just some thoughts and observations, least this stage there is a season, now the real fun and games begin

[saviour01]

Pekay, what's going on at Nor West? Down to 1 team this year, handful of supporters and water runners but no one able to umpire.

[Blinkers28]

2020 very close some thoughts and only a view point from myself for the season for both mens and Womens.

Mens:
UNSW: will be very strong yet again, great depth in the club and the NEAFL home grown talent most went back except for a couple who were enticed by Syd Uni to remain there. Strong list regardless
UTS: new coach and recruited heavily as per usual, will be max points and given usual dispensation of more points than most clubs. Will be a improver for this season, but 2021 who knows what their list would be
Syd Uni: NEAFL says enough along with there list they had
North Shore: lost a few but gains just the same and mostly if not al home grown talent, expect to be stronger than previous seasons.
ECE: Lost a couple due to playing issues COVID, few returning NEAFL and juniors stepping up, new coach as well expect to improve on last season.
Penno: Usual home grown solid talent, few handy ins and a stronger outfit
Wests: Usual story a recruitment drive of talent, some handy talent too but will it build the culture they are looking for, 19's they have 14 playing today already.
Camden: New coach and team seems to be close to the same, building a good base but will take some time.
Manly: Lost a few, but havent seemed to be to active neither, will be hard at Weldon but dont expect to be much of a change
St George: Juniors becoming stronger senior players, low on points some small recruitment, always a tough game against them


Womens:

UNSW: Been smashed on transfer outs, with a truck load to wests, their junior base now gets a chance to mould in, will be tough year but a well run club
Bombers: New to prems, recruited very strongly, mostly if not all home grown too or coming home, big thing they will retain good culture
ECE: few out and a few in, same core there which should see them be consistent and building on second year in prems
Penno: New to prems, solid club base of numbers will jump up and be competitive, a club which historically retains talent.
Mac uni: Some big outs, will struggle compared to last year but they wont be easy beats
Wests: could be called the bulldogs or breakways, they have 30 ins of external talent. Whinging about points cap. no wonder why
Power: same base minimal change, same base means talent will build and grow
UTS: fair few outs , I think will struggle this year
Syd Uni: some key outs, likely to fall down a bit
Manly: Promoted and heavily recruiting, points will be issue but recruited some handy ins.

Anyway just some thoughts and observations, least this stage there is a season, now the real fun and games begin

Good summary there.

My view on the Platinum Division competition:

Power: Have gone from strength to strength over the off season, with some serious depth now. Seniors look to have maintained the vast majority of the premiership squad, with some quality SA players coming in. A club to watch over the next few years.

Penrith: Will be contending again in both grades, being a strong club with a level of consistency. Haven't seen any recruits come in to suggest a vast improvement, but they won the 2018 competition, so can't be discounted.

Mac Uni: Much like Penrith, should contend in both grades. No third grade team this year, so depth may be a concern.

South West: My view should be the big improvers, given the recruitment that has gone on. The club deserves success, so if they could get a 4th spot in either Seniors or Reserves that would be a great year for them.

Balmain: New coach in, so will be a fresh air of optimism. Have a very solid midfield in Seniors, but nothing else suggests they'll be a contender.

Parramatta: Relatively low turnover of players should mean that their quality should improve. Have proven to push all clubs, so could spring a surprise or two.

Randwick: First year in Platinum Division, with a Seniors team that has experienced continued success for a few years now. Will remain to see how their depth stacks up to see how well they go across all grades.

Western Magic: A real shame to see the predicament they are in. Despite the current situation, and how they were formed etc, there are good people there who play a very good brand of football. Will be interesting to see how they look going into next year, whatever competition they are in or not.

[Norris Lurker]

Some interesting results in the opening weekend, and plenty to get us to sit up and take notice.
Are Inner West Magpies the real deal this year? They had an impressive opening to the season against East Coast and got the job done.

[5yearplan]

They picked up some very handy in's with the mens, they will be no easy beats. The women too have 30 plus ins from other clubs will be strong too they just need to stay under the cap.

[Clubman]

What penalty is in place if a team is over the Cap. As I see West Woman are over the cap.

[Pekay]

Interesting take

They've never had a season of being south on the ladder, that will test their player retention.

[Westy]

No Results for Balmain v Sth West? Balmain pull this pin as well?? Interesting to see if they did decide not to go to Rosedale if any of the Blacktown bashing Key board warriors on here have the same line of thought as last week when the Magic decided not to play.

Watched the East Coast V UNSWES game yesterday and the Dogs look ridiculously good. Probably the best Sydney AFL side I have ever seen.

[Westy]

Just heard they got on. Can understand Magic pulling out last week given situation. All junior footy was off in Western Sydney last week as well.

[Pekay]

No Results for Balmain v Sth West? Balmain pull this pin as well?? Interesting to see if they did decide not to go to Rosedale if any of the Blacktown bashing Key board warriors on here have the same line of thought as last week when the Magic decided not to play.

Watched the East Coast V UNSWES game yesterday and the Dogs look ridiculously good. Probably the best Sydney AFL side I have ever seen.
Magic were within their duty of care to not travel to a hot spot last week but it should be treated as a forfeit in my opinion.

[bomber.]

Watched the East Coast V UNSWES game yesterday and the Dogs look ridiculously good. Probably the best Sydney AFL side I have ever seen.

UNSW have to be red hot favourites. Standards are really high this season.

[5yearplan]

winx odds

[tara]

Just heard they got on. Can understand Magic pulling out last week given situation. All junior footy was off in Western Sydney last week as well.

You realise that Rosedale is less that 1000m away from not being in the so called hot spot and is the most secluded oval in the competition and has not had any public access to it for weeks outside of the council employees and members of our club. It is one of the few ovals where crowds can be restricted and that the AFL had imposed additional conditions on our in order to get the games going. If anything it would be probably one of the safest venues to conduct games at present.

[Steamboat]

UNSW have to be red hot favourites. Standards are really high this season.

Top 4 sides kicked (77 goals 65) to bottom 6 sides (25 goals 38),league had opportunity to even Neafl spread across all teams in what is a very different season, but chose to allow them back to the top 4 clubs,with a few exceptions, whilst i understand the players should be linked to their pathway clubs and that would have been the players choice as well, there was a chance to even out quality players and have a very high standard , more even competition.

Whilst UNSW would definitely be a firm favorite, they will not have it all their own way, with some quality in Nths & Syd Uni lists as well.

