EDFL Premier Division 2017

[Newatthis]

I see with interest that Doutta played 1 x 16 year old, 1 x 17 year old and 3 x 18 year olds yesterday when playing Marby. One of the 18 year old has been a regular over the past 2 seasons anyway so no big change. One other has had a few games this year and the other has been playing at the Cannons this year. It was the second or third game for the 16 and 17 year old. All held their heads high and certainly didn't look out of place.

 

[Ogdor]

The poor young guys playing for Craigieburn copped it twice yesterday. Once on the field and then a god almighty spray in the rooms full of abusive expletives straight after the game. I am no prude but when you are struggling for numbers and are up against it, to get a bunch of kids to help you out and then throw that at them? May be the only things they learnt yesterday is why they are struggling for numbers. I know lots of players left last year and some of the better players got injured this year.

So before people jump on here and say I am kicking them whilst there down etc etc, I will preface that with, I openly stated that Craigieburn are my second team. I have felt sorry for them for the whole year as they are trying to play premier with a much lower quality side than what they had in div 1. Everyone has an opinion on why they are where they are and that's fair enough. I think the boys found out how much bigger, faster and more skilful they have to be to make it in Premier. They will struggle badly in div 1 next year unless they recruit big time.

The poor young guys playing for Craigieburn copped it twice yesterday. Once on the field and then a god almighty spray in the rooms full of abusive expletives straight after the game. I am no prude but when you are struggling for numbers and are up against it, to get a bunch of kids to help you out and then throw that at them? May be the only things they learnt yesterday is why they are struggling for numbers. I know lots of players left last year and some of the better players got injured this year.

So before people jump on here and say I am kicking them whilst there down etc etc, I will preface that with, I openly stated that Craigieburn are my second team. I have felt sorry for them for the whole year as they are trying to play premier with a much lower quality side than what they had in div 1. Everyone has an opinion on why they are where they are and that's fair enough. I think the boys found out how much bigger, faster and more skilful they have to be to make it in Premier. They will struggle badly in div 1 next year unless they recruit big time.

KB your getting affected by Denim, Ralph and those other so called journalists. Yes there was a spray, yes there was frustration but to allude those kids were the target is just so so far from the truth.

 

[Doona2]

In light of recent debates about your junior comp and how many teams each club should/shouldn't be able to field - I see Abers won the 3 under 17 grand finals they contested across Div.1, 2 & 5 today.

 

[puffpuffgivemo]

In light of recent debates about your junior comp and how many teams each club should/shouldn't be able to field - I see Abers won the 3 under 17 grand finals they contested across Div.1, 2 & 5 today.

Our 17's third team (Div 5) won last Sunday with 1's and 2's today but correct all three teams are premiers.

An outstanding effort from the boys, coaches, families, supporters and club as a whole.

 

[KB Hungry]

KB your getting affected by Denim, Ralph and those other so called journalists. Yes there was a spray, yes there was frustration but to allude those kids were the target is just so so far from the truth.

Only affected by what I heard. No denim or Ralph or even our own Turbo were of any influence. They copped a spray as a team and the youngsters were part of the team. Don't know if the spray was at individuals or not nor did I say the spray was directly at the young blokes, what I was saying was they were in the rooms. I don't get it, do they get a spray every week? The team has been smashed every week. Was a spray for a side that had a bunch of kids in it necessary? How demoralising even for an older player getting smashed every week and then copping a spray because some one is frustrated. Seriously?

 

[Queen100]

Only affected by what I heard. No denim or Ralph or even our own Turbo were of any influence. They copped a spray as a team and the youngsters were part of the team. Don't know if the spray was at individuals or not nor did I say the spray was directly at the young blokes, what I was saying was they were in the rooms. I don't get it, do they get a spray every week? The team has been smashed every week. Was a spray for a side that had a bunch of kids in it necessary? How demoralising even for an older player getting smashed every week and then copping a spray because some one is frustrated. Seriously?

