SFNL Div 1 2025

[bedford]

Worst account I’ve come across. Sorry, but this is pure shite

And the henry the 3rd likes every post bagging him

 

[Nepotism]

Bedders you are unbelievably funny. You always make me laugh and laugh.

East Brighton v Narre Warren
Port Melbourne v Dingley Dell
Cheltenham v Springy
St Pauls v Cranbourne
Murrumbeena v Bentleigh

 

[MoorabbinMauler2]

To celebrate the return of SFNL, thought I'd do a bit of an around the grounds in the style of adock (who does a sterling job in the EFNL threads).
Unfortunately I didn't get to see a game this weekend so forgive the superficial analysis.

D1
Have to start with the obvious, phenomenal performance from Dingley to condemn Chelt to their worst loss since pre-COVID. The dingoes have loaded up heavily over the offseason, with Horton-Milne in particular dominating. Lewis also played, slotting a lazy 5, which helped matters massively. Chelt looked to just have an off day, but safe to say that Dingley have now vaulted into the status of clear-cut premiership favourites. A side note is that Chelt lost a ton of their better U19s players from last season to Chelsea Heights (where they are playing seniors), which could come back to bite them eventually.

Bentleigh were the surprise package of round 1, with a lot of onlookers (including myself) expecting them to not really be competitive. Bedford looks to be a very good player, and Smart's return gives their speedy mids first ball use. St Paul's obviously played without Kreymborg, who makes them a 3+ goal better side when he's fit, but to nearly lose first up to last season

Port had a massive away win against Springy, with their much vaunted midfield living up to expectations. Lehmann's arrival looks to have shored up the backline somewhat, but they face a massive test with Dingley this week. Great to see Mitch Clarke back to his best with 5 goals. Port struggled on larger grounds last season, so they'd be massively buoyed by taking the points on the palatial expanses of Springvale Reserve whilst coming up against a good side in the districts. Disappointing result for Springvale, but they've got a chance to make amends against the Rosellas this week, they'd be hoping for more out of Sketcher if they're any chance of toppling the reigning premiers.

The All stars looked imperious at Murrumbeena, with their tall timber giving the typically resolute Beena defence fits. I'd be hesitant to throw them in the top echelon of contenders yet, but Narre this week should provide a good yardstick of where they're sitting. The defensive contingent is still a bit of an unknown, but Tyren Head was superb, hopefully he gets a good run at it this year after an interrupted 2024. Beena blooded a few of their victorious U19 team from last year in good signs for the future, but just got wiped out by the bigger, more mature bodies of the vampires. They'd be hoping to get Pollard back next week.

Narre announced their arrival to SFNL with a breezy win over their long-time rivals Cranbourne, leading comfortably at all intervals. In scary sights for other teams, they played at 23 points, potentially keeping the door ajar for midseason top ups if they're needed. Noticed that Cavalot didn't play for Cranbourne, who is usually one of their better players. Their match against St Paul's this week will help clear up a bit about where both sides stand in a cracking set of games.

E.B vs Narre is probably match of the round for mine.

Div 2
Hampton Park with an absolute statement against last season's preliminary finalists. Hampton Park have improved considerably, and Doveton look to have regressed massively (they're always slow starters though).

Impressive first game from the Dolphins in Div 2, with Nardino (top 3 player in the division) yet to play. Highett just ran out of legs.

Endeavour Hills took a nice scalp in the notoriously dogged Bears, their young talent is starting to dominate at senior level, the Grant brothers in particular starting to wreak havoc.

Mordi took out a rousing win in the local derby against the Heighters, who'd be bitterly disappointed with the loss. Heart- warming to see the contingent of bloods players who stuck fat with the club after a winless 2024 be rewarded.

E.M took care of the business against the burra, with a wide spread of contributors that would no doubt be pleasing to Panthers.

Div 3
St Kilda city shocked many by recording a commanding victory over the tigers to frank their finals credentials. Wonder if Fischer McAsey will return.