[bomber.]

winx odds

Maybe the could put a white 'M' on their jerseys.

Pressure is on for a 3 peat!!

[bomber.]

winx odds

Got a call from someone who watched the UNSW v ECE game last week. He said UNSW were very, very sharp.

He also reckoned they warmed up wearing blue beanies with white pom-poms on them.

[ShortHalfHead]

Sydney Uni 23.24 in the last quarter against UTS?????

Wow...that PPS is certainly working a treat.

Along with some other results in Prems.

[saviour01]

Noticed that... UTS had negative points in the third quarter so just assume they did the quarter by quarter wrong. Only thing PPS has done for Sydney Uni is now they have ex AFL players playing ressies each week.

I can't remember us having a win like that over ECE in the last 10 years.

[felix]

No one has won like that over ECE in the last ten years

[The Runner]

No one has won like that over ECE in the last ten years

Wait til you see today's UTS result. Dang.

[Blinkers28]

Lock in a Uni V Bulldogs GF now. Both are so far ahead of the competition.

[saviour01]

Everyone locked it in pre season. Was always going to be the way when the 2018 and 2019 grand finalists get a host of neafl players added to their teams.

[Jupiter]

Sydney Uni 23.24 in the last quarter against UTS?????

Wow...that PPS is certainly working a treat.

Along with some other results in Prems.

Were you at the game?

[ShortHalfHead]

No Jupes
It was the score on fooyweb last night but since been amended. Couldn't imagine the last quarter score being what it said.
I was enjoying a beautiful winters day at Greygums. Platinum division sorting itself out now however nowhere near the debacle that the top division is contesting

[Tim Freedman]

Everyone locked it in pre season. Was always going to be the way when the 2018 and 2019 grand finalists get a host of neafl players added to their teams.

I wouldn't be writing off North Shore or Penno. In fact, Penno have a history of knocking off unbackable favourites if they make the GF.

[saviour01]

Magic out of platinum league?

[Blinkers28]

No they played on the weekend. Obviously decimated with availability of players.

[saviour01]

Not on the ladder or on the ladder sydney afl posted on fb.

[Blinkers28]

Head Office maintaining their high attention to detail.

Question remains if they’ll be in Platinum next year. Few clubs in Prem could easily fill the void.

[justabaraker]

I wouldn't be writing off North Shore or Penno. In fact, Penno have a history of knocking off unbackable favourites if they make the GF.Tim, what has happened to the Eagles ? There seems to be plenty of solid names playing, and the Dragons seem to have some of the same cattle as in previous years. But what a result ! I wasn't there to judge for myself but I'd be interested to hear from someone who knows a bit

[bomber.]

I wouldn't be writing off North Shore or Penno. In fact, Penno have a history of knocking off unbackable favourites if they make the GF.

Yep. Heard from a couple of people who watched last weekends UNSW v Penno game that Penno were very good. They play finals really well, so they have to be in the conversation. Prem div isn't a two horse race.

[Norris Lurker]

Penno were only a couple of goals down at three quarter time. The Bulldogs pulled away at the end, but Penno were right in it for most of the day.
North Shore haven't put a foot wrong so far, and have only conceded 6 goals in the first 3 weeks and have a ridiculous percentage. Their list is capable of matching it with UNSW-ES and Sydney Uni; but they've got to get it done in finals, which has been a problem for them in the last few years.

[Tom Wills]

Don't write off St George - 2 big wins and a 4 goal loss to Sydney Uni.
My understanding is that a lot of their kids have come on significantly and they are quietly confident down at Hurstville. Comments Saviour.

[saviour01]

I don't play anymore (if you can count what I did as playing) so haven't been to training but have watched all 3 games.

I think they are in for a good season. A year more experience, more commitment, change in coach and a few big wins has a good feeling around the club.

The Sydney Uni game they were right into it but Uni kicked 3 goals in the 5 minutes before 3/4 time which blew it out.

Still a Sydney Uni v UNSW GF but some great signs.

[Jupiter]

No Jupes
It was the score on fooyweb last night but since been amended. Couldn't imagine the last quarter score being what it said.
I was enjoying a beautiful winters day at Greygums. Platinum division sorting itself out now however nowhere near the debacle that the top division is contesting

Good to hear, glad there is footy on at all! The Bat's scores against North and Uni on small grounds indicate to me the sides they have put out are not up to the standard, but the Bulldogs, North, Uni and Penno have had some massive winning margins I can see - are there some clubs for whom relegation would be a good idea if things aren't sustainable for them at the Prem's level or is this Covid year a bit special? Anyone ready for promotion you reckon, Penrith sitting pretty? On other comments in the thread I don't think its that amazing that people think the top three sides from last year are the favourites this year - and yes they have probably topped up with talent with the AFL pulling NEAFL, but there's a reasonable comp if 4 or 5 might jag a flag as several on here have noted. Personally I like scenarios where there are better players and teams in the local comp and all struggling clubs can do is try to close the gap if they have one to close - I've said enough previously on the local league strategy/ops so I will quit now....

[Tim Freedman]

Tim, what has happened to the Eagles ? There seems to be plenty of solid names playing, and the Dragons seem to have some of the same cattle as in previous years. But what a result ! I wasn't there to judge for myself but I'd be interested to hear from someone who knows a bit

I am not that close to the action these days and have only seen the one game so hard to comment.

[Blinkers28]

Good to hear, glad there is footy on at all! The Bat's scores against North and Uni on small grounds indicate to me the sides they have put out are not up to the standard, but the Bulldogs, North, Uni and Penno have had some massive winning margins I can see - are there some clubs for whom relegation would be a good idea if things aren't sustainable for them at the Prem's level or is this Covid year a bit special? Anyone ready for promotion you reckon, Penrith sitting pretty? On other comments in the thread I don't think its that amazing that people think the top three sides from last year are the favourites this year - and yes they have probably topped up with talent with the AFL pulling NEAFL, but there's a reasonable comp if 4 or 5 might jag a flag as several on here have noted. Personally I like scenarios where there are better players and teams in the local comp and all struggling clubs can do is try to close the gap if they have one to close - I've said enough previously on the local league strategy/ops so I will quit now....

Southern Power probably closest to a promotion - successful club, very solid junior program, excellent facilities.

[bomber.]

Southern Power probably closest to a promotion - successful club, very solid junior program, excellent facilities.