Agreed no

 

[Localblues]

Only affected by what I heard. No denim or Ralph or even our own Turbo were of any influence. They copped a spray as a team and the youngsters were part of the team. Don't know if the spray was at individuals or not nor did I say the spray was directly at the young blokes, what I was saying was they were in the rooms. I don't get it, do they get a spray every week? The team has been smashed every week. Was a spray for a side that had a bunch of kids in it necessary? How demoralising even for an older player getting smashed every week and then copping a spray because some one is frustrated. Seriously?

Do you know the context of the spray? Do you know if he pulled them aside after talking to the playing group and explained himself or said well done thanks for stepping up when we needed you to? Yes they have been smashed every week and played young kids but no doubt they still all put out their hands out for a paycheck at the end of the week so if the coach felt they gave up/didn't try or whatever the reason for his spray was he is entitled to tell them so that's his job. I'm sure he is aware they are an average team and wouldn't have expected them to win many games but he would setting achievable standards/goals for them to meet on game day. Part of giving kids a go at a young age is to show them what senior footy is about and to prepare them for it in the future

 

[KB Hungry]

Do you know the context of the spray? Do you know if he pulled them aside after talking to the playing group and explained himself or said well done thanks for stepping up when we needed you to? Yes they have been smashed every week and played young kids but no doubt they still all put out their hands out for a paycheck at the end of the week so if the coach felt they gave up/didn't try or whatever the reason for his spray was he is entitled to tell them so that's his job. I'm sure he is aware they are an average team and wouldn't have expected them to win many games but he would setting achievable standards/goals for them to meet on game day. Part of giving kids a go at a young age is to show them what senior footy is about and to prepare them for it in the future

Mate I did hear some of the stuff but not all so did not want to comment on context as I didn't hear the whole lot. What I did hear was enough to make the comment I did and the raised eyebrows on others standing outside the rooms who also heard it was enough. Were you there? Did you hear the spray? Did you watch the game? The boys young and old tried. They were smaller, slower and less skilled but the result was better than the first time they met at Craigieburn. F&@k me! Look for some positives for the guys to take into next week / year. Anything. Any parent standing outside would be questioning why they should expose there 16 year old to that. Hey maybe you find it ok and that's fine good luck to you.

 

[callmecrazy]

Hearing a bit of chatter from some clubs that salary cap has become tight, which is why some clubs have not only rested, but sidelined some players to ensure they fit within the cap. The final top 4 in particular. an word from anyone else.

 

[Newatthis]

In light of recent debates about your junior comp and how many teams each club should/shouldn't be able to field - I see Abers won the 3 under 17 grand finals they contested across Div.1, 2 & 5 today.

It will be interesting to see what happens next year. From these results Abers should have two teams in Div 1. Dont tell me you cant do it, because other codes have done this before and it worked.

 

[Newatthis]

Hearing a bit of chatter from some clubs that salary cap has become tight, which is why some clubs have not only rested, but sidelined some players to ensure they fit within the cap. The final top 4 in particular. an word from anyone else.

It has been mentioned by others that clubs are getting close to the top of the cap. Some have totally denied it was happening. Some say at least 10 or 11 clubs in the EDFL have been spoken to. Some have given one club a bollocking because they have supposedly done something to rein in their spending.

 

[Passionateman]

It will be interesting to see what happens next year. From these results Abers should have two teams in Div 1. Dont tell me you cant do it, because other codes have done this before and it worked.

So Abers can just load whoever they feel like in both sides if they are in Div1? Drop them from one side to the other each week depending on who they play? Yeah right. It doesn't work.

 

[KB Hungry]

Our 17's third team (Div 5) won last Sunday with 1's and 2's today but correct all three teams are premiers.

An outstanding effort from the boys, coaches, families, supporters and club as a whole.

