Originally Posted by
Noodle
I have taken the original question at face value.
From a Uni perspective, it has been a really challenging year but the response from the player group is really positive. The Premier Division has probably suffered the most.
There are definitely things that we will do differently next year but feel we are better for the experience. We are not really driven by third party interest but will continue to attempt to get greater input and involvement from our past players and commercial partners. The competition level is in alignment with the greater University's vision for the institution's involvement in high level sport.
We have never really drawn any great crowds but would like to improve the relationship between our grades as the club continues to expand. It is very challenging particularly given the level of non-player participation is very small.
The drive to NEAFL primarily came from our top level players, we thought it was an opportunity to be undertaken whilst offered. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Certainly not one to regret after one reasonaly unsuccesful year, not really all that different from when we went from the SFA to SFL in 2007 (Actually when you watch the games the similariies are obvious).
The travel, the bounce times and the lack of home games, as pointed out, are a problem with both revenue and attendance but once again matters that can be refined.
I love Oval No.1 but agree it is not up to the requisite standard, there is talk of the University investing money to improve the facility but obviously that won't happen overnight, so other solutions will be examined.
Ultimately, as per all decisions made by our club, we still consider it is in the best interests of our members to play in the NEAFL. The matter was put to a club plebiscite before we proceeded. We continue to hope our club can provide members the opportunity for tertiary study with the highest level sport they can attain. We also aim to provide a program that will see players acheive as much as they can out of their football.
The acid test for the NEAFL will be whether the elite players in Sydney embrace the concept in the long run. The decision to use to existing clubs simple as they already have a player list and some type of administration in place.
The Sydney clubs will survive because people will always love to get together on a Saturday afternoon for a kick. I can assure you footy has been fun at Sydney Uni whether we were in the NEAFL, SFL or SFA and nobody came to watch the SFA.
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