AFL Canada

[RedV3x]

There were regional leagues here - the CAFL, MAAFL, EAFL among them

And a great opportunity at that time to have the premiers play off and have a national league.
which could have run in parallel withe the U.S.A. nationals.

For the time being, I think the best seed in starting a national Canadian carnival would be to do it 9-a-side.

Not a bad idea, but they did well to get a result that they did.
It's probably best to work on getting those teams from the West.

 

[DingosRec]

Exactly and the next step is to get those West coast teams attending.
Proportionally it's "the best teams from across Canada" to "teams from most of Canada".



Well I think the league has done well to get this far and but disappointed in that it fell a little short.
There must be a reason that not one club from the West didn't attend.

A very long time ago I suggested that what is needed in North America are national leagues, not Australian style, not even American style, but a series of playoffs of the premiers requiring only a few games.
Now everybody knows that even with a severe pyramid system there is a cost barrier (and in the U.S.A. there is climate issues) but the ability to have a national opens up tremendous marketing opportunities.
I am really disappointed that Australian Football has gone off the boil after Covid from the AFL's perspective
and until that changes i cannot see a pathway to success that isn't unbelievably hard work.

I am sure AFL Canada will be working hard to try and find a way to get clubs from all acorss the country involved.
The two biggest barriers would have been cost and footy fatigue after long seasons.
This will be the biggest challenge - finding a time that clubs from all over can commit to, and at a time where costs can be kept as low as possible.

The idea of 9's in interesting. I know this is how the European Champions League is run, as well as Euro International cup. It certainly would be more efficient for running a tournament (find a big enough rugby club and could do men's and womens across multiple pitches) and make it easier for teams to participate from a numbers perspective.
Biggest counter is unfortunately the negativity that 9's is not 18's...and will lads and lasses really want to participate, especially if they only play 18's.
Again the timing may be be crucial...

The idea of a 9's or 7's second league in Ontario is very interesting...
Rumours are the Blues are looking to make a comeback, so this could be an avenue, as well as allowing teams with more numbers get some game time into newer players

 

[BigBrainUSA]

I am sure AFL Canada will be working hard to try and find a way to get clubs from all acorss the country involved.
The two biggest barriers would have been cost and footy fatigue after long seasons.
This will be the biggest challenge - finding a time that clubs from all over can commit to, and at a time where costs can be kept as low as possible.

The idea of 9's in interesting. I know this is how the European Champions League is run, as well as Euro International cup. It certainly would be more efficient for running a tournament (find a big enough rugby club and could do men's and womens across multiple pitches) and make it easier for teams to participate from a numbers perspective.
Biggest counter is unfrotunately the negativity that 9's is not 18's...and will lads and lasses really want to participate, especially if they only play 18's.
Again the timing may be be crucial...

The idea of a 9's or 7's second league in Ontario is very interesting...
Rumours are the Blues are looking to make a comeback, so this could be an avenue, as well as allowing teams with more numbers get some game time into newer players

So off and on for a couple of years, the USAFL ran a Reserves Division. However, last year, we turned that division into a true Division 5 and made that 14-a-side, and over the last two years it's given a lot of the fledgling and new sides the opportunity to play in an actual tournament setting with an eye towards moving up and playing 16- or 18-a-side footy.

Perhaps for next year's Nationals, AFL Canada can expand out and give teams the option of playing 18's or playing 9's or even 12's in one big carnival, based on how many players are willing to travel. You can call it "Div 1" and "Div 2" or "Gold" and "Silver" or something like that. And if teams are only able to bring a partial team or even a couple of players, you can combine them and make fuller teams, like the USAFL does.

Granted, this is going to mean finding places other than Humber to play, but if we're talking about building up numbers to the event itself and getting a truly nationwide competition going, this is a step in the right direction.

 

[RedV3x]

Biggest counter is unfrotunately the negativity that 9's is not 18's

And Canada has to be congratulated on being so traditional.
Maybe 16s is a start. The AFLW and some leagues are 16s.
It's traditional football but a bit more open.
Even a reduction in two players can be a significant help.

 

[Canberra Pear]

And Canada has to be congratulated on being so traditional.
Maybe 16s is a start. The AFLW and some leagues are 16s.
It's traditional football but a bit more open.
Even a reduction in two players can be a significant help.

I agree with 16s as an option as well. Just remove the wings.

I believe the European Championships are done 16-a-side as well.

 

[Canberra Pear]

Rumours are the Blues are looking to make a comeback

As a Blues alumnus, this makes me very happy.

They've done well to cling together as a club and come back to fielding a team in the women's. It would be amazing to be back in both divisions.

 

[DingosRec]

I agree with 16s as an option as well. Just remove the wings.

I believe the European Championships are done 16-a-side as well.

Whilst 18's is the aim in AFLO, it is pretty common for 16's to be played due to numbers for particpating clubs.

Thus it could be that the Canada Champs turns into a 16's tournament.
Still remains that clubs may struggle depending on timing and play availabilty.

The idea of having a reserves championship of 9's or 12's could be a great idea. Your point around grounds other than Humber is extremely valid and one that will be tricky to solve. I do not know what grounds are like apart from AFLO venues.
Somewhere like Manitock where Ottawa Swans play could work, or even the sports field where Hamilton Wildcats play. Potentially could have multiple pitches there.
Still you have the same issue with regard to travel from teams across the country.