Awesome effort for all. Congratulations to the club and all the boys who played. Amazing amount of talent and depth. Other clubs need to watch and learn. In moving forward, the answer for other clubs lies in a strong junior program and good coaching. The answer is not in penalising or limiting strong clubs but in making the smaller clubs stronger. A formula that Abers has got right. Well done.

 

[front and square]

Awesome effort for all. Congratulations to the club and all the boys who played. Amazing amount of talent and depth. Other clubs need to watch and learn. In moving forward, the answer for other clubs lies in a strong junior program and good coaching. The answer is not in penalising or limiting strong clubs but in making the smaller clubs stronger. A formula that Abers has got right. Well done.

Other clubs Watch and learn? Not surprising when you have 500-600 juniors at one club that they win 60% of all U15 and U17 grand finals. Yes that's right, 6 out of the 10 grand finals from all of the U15 and U17 divisions. Even though there are 30 clubs in the EDFL and Aberfeldie make up 3.3% of the clubs, they win 60% of the premierships. Also a runners up in one of the other 4 grand finals. That is a disaster for the EDFL right there. It's not all about strong programs and is mainly about demographics, local school proximity and parents wanting their child playing at a successful club. Some parents drive past 5 other clubs to get their children there. It's a natural instinct for some parents. It would be the same if a local high school and Essendon Grammar had the same school fees, parent would go to Essendon Grammar even if the local school was better.

And don't give me this "if they can't play with their friends, they wont play football" Local primary schools have a capping on the number of students and when that is filled, the student goes to the next school. This would help other clubs in the area that are struggling. How many clubs didn't fill their U19 teams this year?

It's an environment that has been allowed to happen where we have super clubs winning everything and parents wanting to get their children into the successful super club. It's not all about programs alone and is mainly about numbers. It is no good for the league to allow this unharnessed approach to junior football. Smaller clubs will never be able to compete with this. To top it off, the super clubs then produce more 1 point senior players giving the seniors an advantage with the points system. This is all too complicated for the EDFL even though there is it a simple solution by limiting the size of clubs. It's time the EDFL employed someone to look at the equalization of all of the competition. The EDFL need to use some of their $$$$$ to get in an innovator to totally restructure juniors. This is beyond the board but they have the power to outsource for a restructure. If AFL can have equalization with salary cap, number of players, draft system, assistance funds, club equalization schemes, why can't the EDFL. Come on EDFL fix it or get someone in with vision to do the job.

 

[MYOB]

And don't give me this "if they can't play with their friends, they wont play football" Local primary schools have a capping on the number of students and when that is filled, the student goes to the next school. This would help other clubs in the area that are struggling. How many clubs didn't fill their U19 teams this year?

There are examples in this thread of it actually happening.
The student has to go to school, they don't have to play football.

 

[Johndoe]

Other clubs Watch and learn? Not surprising when you have 500-600 juniors at one club that they win 60% of all U15 and U17 grand finals. Yes that's right, 6 out of the 10 grand finals from all of the U15 and U17 divisions. Even though there are 30 clubs in the EDFL and Aberfeldie make up 3.3% of the clubs, they win 60% of the premierships. Also a runners up in one of the other 4 grand finals. That is a disaster for the EDFL right there. It's not all about strong programs and is mainly about demographics, local school proximity and parents wanting their child playing at a successful club. Some parents drive past 5 other clubs to get their children there. It's a natural instinct for some parents. It would be the same if a local high school and Essendon Grammar had the same school fees, parent would go to Essendon Grammar even if the local school was better.

And don't give me this "if they can't play with their friends, they wont play football" Local primary schools have a capping on the number of students and when that is filled, the student goes to the next school. This would help other clubs in the area that are struggling. How many clubs didn't fill their U19 teams this year?

