I have an idea for a continually rotating (promotion/relegation) 2-tier system that results in a division one and two interstate champion. If it commenced next year, it's like this -
Ranked initially in this order for 2004
div.1 - VFL, SANFL, WAFL, TAS
div.2 - AFLQ, NTFL, ACTAFL, SydneyFL
VFL v SANFL
(div.1 championship final - loser to 2005 qualifier)
WAFL v Tas
(div.1 qualifier - loser to 2005 div.2 final, winner to 2005 div.1 championship final)
AFLQ v NTFL
(div.2 championship final - winner to 2005 div.1, loser to 2005 div.2 qualifier)
ACTAFL v SydneyAFL
(div.2 qualifier - winner to 2005 div.2 championship final)
...... and so the system continues.
In 2005 then - (say the first team mentioned wins in 2004)
div.1 final is VFL v WAFL
div.1 qualifier is SANFL v AFLQ
div.2 final is Tas v ACTAFL
div.2 qualifier NTFL v SydneyAFL
In 2006 - (say the second teams all win in 2005)
div.1 final is WAFL v AFLQ
div.1 qualifier is VFL v ACTAFL
div.2 final is SANFL v SydneyAFL
div.2 qualifier is NTFL v Tas
In 2007 - (say the first teams win again in 2006)
div.1 final is WAFL v VFL
div.1 qualifier is AFLQ v SANFL
div.2 final is NTFL v ACTAFL
div.2 qualifier is Tas v SydneyAFL
etc etc etc
Notes:
1. If VFL, SA and WAFL stay in div.1 then so be it as they are obviously winning games as stronger leagues. (Same with weaker leagues remaining in div.2)
2. Every state has equal opportunity to progress to div.1 if good enough (ie playing states of similar level, winning and being promoted.)
3. Obviously each state only plays one state match each year as part of this system. But as that is all anyone does now anyway, its not a problem. I'm sure the Leagues would agree one game is enough.
4. Every game between any two states should be recognised by its own perpetual shield. I'm sure certain states already have historical shields they play/have played for throughout history. They should be kept going or revived if need be. (also see 5)
5. No two states will ever play each other two years running.
6. The only drawback (if it is that) is that whoever loses in a given year will always have to re-qualify the following year.
7. There will be div.1 and div.2 champions every year.
8. Games to be scheduled like Davis cup tennis fixtures, where each state match-up is played alternate to the last time those particular states met.
9. The only point of conjecture is perhaps that the loser of the div.1 qualifier each year, automatically progresses to the div.2 final the following year. I dont see it as an issue as that state has been playing in div.1 previously, afterall.
10. The player judged best afield in the div.1 final should be eligible for the old Eric Tassie medal which used to be awarded at the interstate carnival.
11. Perhaps even an "Australian Residents" side could be selected each year to take on the AFL's All-australian team after the end of season.
Thoughts ....