Yep. Southern Power are a well run club, Penrith are going well and I’ve watched Randwick play some good footy in the past few years too.
The issue for promotion is that the gap between Platinum and Prems is massive.
Randwick finished 4th in Div 1 last year and will be in the top few in Platinum this year. The standard of the top Div 1 teams has lifted significantly this year and I doubt that last year's Randwick team would make finals in Div 1 this year. No offence intended, it’s just where the standard has gone.
Drawing a line through that, the top half of Platinum is about in the middle of Div 1 from a standards perspective, with Penrith being a bit better than that.
The top Div 1 and the top Platinum teams would beat the bottom Prem Reserves teams, but they wouldn’t get anywhere near the top reserves teams.
Promotion through to Prem’s was always going to be a problem for Platinum clubs when the competitions were separated. I’m sure it’s helped from a club perspective, but it hasn’t from a comparative standards perspective.

[bomber.]

Re the men's Prems comp, the gaps developing in the comp have actually been masked by the NEAFL. If there hadn’t been a NEAFL, most of the players who’re back in Prems this year would’ve been there in previous years too and what we’re seeing now would have happened earlier.
So in general what we’re seeing now isn’t some unfair outcome of the NEAFL not going ahead, mostly it’s the real gap in the relative development of our clubs.
Everyone can and I’m sure will, improve, but the current top clubs are also still improving, so the gaps between the top and the bottom aren’t going to close any time soon.
There is a solution to this though. Take the top teams in the Prem div comp and put them in a NSW/ACT comp with the top teams in Canberra. All those clubs would still field teams in the respective Prem div comps (ie with their current reserves teams).
That would even up the Prem, Prem Reserves, Div 1 and Under 19 Div 1 comps in Sydney. It also fixes competition problems in the ACT. It closes the gap between Prems and Platinum to make promotion more feasible and it will, in time, create a meaningful second tier competition in NSW/ACT that will do more for our game here that the NEAFL was ever going to.
Then do something similar for a women’s comp.
Just a thought.

- - - Updated - - -

Quiet day at work.

[Westy]

Yep. Southern Power are a well run club, Penrith are going well and I’ve watched Randwick play some good footy in the past few years too.
The issue for promotion is that the gap between Platinum and Prems is massive.
Randwick finished 4th in Div 1 last year and will be in the top few in Platinum this year. The standard of the top Div 1 teams has lifted significantly this year and I doubt that last year's Randwick team would make finals in Div 1 this year. No offence intended, it’s just where the standard has gone.
Drawing a line through that, the top half of Platinum is about in the middle of Div 1 from a standards perspective, with Penrith being a bit better than that.
The top Div 1 and the top Platinum teams would beat the bottom Prem Reserves teams, but they wouldn’t get anywhere near the top reserves teams.
Promotion through to Prem’s was always going to be a problem for Platinum clubs when the competitions were separated. I’m sure it’s helped from a club perspective, but it hasn’t from a comparative standards perspective.

Agree that the gap between Prems and Platinum is huge, but if you think the Top 4 from Platinum 2019 wouldn't beat most if not all Div 1 teams from 2019 you're dreaming. Southern Power in particular last year would have comfortably played finals in Prems Reserves.

Can see Randwick maybe sneaking into 4th in Platinum this year given the drop off of Blacktown.

Interesting theory on the Canberra/SydAFL mix though. Don't mind the concept

[Pekay]

Albury should be there to represent the O n M. And they've got endless cash!

[Jupiter]

Agree that the gap between Prems and Platinum is huge, but if you think the Top 4 from Platinum 2019 wouldn't beat most if not all Div 1 teams from 2019 you're dreaming. Southern Power in particular last year would have comfortably played finals in Prems Reserves.

Can see Randwick maybe sneaking into 4th in Platinum this year given the drop off of Blacktown.

Interesting theory on the Canberra/SydAFL mix though. Don't mind the concept

Really interesting concept. The only changes for senior footy (although mixed views on whether positive or negative I know) have been when enough clubs wake up and work together for a while (promo/relegation, growth of teams and lower divisions) or one or more clubs bust out some moves (C'town into ACT, ECE/Uni into NEAFL). Time now certainly ripe for some leadership from club land for sure.

[andreww1]

It seems to me that those clubs that have had strong U19s over the last 6 or so years are now performing best in Prems and most grades. Many of those better U19s that progressed to NEAFL have now filtered back to their Prems clubs to strengthen them even more. Maybe the AFL have got it right in encouraging Prems clubs to put more effort in to 19s.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tom Wills]

Interesting theory on the Canberra/SydAFL mix though. Don't mind the concept

Would like to understand more about Canberra/Syd - but from a starting point we must all agree on Sydney AFL, at a Prems level, is @@@@@@. The last 5 years have seen an exponential increase in the size and strength of the big clubs (Norths / Syd Uni/ Easts & Penno) while the other clubs have gone backwards. Based on the size of the big 4 I can only see this divide getting bigger.

Not sure of the answer, but Sydney AFL it is broken and needs fixing

[bomber.]

Albury should be there to represent the O n M. And they've got endless cash!

As long as you’re driving the bus PK

[Tom Wills]

Half way through the Season and North Shore are top in every men's grade except Div 2 (third and a game washout against UTS - bottom) -WOW - have we ever seen such dominance by a single club?

[mrns]

Half way through the Season and North Shore are top in every men's grade except Div 2 (third and a game washout against UTS - bottom) -WOW - have we ever seen such dominance by a single club?

Only lost one game so far between the 5 sides which is incredible. Big wins against UNSW yesterday within the Prems/Reserves grade as UNSW were feared to be the team to beat.

On another note does anyone have any insight on what the finals structure will look like? I'm assuming D1/2/3 will play a 3 week final series with 8 teams in their divisions.

But will Prems/Reserves play the standard 4 week finals? Or in the interest of keeping the season short (oval handover to cricket/covid derailing season risk) will they play a 3 weak finals series too?

[Norris Lurker]

On another note does anyone have any insight on what the finals structure will look like? I'm assuming D1/2/3 will play a 3 week final series with 8 teams in their divisions.

But will Prems/Reserves play the standard 4 week finals? Or in the interest of keeping the season short (oval handover to cricket/covid derailing season risk) will they play a 3 weak finals series too?
My understanding is only Mens & Womens Prems and Prems Reserves will have a final 5; and every other grade will be a final 4.
But that could change.

[saviour01]

Someone said div 1 is a 2 week finals series with 1 v 4 and 2 v 3. Not sure the accuracy of that.

4th and 5th race will be interesting in prems.

[bomber.]

