Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Albert Einstein
I think divisionalisation has had a negative effect on the under age teams.
I liked the old three grades system where the young guys would play at 10.00 am and the older heads could go along and support. It all added to the integration of the cluib and the family atmosphere
I understand the reasons for divisionalistion but surely we are at the stage now where a traditional integrated model for two divs with 2-3 one club comps below is what suitsus best
Again, a potential format could be
SFL - UTS, North Shore, UNSW, Penno, Manly, Sydney Uni, Baulko, St George
SFA - Sutherland, Moorebank, Parramatta, Mac Uni, Maroubra, Holroyd Parramatta, Campbelltown, Penrith, Camden, Balmain
One up, one down
SFA Div 1 - 3 being 8 team comps
UNSW (2) UTS (2) Sydney Uni (2) Manly Penno Hawkesbury Blacktown Wollondilly Gosford plus any new clubs could fill these
This weekend St George u19s have to play at Weldon at 8.30. Get there 7.30? Half the team lives in the shire, your leaving home at almost 6 am. Can't find too many 18 and 19 year olds who are keen to get up at 6 am to play a game of footy.
Normally it's good at saints with 19s at 10, ressies at 12 and seniors at 2. Works out like that most home games. Few people have mentioned creating a div 4 or something but that would mean playing at 8am a few times a year and you wont get old blokes keen for a run at that time.
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Albert Einstein
MP & Benchwarmer... Sydney Football has forever changed since the Seniors and Reserves days. Looking at the clubs with multiple teams I think there is only 1 with only Seniors, Reserves and an under 19s - St George. All others have 4, 5 and in the case of the Uni's 6, and 7 teams. In Prems Manly with 5 teams, Baulko 4, UNSW 7 or 8 etc. The old Seniors, Reserves and Thirds just does not make sense any more. I think Sydney Uni played Penno in 5 games last Sunday, shouldn't that we goal for all clubs.
Part of me agrees with you and I applaud the way the Unis and clubs like Penno have really embraced the whole emphasis of player involvement.
I just think the traditional three grade system in a relegation-promotion club based system supported by a divisional layer below, a hybrid model if you like, could give the best of both worlds.
I guess it also depends on what you want long term. Personally I think the VAFA model is one to aspire to and IF the game grows in Sydney at a senior level the logistical issues will only increase
For us out here, our existence is a year to year prospect, so a divisional model works best. Half of our squad last year is traipsing around Europe this year, and the same is expected next year based off these blokes seeing those blokes pics on social media!
So with this hybrid model, how would a strong club in the lower leagues get promoted to the main league?
In the case of Div 1 (the old SFL) by winning Div 2 (old SFA) and having an Under 19 team
In the case of Div 2 by having two senior teams they feel are of suitable quality to be competitive in that league. WOuld imagine that clubs be given the chance to opt out of Div 2 if they wish - would cater for clubs that have downturns in fortunes from time to time such as Camden and Norwest
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