It's an environment that has been allowed to happen where we have super clubs winning everything and parents wanting to get their children into the successful super club. It's not all about programs alone and is mainly about numbers. It is no good for the league to allow this unharnessed approach to junior football. Smaller clubs will never be able to compete with this. To top it off, the super clubs then produce more 1 point senior players giving the seniors an advantage with the points system. This is all too complicated for the EDFL even though there is it a simple solution by limiting the size of clubs. It's time the EDFL employed someone to look at the equalization of all of the competition. The EDFL need to use some of their $$$$$ to get in an innovator to totally restructure juniors. This is beyond the board but they have the power to outsource for a restructure. If AFL can have equalization with salary cap, number of players, draft system, assistance funds, club equalization schemes, why can't the EDFL. Come on EDFL fix it or get someone in with vision to do the job.

Am i missing something? Aren't all clubs limited to the number of junior teams they can have in each group already. 4 in the lower age groups and 3 teams when you get 15 or 17's?

School is a bit different from footy as well, the fact you've compared the two shows you may not have completed a high level of schooling yourself!

 

[KB Hungry]

Other clubs Watch and learn? Not surprising when you have 500-600 juniors at one club that they win 60% of all U15 and U17 grand finals. Yes that's right, 6 out of the 10 grand finals from all of the U15 and U17 divisions. Even though there are 30 clubs in the EDFL and Aberfeldie make up 3.3% of the clubs, they win 60% of the premierships. Also a runners up in one of the other 4 grand finals. That is a disaster for the EDFL right there. It's not all about strong programs and is mainly about demographics, local school proximity and parents wanting their child playing at a successful club. Some parents drive past 5 other clubs to get their children there. It's a natural instinct for some parents. It would be the same if a local high school and Essendon Grammar had the same school fees, parent would go to Essendon Grammar even if the local school was better.

And don't give me this "if they can't play with their friends, they wont play football" Local primary schools have a capping on the number of students and when that is filled, the student goes to the next school. This would help other clubs in the area that are struggling. How many clubs didn't fill their U19 teams this year?

It's an environment that has been allowed to happen where we have super clubs winning everything and parents wanting to get their children into the successful super club. It's not all about programs alone and is mainly about numbers. It is no good for the league to allow this unharnessed approach to junior football. Smaller clubs will never be able to compete with this. To top it off, the super clubs then produce more 1 point senior players giving the seniors an advantage with the points system. This is all too complicated for the EDFL even though there is it a simple solution by limiting the size of clubs. It's time the EDFL employed someone to look at the equalization of all of the competition. The EDFL need to use some of their $$$$$ to get in an innovator to totally restructure juniors. This is beyond the board but they have the power to outsource for a restructure. If AFL can have equalization with salary cap, number of players, draft system, assistance funds, club equalization schemes, why can't the EDFL. Come on EDFL fix it or get someone in with vision to do the job.

Ok here goes. Make up your mind if it's not about strong programs and all about demographics as you say, why are people driving past 5 clubs to get their kid to Abers? So it's not demographics in your mind really is it? It has been stated on here previously that Abers fees are much higher yet still people drive past clubs to get there kid there. So it's not money is it? If these people are going past 5 clubs to get there kid to Abers they more than likely don't have their school friends at Abers so as they are already playing with people that aren't their friends until they make new ones at the club. So again you are right they will play with others and at this point it is new friends they make at Abers. So it's not money, demographics or friends which leave success as the reason.
In order to achieve success you need to have a program to teach kids and most importantly attract kids to your club.

Why are people driving past your club? What are you doing to attract people to your club? What types of programs are you pitching to kids to get them to want to come to your club? Dominant power clubs are that because they put in place programs to teach kids football and they develope players and as a result gain success. Along the way they also attract good players from other areas to their club because they want success. Many clubs winge and moan and "poor little old us we get nothing they get everything! It's not fair! The EDFL should do something.. blah blah blah" that is all crap. Abers are reaping the rewards of the hard work and effort put in over many years and is still being put in. Others just moan.

