This article appeared in the Bayside Leader a few days ago.
Sandringham GM calls for AFL Vic to keep Development League
SANDRINGHAM says it would be a disaster if AFL Victoria scraps the VFL reserves competition, the Development League.
The future of the DL is in doubt, with at least three clubs considering withdrawing their teams to reduce costs.
It is also dogged by fixture problems that come when trying to line up a 15-team senior competition with nine Development sides.
AFL affiliates Geelong, Essendon, Collingwood, Richmond and Footscray Bulldogs and stand-alone North Ballarat do not operate reserves.
When the Roosters pulled out two years ago they said playing at different grounds on different days placed too much of a strain on staff and volunteers.
Amid rumours the Development League will be dumped next year, Sandringham general manager John Mennie contacted AFL Victoria yesterday seeking clarification about its future.
The Sandy board discussed the issue last night and this morning Mennie told Leader the Zebras believed the DL was integral to the Victorian football pathway, linking the TAC Cup with VFL seniors.
He said if Development went, players coming out of the under-18s would receive less opportunities at senior level and would have to play local football when not selected in the VFL, possibly stalling their progress.
Mennie said aligned clubs such as Sandringham would exist only to supply a handful of players each week.
“Last Sunday we had 15 St Kilda players in our seniors and five in Development,’’ he said.
“If there was no Development League, we’d have to play 20 St Kilda players in the seniors. So what’s the point of running a club if you only have two or three players in the team each week?
“In our club’s view it would be an absolute disaster if they got rid of it. It must stay. To be honest I can’t believe they’re even talking about it.’’
Mennie said the standard of the Development League was excellent and the players received quality coaching and support and had use of top-notch facilities.
He said it would be “diabolical’’ if TAC Cup graduates had to go back to local football because the VFL couldn’t offer them regular senior chances.
“With respect to local footy, it would be very hard for them to bridge the gap between local footy and VFL seniors,’’ Mennie said.
“We’d be selling them short if we didn’t give them the best opportunity to play at the best level they’re at, at that particular time. We’d be turning our back on them and their development.
“To us, it’s a no-brainer. Why cut out a good level of football? The pathway works well — TAC Cup, Development League, VFL.’’
Clubs believe they could save up to $100,000 a year if they dropped their Development League team, easing financial pressures.
One club official said many young players were reluctant to commit to VFL clubs with reserves because they preferred to play for more money at local level when not selected in the senior team.
He said VFL clubs also battled to hold on to players during the season.
“Local clubs are into them all the time,’’ the official said. “It starts as soon they go back with the first bye.’’
Like Sandringham, the Box Hill Hawks is supporting the retention of the Development League.
A number of Hawthorn players has appeared in the Box Hill reserves, including Taylor Duryea (13 games), Matt Suckling (13) and Fremantle draftee Sam Collins (18).
North Melbourne’s Sam Gibson played 33 DL games, Dockers defender Zac Dawson 16 and Melbourne man Cam Pedersen 37 for Box Hill Hawks reserves.
Williamstown also wants the DL to stay, believing it a valuable training ground for young players.
“It’s a critical part of the development process of football in Victoria,’’ Seagulls coach Andy Collins said this afternoon.
Tim Currie, Dylan Conway, Anthony Anastasio and Carlton draftee Andrew Gallucci all played in Willy’s 2014 Development League flag before appearing in the 2015 premiership.
Responding to questions from Leader, AFL Victoria said in a statement today: “All elements of the VFL competition are being reviewed as part of the VFL Future Structure Business Case, with feedback from clubs received regarding a host of different areas.
“AFL Victoria will continue to consult with clubs over the next few months as part of the Future Structure project.
“There are number of different views among clubs regarding how players best transition between the TAC Cup and the VFL, and it will be one area that is further examined to find the best structure for all stakeholders
Does anyone have any further info? Who are the three clubs?