Someone said div 1 is a 2 week finals series with 1 v 4 and 2 v 3. Not sure the accuracy of that.

4th and 5th race will be interesting in prems.

Both prem comps, prem ressies and 19 1's are standard top 5. D1,2,3 (men and women) are top 4, but only two weeks. So 1 v 4, 2 v 3 then GF.

[mrns]

Both prem comps, prem ressies and 19 1's are standard top 5. D1,2,3 (men and women) are top 4, but only two weeks. So 1 v 4, 2 v 3 then GF.

No second chance under top 4 finals system feels wrong. With their only advantage playing a lower ranked side.

I really hope this isn't the case as those who challenge for the top of the ladder should be rewarded for their efforts.

[The Runner]

Schools have been restricted to sport only in their local area. Any word of impact to community sport?

[saviour01]

I don't know of any schools who were going out of their zone for school sport anyway. All regional, state and national sport was already cancelled for the year.

[Tim Freedman]

I don't know of any schools who were going out of their zone for school sport anyway. All regional, state and national sport was already cancelled for the year.

ISA were still in full competition including out of zone. However, all ISA sports have now been cancelled.

[redsox]

Schools have been restricted to sport only in their local area. Any word of impact to community sport?


find it hard to understand why school cannot mix outside areas...but this week UTS travel to Camden and St George go to Manly etc etc

I fear the season may be on the thinnest of ice

[bomber.]

find it hard to understand why school cannot mix outside areas...but this week UTS travel to Camden and St George go to Manly etc etc

I fear the season may be on the thinnest of ice

Because the restriction on school sport is an outcome of broader restrictions on schools. It was about reacting to clusters in schools, not to school sport.
There have been some restrictions to community sport, but it’s pretty obvious that the government will keep it going if they can.
No doubt this will happen a few more times between now and our grand final days, but how good that we’re still going!!!!

[The Runner]

Because the restriction on school sport is an outcome of broader restrictions on schools. It was about reacting to clusters in schools, not to school sport.
There have been some restrictions to community sport, but it’s pretty obvious that the government will keep it going if they can.
No doubt this will happen a few more times between now and our grand final days, but how good that we’re still going!!!!

The difference between Sydney footy and most other community sports is the distance covered across greater Sydney for games.

[tara]

Well at least this weekend is going ahead and hopefully the AFL can find ways to see out the remainder of the season.

[bomber.]

Some interesting games tomorrow.

West’s have been going great, but it’s a big test for them this weekend. A win against Penno just about guarantees finals, but lose and they could easily miss.

Sydney Uni vs UNSW will give us a clue about where the top 3 sit.

Footy - wooo hoo!!!

[Pekay]

So what happens from now??

NSW Health states - cease activities that result in the mixing of participants from different regions, for exampleby ceasing zone, regional and state competitions

Please implement by 19Aug2020

Has the death knell of 2020 been sounded?

[The Runner]

The joint statement signed by the league, they have agreed to not allow travel between "different regions", which appears to be the greater Sydney area..
No spectators at all games over the weekend though?

[Blinkers28]

So what happens from now??

NSW Health states - cease activities that result in the mixing of participants from different regions, for exampleby ceasing zone, regional and state competitions

Please implement by 19Aug2020

Has the death knell of 2020 been sounded?

I agree, season 2020 is finished. Camden playing East Coast (example) would be classified as ‘different region’, which makes the continuation of the season not possible.

[ShortHalfHead]

The joint statement signed by the league, they have agreed to not allow travel between "different regions", which appears to be the greater Sydney area..
No spectators at all games over the weekend though?

All good so far Pekay. We are limiting spectators at Greygums to the allowed 500. Should get over next Saturday when we play Blacktown. As you are aware , vaccines aren't the only things created in test tubes.

[bloodspirit]

Don't follow this comp at all closely and so rarely look here but can't help being impressed by North Shore's impressive percentage on top of the ladder: 783.53. Wow.

[Pekay]

All good so far Pekay. We are limiting spectators at Greygums to the allowed 500. Should get over next Saturday when we play Blacktown. As you are aware , vaccines aren't the only things created in test tubes.

Please put a cricket score of them and send them into extinction.

[saviour01]

The VFL will merge with the league for the Queensland and New South Wales clubs, and the under-18s system will be revamped in a dramatic reshaping of the AFL’s second tier.
The league announced on Monday the NEAFL would be absorbed into Victoria’s state league competition, with 2021 to be “a year of transition”.

The Victorian clubs as well as Sydney, GWS, Brisbane and Gold Coast will be allowed to either field their own teams in the new VFL, align with an existing team or spread their players across multiple clubs.

Interested to see what all the Sydney Uni players end up doing.

[Norris Lurker]

Don't follow this comp at all closely and so rarely look here but can't help being impressed by North Shore's impressive percentage on top of the ladder: 783.53. Wow.They've conceded 14 goals in 6 games, only just over 2 goals a week.
Several factors there. The demise of the NEAFL has helped Sydney Uni, but it's also helped North Shore - there'd been several players from Sydney Uni NEAFL who played occasionally for the Bombers last year but now North Shore have them every week. They also have strong local juniors; and even though they've picked up some handy recruits, they're nowhere near the points cap.
They've got about 500 registered players and fielding 13 teams. Thank goodness for the new synthetic surface - there's no way the old Gore Hill quagmire could have coped with that much traffic, even with the delayed start to the season.

They've still got to get it done in the finals. It's been a problem for them in the last few years.

[saviour01]

Thank goodness for the new synthetic surface - there's no way the old Gore Hill quagmire could have coped with that much traffic, even with the delayed start to the season.


Still the worst ground in the league. I'm soft af, but I won't play on it again.

[The Runner]

So, under the new structure with no NEAFL, it appears the AFL clubs can either field reserves teams in the VFL or affiliate the way the Swans used to with Port Melbourne. Is that correct?
So the top league in Sydney goes back to Premier Division?

[andreww1]

So, under the new structure with no NEAFL, it appears the AFL clubs can either field reserves teams in the VFL or affiliate the way the Swans used to with Port Melbourne. Is that correct?
So the top league in Sydney goes back to Premier Division?

