Originally Posted by
Coastal Boy
I agree the overall standard is quite high, however IMO the premier division would have to be at an all time low.
The reasons for this are numerous.
Firstly, the number of PD teams(when known as the old SFL first grade) was always 8 but has recently increased. Sure, this year is only 9 but recently Balmain, Wollongong and Campbelltown made it 12 before their demise and this dilution I doubt has been re-concentrated this year.
Secondly, first division is definitely stronger....but at the expense of PD. Many players good enough for PD are happy to support their local Div1 and 2 clubs. I suggest more than in years past.
Thirdly, the club player payment budgets I can only guess are a fraction of years gone. Some of the cashed up clubs of the early 90s would spend $100k+ on annual player payments. This would attract interstate players from all over the country. Less money attracts less imports.
Fourthly, the introduction of the afl draft and list numbers being capped has influenced the local league. When the Swans reserves could attract and invite anyone to do a preseason, lots of hopefuls who eventually were cut would filter into the local competition. Ex-swans reserve graders who were not from Sydney would get local jobs and play locally. Now there are more accessible options and pathways in comps like the WAFL and VFL.
Fifthly, the NEAFL now attracts not only the best local talent but any interstate talent who move to Sydney for such things as work. I've previously read on this forum that Sydney Hills and Sydney Uni have not pillaged the local comp....but how many of their players were actively recruited from interstate and how many were coming to Sydney anyway...and thus would have filtered into the local comp?
Sixthly, good young players who miss out on being drafted have better access to the pathway competitions like the WAFL and VFL so the PD would be losing more young players than 20+ years ago.
In summary, football overall in Sydney is definitely better than pre-80s. But the introduction and rise of the swans, Giants, neafl and lower divisions combined with AFL rules on pathway competitions and drafting has lowered the standard of the PD. I am sure there are positive changes such as increased numbers which I have neglected to mention but they are not sufficient to negate the negatives. Just my opinion.
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