Berwick Springs ran away with it late against a much improved Skye, where Michael Boland looks to be a shrewd acquisition after being confined to full back for two years. Expect them to be up around the mark again.

Heatherton, coming off punishments from AFL vic for being a whopping $45,000 over the salary cap, pipped Lyndhurst late. For the lightning, having Hazendonk and Gardiner in the same side will be a handful for opposing midfields, who will be left with a lose-lose situation if either of them get off the chain.

The hammers lost no admirers in another local derby against the Rockers, who rode four goals from the bullocking Cloke to a famous victory in a see-sawing affair. Expect Cloke and the wily Ned Fallon to form an imposing forward partnership when the latter returns.

C.P.L dominated Ashwood in Stef Feehan's debut, who will do very well at the level after a decorated and distinguished stint at Springy. Expect them to be up and around it again.

Div 4
Couple of great games in the division, with Hallam pipping Dandy West and Clayton holding off a gallant South Yarra. Moorabbin and Lyndale both recorded thumping victories, with the Pumas cementing their spot as premiership favourites. Mark Stevens will dominate at the level after crossing from the EFNL

 

[bedford]

To celebrate the return of SFNL, thought I'd do a bit of an around the grounds in the style of adock (who does a sterling job in the EFNL threads).
Unfortunately I didn't get to see a game this weekend so forgive the superficial analysis.

D1
Have to start with the obvious, phenomenal performance from Dingley to condemn Chelt to their worst loss since pre-COVID. The dingoes have loaded up heavily over the offseason, with Horton-Milne in particular dominating. Lewis also played, slotting a lazy 5, which helped matters massively. Chelt looked to just have an off day, but safe to say that Dingley have now vaulted into the status of clear-cut premiership favourites. A side note is that Chelt lost a ton of their better U19s players from last season to Chelsea Heights (where they are playing seniors), which could come back to bite them eventually.

Bentleigh were the surprise package of round 1, with a lot of onlookers (including myself) expecting them to not really be competitive. Bedford looks to be a very good player, and Smart's return gives their speedy mids first ball use. St Paul's obviously played without Kreymborg, who makes them a 3+ goal better side when he's fit, but to nearly lose first up to last season

Port had a massive away win against Springy, with their much vaunted midfield living up to expectations. Lehmann's arrival looks to have shored up the backline somewhat, but they face a massive test with Dingley this week. Great to see Mitch Clarke back to his best with 5 goals. Port struggled on larger grounds last season, so they'd be massively buoyed by taking the points on the palatial expanses of Springvale Reserve whilst coming up against a good side in the districts. Disappointing result for Springvale, but they've got a chance to make amends against the Rosellas this week, they'd be hoping for more out of Sketcher if they're any chance of toppling the reigning premiers.

The All stars looked imperious at Murrumbeena, with their tall timber giving the typically resolute Beena defence fits. I'd be hesitant to throw them in the top echelon of contenders yet, but Narre this week should provide a good yardstick of where they're sitting. The defensive contingent is still a bit of an unknown, but Tyren Head was superb, hopefully he gets a good run at it this year after an interrupted 2024. Beena blooded a few of their victorious U19 team from last year in good signs for the future, but just got wiped out by the bigger, more mature bodies of the vampires. They'd be hoping to get Pollard back next week.

Narre announced their arrival to SFNL with a breezy win over their long-time rivals Cranbourne, leading comfortably at all intervals. In scary sights for other teams, they played at 23 points, potentially keeping the door ajar for midseason top ups if they're needed. Noticed that Cavalot didn't play for Cranbourne, who is usually one of their better players. Their match against St Paul's this week will help clear up a bit about where both sides stand in a cracking set of games.

E.B vs Narre is probably match of the round for mine.

Div 2
Hampton Park with an absolute statement against last season's preliminary finalists. Hampton Park have improved considerably, and Doveton look to have regressed massively (they're always slow starters though).