There are a few clubs with genuine demographics issues and it is a little harder for them and they will need to think outside of the square to attract people and the EDFL maybe needs to assist with marketing but for those that have players in their catchment going to other clubs, stop and have a look at yourself and ask the question what are we not doing or what are we doing wrong. What can we do better? I hate it when people winge and moan and want to tear down others hard work and success and just ask for handouts, equalisation, caps, etc because they aren't prepared to do the hard work.
There are many clubs that have neglected juniors with all their focus on seniors and have suffered because of that. So the reasoning was we can't compete with the big clubs. So in came the points system. Many of the clubs playing at the points limit are underperforming clubs. So we bring in a salary cap and yet the same issues and results come up. These clubs create their problems and then it's clubs that have done a great job that they want penalised. I am not from Abers and I don't even like Abers but man I respect what they have done with managing both their junior and senior programs and the proof is in their success. Other clubs should stop feeling sorry for themselves, making excuses and get off their winging arses and do something similar.

 

[Two Planks]

Should be max 3 teams in u11 and u13
Should be max 2 teams in u15 and u17

 

[Turbos mail]

Ok here goes. Make up your mind if it's not about strong programs and all about demographics as you say, why are people driving past 5 clubs to get their kid to Abers? So it's not demographics in your mind really is it? It has been stated on here previously that Abers fees are much higher yet still people drive past clubs to get there kid there. So it's not money is it? If these people are going past 5 clubs to get there kid to Abers they more than likely don't have their school friends at Abers so as they are already playing with people that aren't their friends until they make new ones at the club. So again you are right they will play with others and at this point it is new friends they make at Abers. So it's not money, demographics or friends which leave success as the reason.
In order to achieve success you need to have a program to teach kids and most importantly attract kids to your club.

Why are people driving past your club? What are you doing to attract people to your club? What types of programs are you pitching to kids to get them to want to come to your club? Dominant power clubs are that because they put in place programs to teach kids football and they develope players and as a result gain success. Along the way they also attract good players from other areas to their club because they want success. Many clubs winge and moan and "poor little old us we get nothing they get everything! It's not fair! The EDFL should do something.. blah blah blah" that is all crap. Abers are reaping the rewards of the hard work and effort put in over many years and is still being put in. Others just moan.

There are a few clubs with genuine demographics issues and it is a little harder for them and they will need to think outside of the square to attract people and the EDFL maybe needs to assist with marketing but for those that have players in their catchment going to other clubs, stop and have a look at yourself and ask the question what are we not doing or what are we doing wrong. What can we do better? I hate it when people winge and moan and want to tear down others hard work and success and just ask for handouts, equalisation, caps, etc because they aren't prepared to do the hard work.
There are many clubs that have neglected juniors with all their focus on seniors and have suffered because of that. So the reasoning was we can't compete with the big clubs. So in came the points system. Many of the clubs playing at the points limit are underperforming clubs. So we bring in a salary cap and yet the same issues and results come up. These clubs create their problems and then it's clubs that have done a great job that they want penalised. I am not from Abers and I don't even like Abers but man I respect what they have done with managing both their junior and senior programs and the proof is in their success. Other clubs should stop feeling sorry for themselves, making excuses and get off their winging arses and do something similar.

It does need some fine tuning boys now the points system has been implemented or you will see a huge gap in ladder positions going forward. Yes we all agree some clubs have worked harder to build their juniors but come on boys it needs to be fixed somehow. I don't have all the answers and already stated my points over recent months but let me give you an example.

A junior out of say Abers goes well and has talent but his playing reserve footy due to being behind other players. If he wanted to go to another club (in EDFL) to get an opportunity why should he be 4 points. Is this fair on the player if his shown loyalty by playing 3 plus years at Abers but wants to play senior footy and get some $$. Yes Abers have invested in the player but it's due to their high number of players he doesn't get opportunities.
So I'm not having a go at Abers it's just an example of the downside for a young player. The system needs a review!!! Otherwise young talent will be lingering in reserve footy which will mean they lose interest and this points system will no doubt see certain clubs fold. How does a div1 club compete if promoted?? What is a club with low juniors such as Tulla wants to have a crack at winning a senior premiership they are restricted by recruiting..

