Looking inevitable now,you’d think the afl would not implement until maybe 2026 to enable the standalones to plan their futures,surely a well administered club like Willy would have a contingency plan in place,can you tell us anything?
If most of the AFL clubs are in favour and, according to CH 9 last week, 17 out of the 18 clubs are, then it would appear a foregone conclusion. A lot will depend on whether the AFL wants a domestic competition in Melbourne or Victoria - if not then the old VFA clubs would have to find another comp to play in - not aware if Willi have a contingency plan in place - I'm sure all the clubs outside the AFL are discussing it, even the aligned ones as they could really be cut adrift.
The AFL don't want it. They like the pathway as it is and think the money needed for a reserves comp can be better spent elsewhere. They'll be working behind the scenes to get concessions from the SANFL for Adelaide and Port.
I believe Andrew Dillon is a big supporter of the current structure and wants Victoria to have the strongest state league, even though it includes interstate clubs and will most likely have another one (Tasmania) next year or the year after - it would be very expensive flying players and support staff all over the country plus accomodation costs
There’s a bit to play out either way,i’ve been told that providing all clubs are in agreeance then the commission would absorb anyextra costs,not forgetting they wouldnt have to stump up for the standalones.Not sure about the pathway obstacle,most draftees come from the coates league via the private school system with the rest from the wafl or the sanfl.Time will tell i suppose but it would be a popular decision among afl members who have been crying out for curtain raisers for years.
The pathway aspect is significant, the VFL has gone from barely producing any draftees 15+ years ago to being the number one producer of mature age draftees.
The AFL don't want a reserves comp, but unless they can find solutions for Port and Adelaide (and to a lesser extent WCE) they'll end up without a choice. Whether it happens or not is probably going to come down to whether the SANFL is willing to compromise enough.
Looking inevitable now,you’d think the afl would not implement until maybe 2026 to enable the standalones to plan their futures,surely a well administered club like Willy would have a contingency plan in place,can you tell us anything?
If most of the AFL clubs are in favour and, according to CH 9 last week, 17 out of the 18 clubs are, then it would appear a foregone conclusion. A lot will depend on whether the AFL wants a domestic competition in Melbourne or Victoria - if not then the old VFA clubs would have to find another comp to play in - not aware if Willi have a contingency plan in place - I'm sure all the clubs outside the AFL are discussing it, even the aligned ones as they could really be cut adrift.
The AFL don't want it. They like the pathway as it is and think the money needed for a reserves comp can be better spent elsewhere. They'll be working behind the scenes to get concessions from the SANFL for Adelaide and Port.
I believe Andrew Dillon is a big supporter of the current structure and wants Victoria to have the strongest state league, even though it includes interstate clubs and will most likely have another one (Tasmania) next year or the year after - it would be very expensive flying players and support staff all over the country plus accomodation costs
There’s a bit to play out either way,i’ve been told that providing all clubs are in agreeance then the commission would absorb anyextra costs,not forgetting they wouldnt have to stump up for the standalones.Not sure about the pathway obstacle,most draftees come from the coates league via the private school system with the rest from the wafl or the sanfl.Time will tell i suppose but it would be a popular decision among afl members who have been crying out for curtain raisers for years.
The pathway aspect is significant, the VFL has gone from barely producing any draftees 15+ years ago to being the number one producer of mature age draftees.
The AFL don't want a reserves comp, but unless they can find solutions for Port and Adelaide (and to a lesser extent WCE) they'll end up without a choice. Whether it happens or not is probably going to come down to whether the SANFL is willing to compromise enough.