Impressive first game from the Dolphins in Div 2, with Nardino (top 3 player in the division) yet to play. Highett just ran out of legs.

Endeavour Hills took a nice scalp in the notoriously dogged Bears, their young talent is starting to dominate at senior level, the Grant brothers in particular starting to wreak havoc.

Mordi took out a rousing win in the local derby against the Heighters, who'd be bitterly disappointed with the loss. Heart- warming to see the contingent of bloods players who stuck fat with the club after a winless 2024 be rewarded.

E.M took care of the business against the burra, with a wide spread of contributors that would no doubt be pleasing to Panthers.

Div 3
St Kilda city shocked many by recording a commanding victory over the tigers to frank their finals credentials. Wonder if Fischer McAsey will return.

Berwick Springs ran away with it late against a much improved Skye, where Michael Boland looks to be a shrewd acquisition after being confined to full back for two years. Expect them to be up around the mark again.

Heatherton, coming off punishments from AFL vic for being a whopping $45,000 over the salary cap, pipped Lyndhurst late. For the lightning, having Hazendonk and Gardiner in the same side will be a handful for opposing midfields, who will be left with a lose-lose situation if either of them get off the chain.

The hammers lost no admirers in another local derby against the Rockers, who rode four goals from the bullocking Cloke to a famous victory in a see-sawing affair. Expect Cloke and the wily Ned Fallon to form an imposing forward partnership when the latter returns.

C.P.L dominated Ashwood in Stef Feehan's debut, who will do very well at the level after a decorated and distinguished stint at Springy. Expect them to be up and around it again.

Div 4
Couple of great games in the division, with Hallam pipping Dandy West and Clayton holding off a gallant South Yarra. Moorabbin and Lyndale both recorded thumping victories, with the Pumas cementing their spot as premiership favourites. Mark Stevens will dominate at the level after crossing from the EFNL

Did you run that through the new local footy expert

 

[Wild Thing]

To celebrate the return of SFNL, thought I'd do a bit of an around the grounds in the style of adock (who does a sterling job in the EFNL threads).
Unfortunately I didn't get to see a game this weekend so forgive the superficial analysis.

D1
Have to start with the obvious, phenomenal performance from Dingley to condemn Chelt to their worst loss since pre-COVID. The dingoes have loaded up heavily over the offseason, with Horton-Milne in particular dominating. Lewis also played, slotting a lazy 5, which helped matters massively. Chelt looked to just have an off day, but safe to say that Dingley have now vaulted into the status of clear-cut premiership favourites. A side note is that Chelt lost a ton of their better U19s players from last season to Chelsea Heights (where they are playing seniors), which could come back to bite them eventually.

Bentleigh were the surprise package of round 1, with a lot of onlookers (including myself) expecting them to not really be competitive. Bedford looks to be a very good player, and Smart's return gives their speedy mids first ball use. St Paul's obviously played without Kreymborg, who makes them a 3+ goal better side when he's fit, but to nearly lose first up to last season

Port had a massive away win against Springy, with their much vaunted midfield living up to expectations. Lehmann's arrival looks to have shored up the backline somewhat, but they face a massive test with Dingley this week. Great to see Mitch Clarke back to his best with 5 goals. Port struggled on larger grounds last season, so they'd be massively buoyed by taking the points on the palatial expanses of Springvale Reserve whilst coming up against a good side in the districts. Disappointing result for Springvale, but they've got a chance to make amends against the Rosellas this week, they'd be hoping for more out of Sketcher if they're any chance of toppling the reigning premiers.

The All stars looked imperious at Murrumbeena, with their tall timber giving the typically resolute Beena defence fits. I'd be hesitant to throw them in the top echelon of contenders yet, but Narre this week should provide a good yardstick of where they're sitting. The defensive contingent is still a bit of an unknown, but Tyren Head was superb, hopefully he gets a good run at it this year after an interrupted 2024. Beena blooded a few of their victorious U19 team from last year in good signs for the future, but just got wiped out by the bigger, more mature bodies of the vampires. They'd be hoping to get Pollard back next week.