That appears to be correct. No more NEAFL clubs. Lots of implications from this for players, clubs, academies, and competitions across NSW and Qld.
Here are a couple:
* With more NEAFL players likely to come back to community football, how does Sydney AFL ensure an even competition, as this year is the most uneven we have had in years.
* With academies now going up to 19s, the best young kids will be playing academy and VFL games for an extra year or 2, restricting their playing time in community football.
* To be competitive in VFL, the Giants and Swans reserves won’t be able to play 8-9 17 year old academy kids in a team, so the academy kids will get fewer Reseves games in their final year.
Lots of other implications that everyone will still need to understand and then work through.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Pmcc2911]

Good points re the academy kids

[Blinkers28]

Will be very interesting finish to the season over the next few weeks.

Penno, on paper, have an easy fortnight and superior percentage to Magpies. They could sneak in for 5th, and have won premierships from that far back.

Similar story in the women’s, North Shore could steal 5th at the death. Last round against Uni could determine final 5. Don’t think anyone would’ve picked Manly and Power running top 2 at the end of the season.

Power got dudded with a wash out game in Platinum, and are just inside the top 4. Beating Penrith this weekend should secure their spot.

Any other predictions?

[saviour01]

Yeh the final 5 will be interesting. We could still miss out with 2 losses if wests beat UNSW this week. If all goes according to ladder position then wests miss out on percentage with us, penno and wests all finishing 5-4.

What does Mudgey do at UTS moving forward? They had 4 of the top teams to start and I guess after 4 150-200 point losses it makes it a long season. Two games against teams that are 1-6 to finish, be interesting if they can jag a win. Wilson got BOG against his old man though, would have been an interesting car ride home.

[saviour01]

Also whats the go with ECE? Sack coach mid last week, put out a call on facebook for a new one. Old premiership coach comes in and they get beat by Manly.

Real big divide between the top and bottom clubs at the moment.

[Clubman]

You are a week late with this news saviour. M Sankey took over at the Norths game. The lose to Manly at Manly could be that they had 5 players out injured from GORE HILL the week before. (5 Good Players missing) Etto, Savage, Jones, Stewart, Stubbs, 2 had Broken ankles - The other games at Manly - Eastcoast Reserve Team WON by 75 points and the Third Team WON by 90. EastCoast are advertising now for a New Coach 2021 - That's a good thing

[Nuttsy]

You are a week late with this news saviour. M Sankey took over at the Norths game. The lose to Manly at Manly could be that they had 5 players out injured from GORE HILL the week before. (5 Good Players missing) Etto, Savage, Jones, Stewart, Stubbs, 2 had Broken ankles - The other games at Manly - Eastcoast Reserve Team WON by 75 points and the Third Team WON by 90. EastCoast are advertising now for a New Coach 2021 - That's a good thing

Didn't Stubbs play ressies? Strange as he would be in the top 10 players at pretty much every club if up and going

[The Runner]

Eagles seem to have fallen off the pace a fair way - even with a few out, Manly were winless coming in. Is this an impact of other clubs getting Neafl players?
Looks like a bit of East / West divide in Prems opening up.

[saviour01]

Didn't Stubbs play ressies? Strange as he would be in the top 10 players at pretty much every club if up and going

Getting ready for a finals run in ressies. Manly have always been pretty bad in their ressies and thirds. Not sure how they would go with the Sydney AFL pressure on moving everyone's thirds to div 1 rather than div 2. Not sure how they turn it around either.

Eagles got a few back from NEAFL though didn't they? Cole has been named in their best every single week this year after his Sydney Uni season last year.

Big gulf in clubs at the moment. UTS, Camden, Manly are gone in both with not much going right it seems. Norths, Syd Uni and UNSW doing great guns.

[bomber.]

Eagles seem to have fallen off the pace a fair way - even with a few out, Manly were winless coming in. Is this an impact of other clubs getting Neafl players?
Looks like a bit of East / West divide in Prems opening up.

The longer clubs think the gap is about NEAFL players, the longer it will be before they start to close it.

[Blinkers28]

A mouthwatering final round on the cards across a number of divisions.

NEAFL will no doubt stack to take on North Shore for the minor premiership. Important week off on the line too. Cannot discount Manly with their tail up, could spring a surprise against Penno, with Magpies needing to win big against Camden. Fifth spot still up for grabs, Penno favourite.

Uni and North Shire should be a great game to round out the Women’s competition. Power v Magpies will also be interesting, as they both play each other week 1 of finals.

Power made a statement against Penrith, starting to peak in both Platinum divisions and winning out at Greygums for the first time in a long time. Despite their respective ladder positions, they’d be favourite to do the Platinum double again.

Despite the large gulf in clubs this year, it’s pleasing to see a number of divisions going down to the wire.

[Jupiter]

A mouthwatering final round on the cards across a number of divisions.

NEAFL will no doubt stack to take on North Shore for the minor premiership. Important week off on the line too. Cannot discount Manly with their tail up, could spring a surprise against Penno, with Magpies needing to win big against Camden. Fifth spot still up for grabs, Penno favourite.

Uni and North Shire should be a great game to round out the Women’s competition. Power v Magpies will also be interesting, as they both play each other week 1 of finals.

Power made a statement against Penrith, starting to peak in both Platinum divisions and winning out at Greygums for the first time in a long time. Despite their respective ladder positions, they’d be favourite to do the Platinum double again.

Despite the large gulf in clubs this year, it’s pleasing to see a number of divisions going down to the wire.

Maybe Power for promotion and Bats go down? I followed the NEAFL comp a bit, I think alongside Justabaracka one of the few. I reckon the Bombers have as many if not more state league experienced players (most through Uni) than Uni (and I'd argue younger and better - and good on them!) and they'll be advantaged by the pointless point system over many teams with their strong junior feeder base. The club that seems really disappointing this year and below expectations is East Coast, really surprising, U/19s too, other than that no real surprises as compared to last several years in prems really. Hopefully many great games this weekend and really just good to have footy on.

[justabaraker]

Maybe Power for promotion and Bats go down? I followed the NEAFL comp a bit, I think alongside Justabaracka one of the few. I reckon the Bombers have as many if not more state league experienced players (most through Uni) than Uni (and I'd argue younger and better - and good on them!) and they'll be advantaged by the pointless point system over many teams with their strong junior feeder base. The club that seems really disappointing this year and below expectations is East Coast, really surprising, U/19s too, other than that no real surprises as compared to last several years in prems really. Hopefully many great games this weekend and really just good to have footy on.
Yes, Jupiter, I'm also surprised at how bad the East Coast is going.
You're right about the best and brightest of Sydney footy returning to our footy, but Baulko isn't benefitting because the best and brightest haven't been coming from there lately anyway. On Saturday they played Cole, Emery and Dimery but oh dear, the bottom five or six on their paddock really aren't up to scratch. I remember being out at Purser three or four years ago and watching their Rouse Hill Magpies Academy (or something) running around at half-time....hundreds of little boys and girls doing Auskick in black and white (oh YUCK !!) with a jumper, schoolbag and beanie, and we thought that Baulko was about to take over the world, like they nearly did in their three-peat years.

