I used to think Gannon/Stillman wrote a lot of shit at the front of the VFL Record, but their ramblings are nothing compared to some of the tripe that Peter Schwab has rolled out this year.
Last week, Schwabby suggested "VFL fans need to help promote the competition". Which is interesting in itself...I wonder if the people he employs in marketing roles have been given similar orders? The promotion of the VFL is appauling, aside from a few 30 second ads on 3AW or SEN there is next to nothing.
I don't mind mentioning his article from last week - and to be honest I think everyone on here does their bit in promoting the competition just by discussing it. None of us would be here if we didn't have some appreciation of the standard of the VFL competition. But until I'm convinced the people in charge are doing their best to promote the VFL and make a day at the VFL enjoyable, I'm not sure we should all be asked to flog the product! I certainly won't be recommending anybody without an interest in the VFL waste their time going to the VFL Finals series at Port because I know for a fact people will have a better day at local footy finals.
Earlier in the year, the former Hawthorn coach suggested that fans "pick up the phone to ring a radio station or email a newspaper whenever we see or hear an incorrect reference to the VFL". To be honest it isn't something I lose much sleep over, and certainly isn't worth wasting half an hour on hold ringing up 3AW to complain about. If it angers you enough to want to ring the radio station about then I suggest you make your second call to a shrink!!!!
This week, Schwabby's telling us how good the 23rd player rule is. And whilst I agree with the innovation, it's implementation has been a failure. The fact the rule underwent a hasty change just three weeks ago suggests that AFL Victoria felt similarly. The ongoing tinkering with the rule has been a disgrace, and led to mass confusion from clubs and fans alike. Port Melbourne have so far not used any Oakleigh Chargers players, while the Bullants have not used anybody from the Northern Knights. Further, the 'elite' players have not been used under this rule. Schwab calls for Scully to play for Frankston, or Butcher to play for Casey. And this may happen, I hope it does for the sake of the VFL. But time is running out. And even if they do, like most TAC players used so far they'll probably play spend most of their afternoon warming the bench.
But perhaps the most interesting fluff piece from the boss came early in the year when Schwabby told us the "VFL continues to innovate". Can anybody tell me any innovations you've noticed this year? Sticking a CFA badge on jumpers to promote a sponsorship you gave away for free isn't innovative.
The VFL needs to create a point of difference, the line up the middle and the backwards play on call is a start, but is there anything else that could be introduced to make the VFL a more exciting competition on the field than it currently is? The VFL is flat, the VFA as we knew it is dead and the heartbeat only continues on a life support from the AFL and alignments with AFL teams.
Credit where it's due, they have improved the official website. But much of that is thanks to guys who give up their time and write previews and reviews. The "multimedia" sections on this site, with game vision and audio replays far exceed anything on offer on the official page. In fact, most metro leagues like the EDFL, WRFL and EFL websites have far better multimedia content.
So where is the VFL heading? Will the VFL exist in five years time? One thing is for certain, I'll look forward to reading some more fairytales from the boss next weekend. :)