Narre announced their arrival to SFNL with a breezy win over their long-time rivals Cranbourne, leading comfortably at all intervals. In scary sights for other teams, they played at 23 points, potentially keeping the door ajar for midseason top ups if they're needed. Noticed that Cavalot didn't play for Cranbourne, who is usually one of their better players. Their match against St Paul's this week will help clear up a bit about where both sides stand in a cracking set of games.

E.B vs Narre is probably match of the round for mine.

Div 2
Hampton Park with an absolute statement against last season's preliminary finalists. Hampton Park have improved considerably, and Doveton look to have regressed massively (they're always slow starters though).

Impressive first game from the Dolphins in Div 2, with Nardino (top 3 player in the division) yet to play. Highett just ran out of legs.

Endeavour Hills took a nice scalp in the notoriously dogged Bears, their young talent is starting to dominate at senior level, the Grant brothers in particular starting to wreak havoc.

Mordi took out a rousing win in the local derby against the Heighters, who'd be bitterly disappointed with the loss. Heart- warming to see the contingent of bloods players who stuck fat with the club after a winless 2024 be rewarded.

E.M took care of the business against the burra, with a wide spread of contributors that would no doubt be pleasing to Panthers.

Div 3
St Kilda city shocked many by recording a commanding victory over the tigers to frank their finals credentials. Wonder if Fischer McAsey will return.

Berwick Springs ran away with it late against a much improved Skye, where Michael Boland looks to be a shrewd acquisition after being confined to full back for two years. Expect them to be up around the mark again.

Heatherton, coming off punishments from AFL vic for being a whopping $45,000 over the salary cap, pipped Lyndhurst late. For the lightning, having Hazendonk and Gardiner in the same side will be a handful for opposing midfields, who will be left with a lose-lose situation if either of them get off the chain.

The hammers lost no admirers in another local derby against the Rockers, who rode four goals from the bullocking Cloke to a famous victory in a see-sawing affair. Expect Cloke and the wily Ned Fallon to form an imposing forward partnership when the latter returns.

C.P.L dominated Ashwood in Stef Feehan's debut, who will do very well at the level after a decorated and distinguished stint at Springy. Expect them to be up and around it again.

Div 4
Couple of great games in the division, with Hallam pipping Dandy West and Clayton holding off a gallant South Yarra. Moorabbin and Lyndale both recorded thumping victories, with the Pumas cementing their spot as premiership favourites. Mark Stevens will dominate at the level after crossing from the

To celebrate the return of SFNL, thought I'd do a bit of an around the grounds in the style of adock (who does a sterling job in the EFNL threads).
Unfortunately I didn't get to see a game this weekend so forgive the superficial analysis.

D1
Have to start with the obvious, phenomenal performance from Dingley to condemn Chelt to their worst loss since pre-COVID. The dingoes have loaded up heavily over the offseason, with Horton-Milne in particular dominating. Lewis also played, slotting a lazy 5, which helped matters massively. Chelt looked to just have an off day, but safe to say that Dingley have now vaulted into the status of clear-cut premiership favourites. A side note is that Chelt lost a ton of their better U19s players from last season to Chelsea Heights (where they are playing seniors), which could come back to bite them eventually.

Bentleigh were the surprise package of round 1, with a lot of onlookers (including myself) expecting them to not really be competitive. Bedford looks to be a very good player, and Smart's return gives their speedy mids first ball use. St Paul's obviously played without Kreymborg, who makes them a 3+ goal better side when he's fit, but to nearly lose first up to last season

Port had a massive away win against Springy, with their much vaunted midfield living up to expectations. Lehmann's arrival looks to have shored up the backline somewhat, but they face a massive test with Dingley this week. Great to see Mitch Clarke back to his best with 5 goals. Port struggled on larger grounds last season, so they'd be massively buoyed by taking the points on the palatial expanses of Springvale Reserve whilst coming up against a good side in the districts. Disappointing result for Springvale, but they've got a chance to make amends against the Rosellas this week, they'd be hoping for more out of Sketcher if they're any chance of toppling the reigning premiers.