But it seems to have all gone wrong doesn't it. As you say, seniors, Magoos and U19s all in the doldrums. While North Shore seems to have blended a scary mix of returning elite players with some talented newbies from their junior catchment area.

A year or two ago, I was thinking that the Bulldogs were looking like creating a powerful presence that would last forever. But, guess what, this year they are looking a bit second tier as SydUni and North Shore could now dominate 'forever'.

But what you say is right - how good is it to just have footy at all, as well as being able to see some of the best footballers in NSW running around on the local paddock...I'm thinking of the Gulden's, Veale, Sheather, Braden Campbell, Owen-Auburn, Baron-Hay, the Reinhard's, Manteit and more than half of the SydUni team. Yes indeed, I've been enjoying watching these guys over the past few years and now this year they're here for us.
Probably bad if your team hasn't got any of them, but great for purists like me.

[Tim Freedman]

I remember being out at Purser three or four years ago and watching their Rouse Hill Magpies Academy (or something) running around at half-time....hundreds of little boys and girls doing Auskick in black and white (oh YUCK !!) with a jumper, schoolbag and beanie, and we thought that Baulko was about to take over the world, like they nearly did in their three-peat years.

Don't worry too much Justa, ECE still have their junior academy in place with over 150 kids. It is just on hold this year due to the challenges with COVID but will be back next year. It's been a huge positive to connect with the players and families of the local junior teams. And they are now kitted out in ECE gear.......

We all know that AFL Sydney goes in cycles and it's not all doom and gloom for ECE. It wasn't too long ago that North Shore & St George were getting smashed by over 15 goals and they have turned it around with smart recruiting and local juniors. The wheel turns for all clubs at some stage and ECE dropping off for a year isn't cause for panic. They've played in six grand finals, won four flags and missed the finals on two occasions in the last ten years that their senior side has played in AFL Sydney Premier Division. Not a bad record IMO and no doubt they will work hard to get back into finals next year.

Also, I wouldn't be writing off UNSWES or Penno during the finals series. Both strong teams and could very easily beat North Shore & Sydney Uni. Personally, I'm really looking forward to a finals series where anyone in the Top 5 can win it.

[Tom Wills]

A very overused word is "institutional," but that is what we are seeing as a difference between the top and bottom clubs in Sydney footy (don't assume that I am saying East Coast is a bottom club).

It is not just about the fall-off in Prems by a few clubs; but the crazy strength of North Shore / Sydney Uni across every grade (2 of the best three teams in under 19s Div 2 are North Shore and Sydney Uni), and they are literally first, second or third in every men's grade. Pennant Hills and UNSW are not far behind.

Cycles occur when only your top team is good - institutional strength is what we have here, and I can't see it changing over the foreseeable future.

[justabaraker]

A very overused word is "institutional," but that is what we are seeing as a difference between the top and bottom clubs in Sydney footy (don't assume that I am saying East Coast is a bottom club).

It is not just about the fall-off in Prems by a few clubs; but the crazy strength of North Shore / Sydney Uni across every grade (2 of the best three teams in under 19s Div 2 are North Shore and Sydney Uni), and they are literally first, second or third in every men's grade. Pennant Hills and UNSW are not far behind.

Cycles occur when only your top team is good - institutional strength is what we have here, and I can't see it changing over the foreseeable future.

I've been following our footy for a long time - long enough to remember when Balmain was going to dominate 'forever', and then when Campbelltown were going to do the same. And then, of course, when Baulko had their three-peat then moved...let's say...'upwards'...in search of greater glories. In fact, I even had a moment wondering whether Manly Wolves were the new powerhouse - that was scary. Did anyone see the UNSW Bulldogs last year and wonder whether they were setting up to dominate forever ?
TomW, time will tell if North Shore and SydUni will dominate forever, but I reckon TimF might be right....they will have their day then someone else will step up. It will be 'good for footy' if that happens and it's why we all turn up at the park each week in the hope that our turn is coming soon.

[andreww1]

I've been following our footy for a long time - long enough to remember when Balmain was going to dominate 'forever', and then when Campbelltown were going to do the same. And then, of course, when Baulko had their three-peat then moved...let's say...'upwards'...in search of greater glories. In fact, I even had a moment wondering whether Manly Wolves were the new powerhouse - that was scary. Did anyone see the UNSW Bulldogs last year and wonder whether they were setting up to dominate forever ?
TomW, time will tell if North Shore and SydUni will dominate forever, but I reckon TimF might be right....they will have their day then someone else will step up. It will be 'good for footy' if that happens and it's why we all turn up at the park each week in the hope that our turn is coming soon.

This is my theory.
The success of Balmain, Campbelltown, ECE and Manly was all built on $s. Works for a period of time but generally not sustainable as these clubs have shown.
Syd Uni success is built on $s and NEAFL as well as attracting students. With the impact of Covid on international students and reduced govt funding it may impact their $s. Obviously NEAFL has gone now. So their challenge is to develop a sustainable model beyond that although their 19s have been strong in last 2 years so that might help sustain them going forward. Plus most Prems games they are at maximum PPS limit so if the limit comes down again as Syd AFL have indicated they will need to play more local juniors.
North’s and UNSW have $s but also many years of strong juniors which is why they are strong across all grades now. Can’t see that ending anytime soon even when the $s start slowing down.
St George and Penno have no $s but good juniors which has helped them achieve success across various grades for quite a few years. They rely on creating a good community club culture to attract and retain players. This is a sustainable model.
Camden, Wests, and UTS although they have some $s aren’t strong in juniors so until they do they will struggle to achieve sustainability.
So Syd AFL encouraging all Prems clubs to focus on juniors and U19s is the right strategy for sustainability.
You are welcome. Happy to take questions. [emoji4]


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[bomber.]

Clubs in Sydney will cycle based on the personalities involved with them.
It's less to do with juniors and pathways than most people think. We had really big pathway that included the North Shore and the Peninsula, but despite that in the early and middle part of this decade we really struggled for numbers and for performance. Under 19's regularly backed up in the reserves, sometimes quite a few did, we had reserves backing up in the 1's and we had forfeits in lower grades. In 2015 we lost the last 8 games in prem div and the last 3 by a total of 357 points.
Our pathway was then cut in half, so if it's about pathways that should have killed us, but it didn't.
Success is clearly about players, but it's also about culture, coaching, player development etc etc etc and those things are about the people at the club.
So clubs will cycle because no-one can do it forever - on the field or off it. There's nothing institutional about community footy clubs in Sydney - maybe apart from Sydney Uni.

