UNDER 18s 2009

[NOCHANCE]

Not much news about the unders going around the place just wondered what peoples thoughts were on the better teams and players and so on. Four and three games in I know but any thoughts you have please add.

 

[_XIV_]

Olinda to be the best side across the grades.
Pretty good bunch of kids from all accounts and giving a fair bit to their ones as well.

Must applaud the league for standing up and addressing the major problems of the league last year. Although sides in different divisions playing each other despite separate ladders it is the best that can be made of the situation of teams not fielding sides.
Regualr footy is needed for the boys and now they get it.

Any thoughts about how the system is working?

 

[Graeme Tuplin]

XIV Just wanted to thank everyone so far for the way they have accepted the revised draw. Its not always easy playing away from your seniors but our priority is to ensure that our young men get as much opportunity to play footy as they can. I think the cross division games are creating their own excitement and I saw the Emerald Healesville game Saturday and it was a good game of footy from both sides. I now want to throw a further challenge out to clubs to think about. We would love to have a double header unders game under lights . Looking at the draw the round to be played on the 13th June sees Seville V's Monbulk at Silvan and Powelly v's Mt evelyn at Wandin. I would love to hear from the coaches of these teams presidents and anyone else that has an opinion to see if this idea has any merit. I see it as a good option as playing friday night everyone can still get down and see the seniors and it may make it a bit easier to get trainers and other helpers which is a problem when played away from seniors on a Saturday. Interested in any thoughts for or against

Graeme Tuplin

 

[Monniehawk]

Tuppo, the idea had merit 10 years ago and still does!. The problem is the lighting. I've suggested in the past that the Board identify 3 or 4 strategic grounds and (instead of paying the dividend to clubs) put money into lighting. Kids play in front of a crowd, at a decent time and with a better focus. Everyone wins.
Alternatively, a sponsorship package with the money targetting lighting for U18's rather than going into general revenus. Cost-neutral to the league and bonus for kids and clubs. I suspect that the improved lighting will inspire other clubs to do the same and maybe the league could provide some further incentive for them.
To avoid ducks and drakes between clubs, twilight games should be fixtured by the league. Loose arrangements made between clubs have fallen apart too often in the past.
BTW, the draw for the kids was a masterstroke. Well done!

 

[Cagga]

Looking at the draw the round to be played on the 13th June sees Seville V's Monbulk at Silvan and Powelly v's Mt evelyn at Wandin. I would love to hear from the coaches of these teams presidents and anyone else that has an opinion to see if this idea has any merit. I see it as a good option as playing friday night everyone can still get down and see the seniors and it may make it a bit easier to get trainers and other helpers which is a problem when played away from seniors on a Saturday. Interested in any thoughts for or against

Graeme Tuplin

I like the idea of that Friday night double header - which ground is suggested - Silvan?? - I think Silvan would be perfect, its a small ground, easy to light, plenty of goals generally & a good atmosphere could be created with the crowd ontop of the players - they will feel like heroes!

 

[NOCHANCE]

Why would you play it at Silvan and give them revenue when they dont even field a side? About ten years ago we played two double header finals one lot at Yarra Junction and the other was at Emerald. Worked really well just cant remember if it was a Friday or Saturday night.

 

[Monniehawk]

Nochance, those night games were a great success, although there was some concern about adequate lighting. This needs to be addressed for safety as well as spectacle reasons.
The enthusiasm from clubs was not followed up. Still mystifies me as to why. I really think the ball is in the Board's court on this.

 

[NOCHANCE]

With Auskick on Saturday mornings on lots of parents,players and supporters with work commitments the night game is a great option. While the league is looking at ways to improve the Under 18s they should look at the umpires being sent out. The unders deserve a lot better than some of the officials being sent out to them.

 

[rockin ronnie]

i played in the U/18 night finals in 1998 and 1999 at EMerald and YJ and they were terrific. Played on the Saturday night i'm pretty sure. The lights at Emerald are more than adequate. Bring it on I say, I work Sat mornings so can't get to see the unders play. I can't think of any drawbacks off the top of my head.

RR

 

[Blue Tongue]

I recall watching Upwey vs Belgrave at Upwey on a friday night a number of seasons back, had a pretty good crowd & atmosphere. Definatley worth looking at again, and a double header would be even better

 

[Fabulous Fill]

Olinda to be the best side across the grades.
Pretty good bunch of kids from all accounts and giving a fair bit to their ones as well.

Must applaud the league for standing up and addressing the major problems of the league last year. Although sides in different divisions playing each other despite separate ladders it is the best that can be made of the situation of teams not fielding sides.
Regualr footy is needed for the boys and now they get it.

Any thoughts about how the system is working?

I was wondering what peoples thoughts are regarding the work done by senior clubs to ensure that they get a solid group from their U/16's each year. Looking from a distance it seems to me that Clubs like Olinda, Emerald and Woori may have had some success at doing this of recent times. However it seems odd that clubs have trouble fielding U/18 teams when they field U/16 teams year in year out, something must be amiss as not a large number go to Eastern?

 

[TeeS]

Develop strong ties between Junior & Senior club for starters. We have always tried to get Senior players to Junior training sessions and matches where possible. The kids respond very strongly to Senior presence !

We also have the luxury of having a club great in Andy Greenall coaching our 18s. The lids know of his history and they respect it. Monbulk would be experiencing this with Vinny Dunstan looking after its 18s.

If senior clubs take more of an interest in recruiting than their own kids, well, you won't survive in that manner for long, nor do you deserve to !