The All stars looked imperious at Murrumbeena, with their tall timber giving the typically resolute Beena defence fits. I'd be hesitant to throw them in the top echelon of contenders yet, but Narre this week should provide a good yardstick of where they're sitting. The defensive contingent is still a bit of an unknown, but Tyren Head was superb, hopefully he gets a good run at it this year after an interrupted 2024. Beena blooded a few of their victorious U19 team from last year in good signs for the future, but just got wiped out by the bigger, more mature bodies of the vampires. They'd be hoping to get Pollard back next week.

Narre announced their arrival to SFNL with a breezy win over their long-time rivals Cranbourne, leading comfortably at all intervals. In scary sights for other teams, they played at 23 points, potentially keeping the door ajar for midseason top ups if they're needed. Noticed that Cavalot didn't play for Cranbourne, who is usually one of their better players. Their match against St Paul's this week will help clear up a bit about where both sides stand in a cracking set of games.

E.B vs Narre is probably match of the round for mine.

Div 2
Hampton Park with an absolute statement against last season's preliminary finalists. Hampton Park have improved considerably, and Doveton look to have regressed massively (they're always slow starters though).

Impressive first game from the Dolphins in Div 2, with Nardino (top 3 player in the division) yet to play. Highett just ran out of legs.

Endeavour Hills took a nice scalp in the notoriously dogged Bears, their young talent is starting to dominate at senior level, the Grant brothers in particular starting to wreak havoc.

Mordi took out a rousing win in the local derby against the Heighters, who'd be bitterly disappointed with the loss. Heart- warming to see the contingent of bloods players who stuck fat with the club after a winless 2024 be rewarded.

E.M took care of the business against the burra, with a wide spread of contributors that would no doubt be pleasing to Panthers.

Div 3
St Kilda city shocked many by recording a commanding victory over the tigers to frank their finals credentials. Wonder if Fischer McAsey will return.

Berwick Springs ran away with it late against a much improved Skye, where Michael Boland looks to be a shrewd acquisition after being confined to full back for two years. Expect them to be up around the mark again.

Heatherton, coming off punishments from AFL vic for being a whopping $45,000 over the salary cap, pipped Lyndhurst late. For the lightning, having Hazendonk and Gardiner in the same side will be a handful for opposing midfields, who will be left with a lose-lose situation if either of them get off the chain.

The hammers lost no admirers in another local derby against the Rockers, who rode four goals from the bullocking Cloke to a famous victory in a see-sawing affair. Expect Cloke and the wily Ned Fallon to form an imposing forward partnership when the latter returns.

C.P.L dominated Ashwood in Stef Feehan's debut, who will do very well at the level after a decorated and distinguished stint at Springy. Expect them to be up and around it again.

Div 4
Couple of great games in the division, with Hallam pipping Dandy West and Clayton holding off a gallant South Yarra. Moorabbin and Lyndale both recorded thumping victories, with the Pumas cementing their spot as premiership favourites. Mark Stevens will dominate at the level after crossing from the EFNL

Fantastic write up across the divisions!
Will be an interesting battle this week with All Stars vs the ‘home grown boys’.
Can’t believe Narre played with only 23 points . Their salary is probably reasonable in comparison to many other of the top dogs in D1.

 

[damochandler]

narre Warren will dominate this year, they are a lot better than Cranbourne were 3 years ago. Their best player is probably their centre half forward and he didn’t play last year

 

[batfink]

If Dingley Dell lose Jack Mullen for the season after his little altercation, it will bring them back to the field.

5 weeks
He’s finally finished

 

[Nepotism]

5 weeks is a bit like kissing your sister.

Not enough to derail Dingley Dell's season but a confirmation that the tribunal found him guilty. But there must be something else to it because they didn't throw the book at him, it is more like a slap on the wrist with a wet fish.