That said, it'd be bloody great to win one or two!!

[saviour01]

Will the Uni's still have $ going forward? If the Chancellor is taking a 20% pay cut and they are trying to find ways to make up for a $470 million loss, I dare say Sydney AFL is pretty low down on their priority list.

ECE paid NEAFL money to play in the prems comp and they ended up with a 400k debt and after winning it have come 6th, 5th, 4th and 8th. While I doubt Sydney Uni will go broke would be great to see them drop out of the 5 over the next few years.

[5yearplan]

Here is a good one.

Dean Lee Formerly Sydney AFL now general manager UTS

His old boss and former Sydney AFL boss Sam Chadwick now his assistant manager at UTS

How things change.

[Pekay]

3 x Milton Medallists this year, another first

[Pekay]

Magic forfeit last game of the year.

[Blinkers28]

Magic forfeit last game of the year.

Will be interesting to see if they remain in Platinum next year. If not, do a Campbelltown go up or UTS drop?

Hopefully head office employ a decent administrator to run the competition to fill the small shoes Lee left behind.

[saviour01]

Anyone know what the plan is for spectators for finals?

I know the rugby league in the shire is giving out 17 wrist bands to each team, 1 per player to ensure minimal spectators.

[andreww1]

Anyone know what the plan is for spectators for finals?

I know the rugby league in the shire is giving out 17 wrist bands to each team, 1 per player to ensure minimal spectators.

Maximum 100 per team. Ticked entry only.


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[saviour01]

Perfect. Decent number.

[tara]

Maximum 100 per team. Ticked entry only.


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100 per club 500 maximum is the numbers we are working on. I believe that the venues holding the finals can accomodate 1000 however the AFL is playing it very safe.

[Tom Wills]

Will be interesting to see if they remain in Platinum next year. If not, do a Campbelltown go up or UTS drop?
Hopefully head office employ a decent administrator to run the competition to fill the small shoes Lee left behind.

The real question is if the platinum competition should continue. My understanding was that the platinum clubs wanted their own competition as they felt it would help them recruit players and grow as clubs. The opposite has occurred. With the exception of, arguably, Southern Power all of the platinum teams are significantly weaker in player quality and team numbers than they were 5 years ago. Remember Manly and UTS moved to the Premier Division by dominating the reserves competition (Old Div 1). If we need ban some of teh power clubs ie North Shore from having a team in the lower division so platinum reserves and some of weaker lower level teams have a good division.

[justabaraker]

100 per club 500 maximum is the numbers we are working on. I believe that the venues holding the finals can accomodate 1000 however the AFL is playing it very safe.Thursday morning and nothing from the League yet. Apparently this only applies to the grand finals.
But, hey, how good would it be if 500 spectators came to the final !!

[Tim Freedman]

Thursday morning and nothing from the League yet. Apparently this only applies to the grand finals.
But, hey, how good would it be if 500 spectators came to the final !!

What a surprise that the league are failing to update their media accounts..........

[The Student]

Here you go:

2020 AFL SYDNEY FINALS SERIES – COVID 19 REQUIREMENTS

Please ensure that all players/coaches/officials/Club members and spectators are aware of the following COVID-19 related requirements for the 2020 Finals Series. For further information on return to competition COVID protocols please refer to the AFL NSW/ACT website Return to Contact Training & Competition - AFL NSW / ACT (https://aflnswact.com.au/return-to-play/return-to-contact-training-competition-nab-afl-auskick/)

1. Crowd Management

o To minimise crowds, clubs should not be broadly promoting attending finals games. The message remains get in, play, get out as per the home and away season
o Lead up finals crowd numbers will have a limit of 500 at any time (including players/officials)
o There will be paid gate staff who will be counting the number of people entering and exiting the venue and they will be encouraging anyone that enters the venue to fill out their details via a QR code so we have a record or attendances
o Due to historical attendance levels, Premier Division Preliminary finals day and all Grand Finals days will be ticketed to ensure we keep our crowd numbers at or under 500 at any time (likely around 100 tickets per competing team which will include the allocation for players/officials). Whilst not confirmed yet, this appropriate ticket number has been set at level because during the crossover period of games this number of ticketing per team will result in 400+ people at the venue, not including umpires/coaches, league staff, host Club volunteers, paid support staff, etc.
o More information on how the ticketing process will work and the final number of tickets that will be allocated per club will be communicated in due course. It is likely that the competing teams will be given a unique code which they can pass on to the appropriate players/officials/clubs members to then access tickets within the Clubs allocation
o Grand Finals will be live streamed so that people that cannot be issued a ticket as part of the Clubs allocation can still watch the game
o Spectators should not be entering the ground during quarter breaks or before/after games, however competing teams can use the ground during breaks for warm
o Spectators should not be entering change rooms
o All spectators must adhere to social distancing rules and alcohol must be consumed whilst seated – there will be security at grounds monitoring this and providing instructions to spectators where required based on these requirements
o As this year there is no entry fee Clubs will not need to supply a gate entry list. Whilst we don’t anticipate reaching the limit of 500 people in a venue during lead up finals, if worst case scenario the numbers start to get close to this level we will shut off the gate to ensure that we can still cater for players/officials needing to enter the venue
o Players/officials should not arrive more than 1.5 hours prior to their game and should leave the venue within half an hour of the game finishing
o Although there will be no strict arrival times for spectators, please encourage spectators where possible to only arrive half an hour prior to the game and leave within half an hour of the game finishing
o No team bus or car pooling is permitted when travelling to and from finals venues

2. Change Room Usage

o AFL Sydney is strongly discouraging the use of showers due to the reduced capacity of change rooms under COVID requirements and the fact that we want players and spectators to leave the venue soon after their game is finished – players should be showering at home
o The number of people that will be allowed in the change rooms at each finals venue will be based on the requirement of 1 person per 4sqm rule
▪ Kanebridge – 18 people
▪ Rosedale – 8 people
▪ Henson – TBC
o Strapping/pre-match physio requirements should be set up and completed outside of the team’s allocated change rooms (all clubs are to bring their own massage tables and other relevant medical equipment)
o We encourage Clubs to remain on the ground during half time, noting that the change room restrictions won’t allow for all players to be in the change room at once
o Teams will get access to their change rooms from the beginning of the 3rd quarter of the previous game. As per normal, please ensure prior to entering the field for the start of your game that all of your team’s personal belongings are kept together in the change rooms given you will be sharing change rooms with other teams
o When your game concludes, players should not be entering the change rooms until all participants for the next game have entered the field. The winning team is permitted to sing their song post match, but this must be done on the field (not in the change rooms) and players should be 1.5m apart

