100% agree. Absolutely a money issue. Well done Newton & 2014 Hamley committee! Hope it was all worth it at the expense of your club & possibly the league. With all that money, you could've recruited a dozen 21 yo players at around $250 each & created an awesome club environment for them to stay. (God knows the league looked after you with enough points over the years) You may not have won a flag straight away but at least you would be competitive. #bloodonyourhands
Equal shame on the premiership locals whom are leaving. You just gotta ride out tough times. Two Wells had plenty of tough years but at least they always had a good club environment. Same as with United & Eagles currently.
2 things, $250 for 21 year olds is what is driving the money situation out of control, not many if any kids deserve that sort of money...
Secondly, I think you will find the committee went down that path you suggested (without the money u suggested), have a look at these names:
Zanandrea
Bradtke
Oxenham J
Oxenham R
Burchell
Pinch
Parsons
To go with locals
Appleton returning
Darwin R
Ireland returning
Power returning
Frencken returning
Even would and Schahinger aren't that old
All these lads are 19-23 yrs of age, most played regular A's last year (11 of them named in sporting pulse for the GF), to go along with another 5 or 6 Gawler lads in the 2's....
As for environment, story is Newton put on a free BBQ every thurs during preseason, hosted club functions on his property, and from all reports all the players hung around after games....
But let's just focus on the recruitment of 3 blokes, makes a better story hey....
Can't see how Woofa has blamed it on the recruitment of 3 blokes anywhere Roo.. I also don't agree with your statement about not many 21 year olds deserving even $250 a game. I would say guys like Lachy Michael, Greenshields, Appelby, Rowe, Birchmore, Beard, Wise and Slattery (maybe a couple more around the league) would be worth that if they went away from their home clubs to play.
I understand Hamley Bridge struggle for locals, but you can't say that if as many of the players from last years side were not paid as much as they were, that Hamley would be in the same predicament they are now.
I believe that if an A grade side finishes top of the ladder and the B Grade doesn't make finals (or at least challenge) too much money has been spent on not enough players. Look at the predicament in the Hills league this year with Echunga winning the A grade, while their B grade was winless. Obviously too much money was spent on not enough players, or they would have a lot more depth, resulting in better B grade performances (ala Hamley Bridge)
After all, football CLUB's are CLUB's not TEAM's
(This is just my opinion on the situation, not an attack personally or at the Hamley Bridge Football Club who I hope can find a way to remain a successful club)