AFL reserves join VFL thread? Others follow?

[SgtSchulz]

It's been a point of discussion and with the new proposed sanctions on Port Adelaide and Adelaide the likelihood of it happening is increasing unless the the status quo remains (which I think is working well).

But this thread is more about Norwood and other strong SANFL clubs joining the VFL.

Imagine for a moment.

A Norwood vs. Collingwood Grand Final at Adelaide Oval.

Footscray vs. Central District Grand Final at Etihad Stadium.

Port Adelaide vs. Port Melbourne at Alberton Oval.

The SANFL is on a highway to an amateur competition, which in someways is good, but other-ways it means that proud clubs will eventually be of a similar level to the SAAFL.

Could a SANFL merger with the VFL of the two competitions AFL clubs and top standalone clubs be a workable way going forward to help keep the old South Australian clubs relevant?

The bulk of clubs in each state could work as a sort of conference system to reduce travel costs. The fixtures could be made to align with AFL fixtures (e.g. say Collingwood come to play Adelaide in Round 15, a match at West Lakes could be played on Saturday morning at West Lakes and the main event could start at 7:20pm).

 

[saintal]

Firstly, who do you consider to be the "strong" SANFL clubs apart from Norwood? The Bays and Sturt are always up there in attendances, but have had their off-field/financial problems in recent times. WWT? Strong on-field but mediocre attendances. West? Ditto, but have also had off-field dramas. Centrals?

Norwood v Collingwood or Essendon Reserves. Would this really appeal to the Norwood masses? Novelty factor would be there for a short while, but you've seen people's reactions to their SANFL clubs having to play glorified training game against the Power reserves and Ravens. Fixture times and venues to be tailored around the needs of the AFL clubs? Na, doubt that will be popular.

Norwood v Port Melb and other stand alone clubs. Again, there will be a novelty factor as to how they stack up against the vics. But say goodbye to the ability to watch your team home and away on a weekly basis. Say goodbye to any sort of atmosphere at the Parade due to the lack of away supporters (bit like current Raven and to a lesser degree Power reserves games).

A VFL/SANFL mishmash would be a meaningless venture for the likes of Norwood (some might argue the SANFL is becoming or has become 'meaningless'). Cons outweigh the pros in my opinion.

It's interesting that it's usually Port supporters who seem to have the answers/solutions to rejuvenate the league. The same supporter base that in the main wants nothing to do with the league and wouldn't mind it perishing.

 

[SgtSchulz]

Firstly, who do you consider to be the "strong" SANFL clubs apart from Norwood? The Bays and Sturt are always up there in attendances, but have had their off-field/financial problems in recent times. WWT? Strong on-field but mediocre attendances. West? Ditto, but have also had off-field dramas. Centrals?

Norwood v Collingwood or Essendon Reserves. Would this really appeal to the Norwood masses? Novelty factor would be there for a short while, but you've seen people's reactions to their SANFL clubs having to play glorified training game against the Power reserves and Ravens. Fixture times and venues to be tailored around the needs of the AFL clubs? Na, doubt that will be popular.

Norwood v Port Melb and other stand alone clubs. Again, there will be a novelty factor as to how they stack up against the vics. But say goodbye to the ability to watch your team home and away on a weekly basis. Say goodbye to any sort of atmosphere at the Parade due to the lack of away supporters (bit like current Raven and to a lesser degree Power reserves games).

A VFL/SANFL mishmash would be a meaningless venture for the likes of Norwood (some might argue the SANFL is becoming or has become 'meaningless'). Cons outweigh the pros in my opinion.

It's interesting that it's usually Port supporters who seem to have the answers/solutions to rejuvenate the league. The same supporter base that in the main wants nothing to do with the league and wouldn't mind it perishing.

It will be third tier in no time at all if we leave. The way we are treated is obviously trying to push us away. The Grand Final didn't have any AFL clubs and only pulled "25k" with about 15k free/cheap tickets. It is in the best interest of the clubs for the league to remain 2nd tier.

 

[Great8]

It will be third tier in no time at all if we leave. The way we are treated is obviously trying to push us away. The Grand Final didn't have any AFL clubs and only pulled "25k" with about 15k free/cheap tickets. It is in the best interest of the clubs for the league to remain 2nd tier.

Two poorly supported clubs at the GF, probably the two worst infact.
Last few years have had Norwood to boost the figures and even last year it was probably a 70-30 Norwood/Port split and thats being generous.
25-35k is going to be the norm for the GF id imagine, interest dropping at a rapid rate

 

[SgtSchulz]

Two poorly supported clubs at the GF, probably the two worst infact.
Last few years have had Norwood to boost the figures and even last year it was probably a 70-30 Norwood/Port split and thats being generous.
25-35k is going to be the norm for the GF id imagine, interest dropping at a rapid rate

Has been dropping for a long time.