If we are going to have the NEAFL then we may as well use for its proper purpose which should be to provide some local focus on the local footy.
OK, so the Sydney Uni and Baulko games will be like Third Grade matches (warming up for the reserves) but even the standard of the Students was waaaay better than that of the current SFL which has quite frankly descended to old SFA level.
It would be unrealistic and impractical to get all Swans games at Drummoyne as a double header with the Students. It also wouldn't be fair to the Swans fans that enjoy getting to the SCG early.
I do think it would be realistic, however, to get 5-6 games there, and likewise for Baulko. Market it properly as Friday Night Football, I mean really market it (advertise on Fox Footy, in local press) get the AFL to throw some clout behind the concept.
Maybe if these become showcase type games with decent crowds turning up then NEAFL could become a showpiece for the local sport rather than just a vehicle for AFL clubs to run their ressies in. Hey even Sydney Uni could get some crowd support if their 300 players are able to support their ones rather than having to go and play themselves.
Financially it should be a no-brainer of a success. Even I would be happy to donate $10 entry fee to Sydney Uni if I got a free programme, sausage sambo and a drink. Run a decent raffle, have some pre-match functions, try and get some decent money into the local game.
The current NEAFL is a joke but I saw something I liked on Saturday and I reckon a lot of people like me would be regulars at Friday night football in Balmain, followed by a few beers at The London. Granted, most of it centred on the Swans but if Baulko and the Students can coat-tail them then why not?
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