 

[Johndoe]

It does need some fine tuning boys now the points system has been implemented or you will see a huge gap in ladder positions going forward. Yes we all agree some clubs have worked harder to build their juniors but come on boys it needs to be fixed somehow. I don't have all the answers and already stated my points over recent months but let me give you an example.

A junior out of say Abers goes well and has talent but his playing reserve footy due to being behind other players. If he wanted to go to another club (in EDFL) to get an opportunity why should he be 4 points. Is this fair on the player if his shown loyalty by playing 3 plus years at Abers but wants to play senior footy and get some $$. Yes Abers have invested in the player but it's due to their high number of players he doesn't get opportunities.
So I'm not having a go at Abers it's just an example of the downside for a young player. The system needs a review!!! Otherwise young talent will be lingering in reserve footy which will mean they lose interest and this points system will no doubt see certain clubs fold. How does a div1 club compete if promoted?? What is a club with low juniors such as Tulla wants to have a crack at winning a senior premiership they are restricted by recruiting..

Turbo - the example you used with Abers happened at the beginning of this season. A number of fringe players left the club for further opportunities, as did a few Under 19's.

How have Tulla been restricted? They have points up their sleeve week in/week out aand are playing finals yet again! It is as important to look after the players on your list with points reduction as it ever has been. When it come to the crunch, the same clubs will be successful as they have the ability to adapt

 

[The Grover]

Awesome effort for all. Congratulations to the club and all the boys who played. Amazing amount of talent and depth. Other clubs need to watch and learn. In moving forward, the answer for other clubs lies in a strong junior program and good coaching. The answer is not in penalising or limiting strong clubs but in making the smaller clubs stronger. A formula that Abers has got right. Well done.

awesome effort, give me a spell.

All these kids move to strong clubs like abers as they want a EASY way to win.

Should be no more than 2 teams per club per age group.

Most of the kids will need to move to other clubs anyway if they want to play senior 1st team football.

 

[KB Hungry]

It does need some fine tuning boys now the points system has been implemented or you will see a huge gap in ladder positions going forward. Yes we all agree some clubs have worked harder to build their juniors but come on boys it needs to be fixed somehow. I don't have all the answers and already stated my points over recent months but let me give you an example.

A junior out of say Abers goes well and has talent but his playing reserve footy due to being behind other players. If he wanted to go to another club (in EDFL) to get an opportunity why should he be 4 points. Is this fair on the player if his shown loyalty by playing 3 plus years at Abers but wants to play senior footy and get some $$. Yes Abers have invested in the player but it's due to their high number of players he doesn't get opportunities.
So I'm not having a go at Abers it's just an example of the downside for a young player. The system needs a review!!! Otherwise young talent will be lingering in reserve footy which will mean they lose interest and this points system will no doubt see certain clubs fold. How does a div1 club compete if promoted?? What is a club with low juniors such as Tulla wants to have a crack at winning a senior premiership they are restricted by recruiting..

I agree on the points being reviewed and think it's unfair for a guy who hasn't played senior footy to be rated as highly because they played at a club for a few years is not right.

This can backfire also in that if the lower clubs pick up players at less points from the stronger clubs then what is to say the reverse can't happen and they take players for less points from the lower clubs.

The down side of thebpoints system as it is, if we use Abers as an example, is that once they get to senior level not all the kids will have a position at Abers and will need to find clubs. Their points should be less or is this something that other clubs should make people aware of when sending their kids to larger clubs.

 

[The Grover]

I agree on the points being reviewed and think it's unfair for a guy who hasn't played senior footy to be rated as highly because they played at a club for a few years is not right.

This can backfire also in that if the lower clubs pick up players at less points from the stronger clubs then what is to say the reverse can't happen and they take players for less points from the lower clubs.

The down side of thebpoints system as it is, if we use Abers as an example, is that once they get to senior level not all the kids will have a position at Abers and will need to find clubs. Their points should be less or is this something that other clubs should make people aware of when sending their kids to larger clubs.