3. Grand Final Presentations

o No spectators will be allowed on the ground for presentations
o There will be no speeches made by captains/coaches
o Winning teams will be acknowledged via the venue’s PA system and then players will be able to collect their medal and the premiership cup from a table that will be placed on the ground
o Clubs are not permitted to arrange with catering Clubs the provision of post-match drinks for their teams (this is the case across the entire finals series, not just grand final day). As per above the philosophy of get in, play get out remains in place and therefore teams/spectators will be expected to leave the venue ASAP at the conclusion of their match
o AFL Sydney will have photographer at GF’s and will share photo’s
o There will be an opportunity for winning teams to have group photo taken
o Further detail on how the presentations will be executed will be advised to participating teams in the week of the grand final

[Norris Lurker]

They're not ticketing games this weekend. Probably one for the too-hard basket.
They were never going to get 500 people at a time for any game this weekend anyway. People will come and go for their team's games and then leave when people for the next game are coming in.

[justabaraker]

{from the Student.....
Here you go:

2020 AFL SYDNEY FINALS SERIES – COVID 19 REQUIREMENTS}

Great to hear from you Student after all this time...
1.because it has been so long and
2. because you are doing what we wish the League would do.

I'm think that you're finding a voice seeing as your Club is going to feature prominently in the finals - I bought a Uni membership at the start of the NEAFL year....did my dough there !

Good luck to them, and to all the other teams.

[The Student]

Cheers - I have no intention of posting regularly, you guys don’t need to hear from me. Just dropped in and thought I could share some info as you guys were asking after it and I happened to have it. Should be a great finals series, best of luck to all who have teams in the race.

Apologies on the lack of NEAFL action, maybe next year we will discount those VFL memberships.


{from the Student.....
Here you go:

2020 AFL SYDNEY FINALS SERIES – COVID 19 REQUIREMENTS}

Great to hear from you Student after all this time...
1.because it has been so long and
2. because you are doing what we wish the League would do.

I'm think that you're finding a voice seeing as your Club is going to feature prominently in the finals - I bought a Uni membership at the start of the NEAFL year....did my dough there !

Good luck to them, and to all the other teams.

[justabaraker]

Cheers - I have no intention of posting regularly, you guys don’t need to hear from me. Just dropped in and thought I could share some info as you guys were asking after it and I happened to have it. Should be a great finals series, best of luck to all who have teams in the race.

Apologies on the lack of NEAFL action, maybe next year we will discount those VFL memberships.
Student - I heard from a bloke in a pub whose next door neighbour works with someone who knows EVERYTHING...
and the jungle drums are beating out the message that the Uni is looking at the option of getting involved with the VFL-thingy, perhaps through a partnership - transition year next year with a view to saddling up big time in 2022.

Before you disappear back into your cave for another year, what can you tell us ?

[The Student]

I mean, that’s one of a few options - nothing is off the table at the moment. We have always said that we would look to compete at the highest level possible both for our men’s and women’s teams, and any decision about 2021 and beyond will be made with that in mind. Well, that and what we can afford!


Student - I heard from a bloke in a pub whose next door neighbour works with someone who knows EVERYTHING...
and the jungle drums are beating out the message that the Uni is looking at the option of getting involved with the VFL-thingy, perhaps through a partnership - transition year next year with a view to saddling up big time in 2022.

Before you disappear back into your cave for another year, what can you tell us ?

[Clubman]

Well, that and what we can afford!

The Student: Do you mean what Australian Tax can give us
$$$$$$$$$

[andreww1]

I mean, that’s one of a few options - nothing is off the table at the moment. We have always said that we would look to compete at the highest level possible both for our men’s and women’s teams, and any decision about 2021 and beyond will be made with that in mind. Well, that and what we can afford!

“what we can afford.”
That really will be the interesting space to watch over the next 12 months as all the universities are reporting big losses and cost cutting programs due to big revenue declines from overseas students. How will that impact the $s Syd Uni, UNSW, and UTS put in to their AFL (and other sports) programs?


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[The Student]

Not sure what Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness has to do with the taxpayer but go off


Well, that and what we can afford!

The Student: Do you mean what Australian Tax can give us
$$$$$$$$$

[Tom Wills]

Not sure what Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness has to do with the taxpayer but go off

Student, I am a big fan of Sydney Uni but if you don't see a relationship between the taxpayer and Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness I hope you did an Arts degree.

[The Student]

Tell me how it works then, and tell me how your taxes support it.


Student, I am a big fan of Sydney Uni but if you don't see a relationship between the taxpayer and Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness I hope you did an Arts degree.

[5yearplan]

Thought u we’re going student?

unis and all have a decent level of tax payer funds. It assists all uni clubs to offer programs which no one can deny. Each uni would be different that is for sure.

If your heading to vfl good luck making the numbers as anyone nsw would be flogged and money down drain

[The Student]

Sorry, I get sucked in when people make baseless or stupid criticisms of my football club - it shouldn’t bother me but it does sometimes.

Just to clarify - SUSF is the sports union, funded by student fees and community members. To give you an idea of its size it turned over $14M last year and has $35M in cash and assets. It doesn’t receive any government funding. Yes, of course the University gets funding. I’m not that stupid. But SUSF and the Uni are separate entities. The Uni do not give us any funding, SUSF do.

Anyway that’s it from me - great couple of PD games on the weekend, looking forward to seeing how the rest of the season pans out across all the grades.


Thought u we’re going student?

unis and all have a decent level of tax payer funds. It assists all uni clubs to offer programs which no one can deny. Each uni would be different that is for sure.

If your heading to vfl good luck making the numbers as anyone nsw would be flogged and money down drain

[Blinkers28]

Some thrillers to kick off the finals weeks, just what’s needed. From all accounts, the Uni v Bulldogs game was a great spectacle. St George somehow beating Penno by 4 points, big upset.

Southern Power into 3 grand finals next weekend, stamping their authority as a powerful club in the league.