The Scarecrow
18 Sep 2003, 20:19
Source: The Mercury
BY JAMES BRESNEHAN
HOBART coach Michael McGregor yesterday slammed SFL regulations that allowed VFL players to drop back into North Hobart's side for the grand final on Saturday as a ``bull**** rule''.
Tasmanian Devils Kane Richter and James Jenkins will almost certainly be included in North Hobart's line-up for the grand final against underdog Hobart.
And while McGregor does not begrudge their right to play, he believes the rule must be revisited.
``At the end of the day they are two blokes who play footy, and if there was no VFL side they'd be playing every week,'' McGregor said.
``The rules were there at the start of the year and we all agreed with the rule.
``But Jenkins has played eight or so games in the VFL and only a couple for North Hobart.
``So I think it [eligibility] should be worked out on a percentage basis.''
To qualify for SFL finals, players must have played a maximum of 11 VFL games and a minimum of three club games. All SFL clubs agreed to the rule when it went to a vote in November.
Richter, who developed into a first-class midfield tagger for the Devils, played eight VFL games and 11 games for the Demons.
Jenkins, a key defender whose season was hampered by injury, also played eight VFL games and the minimum three club games.
Devils ruckman Simon Taylor played 12 VFL games, which ruled him ineligible for North Hobart's grand final side.
Hobart's VFL ace, Daniel Kirk, only just qualified for the SFL finals, having played the maximum 11 VFL games.
McGregor said Hobart, which has come from fourth on the ladder, would continue to do the things that make the side play well.
``We're sure they [Richter and Jenkins] will play and we're working our match-ups around both of them playing,'' he said.
``It doesn't faze us either way.''
Hobart won the SFL premiership in 1999, the year after it was ejected from the former Statewide League competition.
If Hobart wins on Saturday it would be the club's first tier-one premiership since 1990.
SFL GRAND FINAL TIMES
NORTH HOBART
Saturday
SENIORS - North Hobart v Hobart, 2.15pm
RESERVES - New Norfolk v Clarence, 11.30am
COLTS - New Norfolk Clarence, 9.15pm
PRICES - Adults $8, Concession $4, Children under 16 free
BY JAMES BRESNEHAN
HOBART coach Michael McGregor yesterday slammed SFL regulations that allowed VFL players to drop back into North Hobart's side for the grand final on Saturday as a ``bull**** rule''.
Tasmanian Devils Kane Richter and James Jenkins will almost certainly be included in North Hobart's line-up for the grand final against underdog Hobart.
And while McGregor does not begrudge their right to play, he believes the rule must be revisited.
``At the end of the day they are two blokes who play footy, and if there was no VFL side they'd be playing every week,'' McGregor said.
``The rules were there at the start of the year and we all agreed with the rule.
``But Jenkins has played eight or so games in the VFL and only a couple for North Hobart.
``So I think it [eligibility] should be worked out on a percentage basis.''
To qualify for SFL finals, players must have played a maximum of 11 VFL games and a minimum of three club games. All SFL clubs agreed to the rule when it went to a vote in November.
Richter, who developed into a first-class midfield tagger for the Devils, played eight VFL games and 11 games for the Demons.
Jenkins, a key defender whose season was hampered by injury, also played eight VFL games and the minimum three club games.
Devils ruckman Simon Taylor played 12 VFL games, which ruled him ineligible for North Hobart's grand final side.
Hobart's VFL ace, Daniel Kirk, only just qualified for the SFL finals, having played the maximum 11 VFL games.
McGregor said Hobart, which has come from fourth on the ladder, would continue to do the things that make the side play well.
``We're sure they [Richter and Jenkins] will play and we're working our match-ups around both of them playing,'' he said.
``It doesn't faze us either way.''
Hobart won the SFL premiership in 1999, the year after it was ejected from the former Statewide League competition.
If Hobart wins on Saturday it would be the club's first tier-one premiership since 1990.
SFL GRAND FINAL TIMES
NORTH HOBART
Saturday
SENIORS - North Hobart v Hobart, 2.15pm
RESERVES - New Norfolk v Clarence, 11.30am
COLTS - New Norfolk Clarence, 9.15pm
PRICES - Adults $8, Concession $4, Children under 16 free