Still the spice around future Dingley Dell vrs Cheltenham games will be intriguing.

This is a Shakespearean play!

 

[Living Morganism]

5 weeks is a bit like kissing your sister.

Not enough to derail Dingley Dell's season but a confirmation that the tribunal found him guilty. But there must be something else to it because they didn't throw the book at him, it is more like a slap on the wrist with a wet fish.

Still the spice around future Dingley Dell vrs Cheltenham games will be intriguing.

This may be just another act in the bigger Shakespearean play!

We wait.

I think you'll find that makes him deregistered mate.

Just what Bedford wishes would happen to you

 

[Nepotism]

I think you'll find that makes him deregistered mate.

Just what Bedford wishes would happen to you

Well, it seems that they have given him just enough weeks to get deregistered, so they have spoken which means that Dingley are a lot less of a contender than they were before. He plays one game for the Club and then that's it. Makes a big difference that the SNFL rules are that players who cop 5 weeks are deregistered for the season. Each comp has their own rules. It's both a comedy and a tragedy.

 

[2s Hack]

Well, it seems that they have given him just enough weeks to get deregistered, so they have spoken which means that Dingley are a lot less of a contender than they were before. He plays one game for the Club and then that's it. Makes a big difference that the SNFL rules are that players who cop 5 weeks are deregistered for the season. Each comp has their own rules. It's both a comedy and a tragedy.

Umm that's not how the SFNL works or deregistration for that matter.

By my calculations that puts him on 19 weeks, which is above his total 16 weeks (AFL Vic) threshold. And this after other leagues have given him chance after chance with lighter sentences to keep him under

 

[Nepotism]

The threshold is a great innovation that holds players accountable for their careers. The guy must have been on decent coin so losing that will sting him badly. Some things are more important than imposing yourself and you need to pull your head in, just to make sure you keep your money. Losing $700-$1000 a week for not playing is a huge impost. Still there is only one way to learn, that's through the hip pocket. It hurts the Dingley team as well. They have been thrust back to the pack.

 

[2s Hack]

The threshold is a great innovation that holds players accountable for their careers. The guy must have been on decent coin so losing that will sting him badly. Some things are more important than imposing yourself and you need to pull your head in, just to make sure you keep your money. Losing $700-$1000 a week for not playing is a huge impost. Still there is only one way to learn, that's through the hip pocket. It hurts the Dingley team as well. They have been thrust back to the pack.

It won't hurt Dingley whatsoever. They can now pass that money onto a new FF that they can recruit.

 

[notalegent]

Hear the young captain at St Paul's (sziller) has do a knee, if true will be out for a while. That on top of Kremborgs going overseas and Knox retired will hurt them deeply/

 

[bedford]

I think you'll find that makes him deregistered mate.

Just what Bedford wishes would happen to you

I'm sure im not on my own lol , here and the VAFA thread

 

[Greg Tivendale]

Hear the young captain at St Paul's (sziller) has do a knee, if true will be out for a while. That on top of Kremborgs going overseas and Knox retired will hurt them deeply/

Hasn't done a knee in terms of ACL etc but he did have a swollen knee and won't play this week.

Knox is playing ressies this week! Might need to get him to play two games this weekend

 

[Nepotism]

Knox coming back will make a big difference to St Pauls. They have a good run over the next few weeks.

 

[Nepotism]

It won't hurt Dingley whatsoever. They can now pass that money onto a new FF that they can recruit.

They better make sure they recruit someone who has less than 13 games previous suspension.

 

[Mahalo]

I'm sure that Dingley will be ok but thanks for everyone's concern. I could kick 60 goals for the Dingoes with that midfield pumping it into the forward line!

 

[Nepotism]

Good luck Mahalo, I hope you are on target.

 

[Mahalo]

Good luck Mahalo, I hope you are on target.