There is your answer, cap the junior teams per club per age group & these kids will start at a different club & won't have to move when getting to seniors.

 

[KB Hungry]

awesome effort, give me a spell.

All these kids move to strong clubs like abers as they want a EASY way to win.

Should be no more than 2 teams per club per age group.

Most of the kids will need to move to other clubs anyway if they want to play senior 1st team football.

It is an awesome effort. Mate have you watched any of the Abers sides in Under 17 this year. I have seen the div 2 and div 5 sides play a few times.

Everyone of the div 2 side kids could be playing div 1 at almost any other Div 1 club and the boys playing Div 5 could play Div 2 easily at other clubs yet they choose to play at a better club in a lower grade why? Kids want success and to win but the also want to play the highest level they can.

No more then two teams? So the ones not prepared to do any work get it done for them? You give me a spell. Next you'll be asking the league to take away scoring because it's unfair that anyone loses and take away the b&f and give everyone a participation trophy. Do the work reap the benefits. Winge and moan and suffer the consequences.

You are right about some needing to move when they get to senior footy but what are you doing to get them to move now or not go there in the first place and stay in your demographics?

 

[front and square]

Ok here goes. Make up your mind if it's not about strong programs and all about demographics as you say, why are people driving past 5 clubs to get their kid to Abers? So it's not demographics in your mind really is it? It has been stated on here previously that Abers fees are much higher yet still people drive past clubs to get there kid there. So it's not money is it? If these people are going past 5 clubs to get there kid to Abers they more than likely don't have their school friends at Abers so as they are already playing with people that aren't their friends until they make new ones at the club. So again you are right they will play with others and at this point it is new friends they make at Abers. So it's not money, demographics or friends which leave success as the reason.
In order to achieve success you need to have a program to teach kids and most importantly attract kids to your club.

Why are people driving past your club? What are you doing to attract people to your club? What types of programs are you pitching to kids to get them to want to come to your club? Dominant power clubs are that because they put in place programs to teach kids football and they develope players and as a result gain success. Along the way they also attract good players from other areas to their club because they want success. Many clubs winge and moan and "poor little old us we get nothing they get everything! It's not fair! The EDFL should do something.. blah blah blah" that is all crap. Abers are reaping the rewards of the hard work and effort put in over many years and is still being put in. Others just moan.

There are a few clubs with genuine demographics issues and it is a little harder for them and they will need to think outside of the square to attract people and the EDFL maybe needs to assist with marketing but for those that have players in their catchment going to other clubs, stop and have a look at yourself and ask the question what are we not doing or what are we doing wrong. What can we do better? I hate it when people winge and moan and want to tear down others hard work and success and just ask for handouts, equalisation, caps, etc because they aren't prepared to do the hard work.
There are many clubs that have neglected juniors with all their focus on seniors and have suffered because of that. So the reasoning was we can't compete with the big clubs. So in came the points system. Many of the clubs playing at the points limit are underperforming clubs. So we bring in a salary cap and yet the same issues and results come up. These clubs create their problems and then it's clubs that have done a great job that they want penalised. I am not from Abers and I don't even like Abers but man I respect what they have done with managing both their junior and senior programs and the proof is in their success. Other clubs should stop feeling sorry for themselves, making excuses and get off their winging arses and do something similar.

Read the post again and settle down. I don't have to make up my mind, I said it is a combination of a number of aspects. I am commenting on what is best for the EDFL. Say what you like but families drive past other clubs as they want their children playing for success and the league is imbalanced with success lop sided. Maybe Abers will win 70% of premierships next year and that will be better in your eyes? You say that you don't like Abers (but watch 2 divisions of their U17's teams) but your view is biased. Membership at Abers is similar to all of the surrounding clubs (I've researched this. ) The Essendon Aberfeldie area is an education precinct with 5 secondary schools and numerous primary schools. Ask yourself what you want in a league.