Maybe 50

 

[Big Unit 30]

if you are talking VAFA, from the top couple of teams in Prem C up through Prem B and Prem A then sure players get paid, or they get them jobs.

But some of the clubs at the bottom of Prem C and lower, literally work off the smell of an oily rag. If they don't get player subs and have a couple of functions, they go into debt and operate from a dysfunctional loan from the bank, so no way can they pay players, hence they can't keep them either when clubs come calling from leagues like the SNFL who can offer $900 a game.

Thats why clubs like Old Paradians have moved out of the VAFA to the NFNL so they can splash some cash on players and don't have their juniors walk out the door for money.

Exactly what my old club Ivanhoe did and they are a completely different club now. Best thing they’ve done is join the NFNL.

 

[Boo boy]

I think you are being extremely OSTENTATIOUS.

It is a small area that is trying to facilitate a lot of teams and there just isn't enough under 19s to go around.

Bentleigh, Caulfield Bears, St Pauls, Ormond and Glen Eira and even AJAX are basically all in ovals next to each other.

It seems Ormond has won this round and will have two u19 teams this year but that doesn't mean St Pauls and Caulfield Bears and Glen Eira and AJAX don't deserve teams.

Bentleigh are always strong in the u19s but that doesn't translate to success in the firsts.

When players go to firsts, they often move again to another team in the area anyway.

Where a boy plays junior football does not equate to where he plays senior football also.

It's nothing for a player in the Bentleigh/Ormond area to at some stage have played for 3 different clubs by the time he makes seniors.

You should be happy if all teams are successful in producing under 19s on the field because that means footy is growing rather than shrinking which it is currently doing in the marketplace.

For 19-year-olds there is so much more to do these days plus the dreaded concussion which is stopping a lot of mums from letting their boy's play in under 19s these days.

Calling other teams' parasites is silly given the boys move from team to team anyway depending on where the best deal is or who their mates are playing for.

You should be happy that Ormond are the club of choice at the moment and not wish ill on other teams.

You actually raise a valid point. The time and effort clubs put into Juniors is incredible. Bentleigh is a case in point. Huge Junior numbers which then translates into Under 19's etc...unfortunately most of them move on in search of the mighty $$$ or a job associated with footy....these are the times we live in. Yet clubs with no Juniors keep on surviving year after year until their benefactor or key people step away with no ready replacements, at which point the club dies a quick death. There must be something in the water at Packer Park, as they used to be masters at poaching and stealing junior players from other cricket clubs.....but that was quite a few years back.

 

[Boo boy]

As an outsider looking in, I have to say well done to the SFNL for their hard work over the past 5 years or so. This season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons in all grades. The addition of new clubs has revitalized the competition and now there appears to be a strong Div 2 and a very strong and competitive Div 3 with a number of clubs vying for promotion and eventual entry into Div 1 or Premier League. You have been kicked from pillar to post in the past, but credit where credit is due. Let's hope locals support the clubs and get to the games. Keep up the good work.

 

[Nepotism]

You actually raise a valid point. The time and effort clubs put into Juniors is incredible. Bentleigh is a case in point. Huge Junior numbers which then translates into Under 19's etc...unfortunately most of them move on in search of the mighty $$$ or a job associated with footy....these are the times we live in. Yet clubs with no Juniors keep on surviving year after year until their benefactor or key people step away with no ready replacements, at which point the club dies a quick death. There must be something in the water at Packer Park, as they used to be masters at poaching and stealing junior players from other cricket clubs.....but that was quite a few years back.

Glen Eira fc will slowly die as I believe their major benefactor has moved back to Perth. Packer Park is being renovated by the council so they may not even get on their home ground for the first half of the season. As we all know, local councils take a long time to do anything.

I am looking forward to seeing Wade King unleashed for St Pauls this weekend. He missed the first round, after almost leading McKinnon cc to premiership glory but he is truly a just and was very handsomely paid up in Benalla, so he won't have come cheaply. If he is half as good footy player as he is cricketer, he will kick 50 gaols this season no problem.