These last few posts remind me of a trainspotting quote "It's easy to be philosophical when some other poor c8nt gots shite for blood"
Another no win situation for the HFL. Everyone (mostly from outside the HFL) bags us for not doing anything about Callington, now when some suggest what's probably best for a club heading in the same direction, we get bagged.
Yes to the Callington situation was awkward and could of been handled better, but the final decision rests with the club (then the league acts on that decision) and only they know if it was a better option to continue, disband or go to C grade. From memory they did have a colts team so made it slightly different.
Unfortunately for S/C it's not only the club but the entire area around them that is struggling. Over recent time Morgan and Cadell amalgamated but now disbanded, Robertstown amalgamated with Eudunda ( I think), Ramco moved to the Riverland independent and this year BSR have disbanded.
I wish S/C all the best in their endeavours to keep their club alive, the same as Milang. (I have great respect for them regrouping as a club, see comments in the C grade thread) Also can see the frustration from other Country div clubs re the juniors as it is becoming a massive problem for this div. Simply put juniors equals the ability to replenish playing stocks for the future, combine this with them having to play at different ovals kills the social aspect of a town coming together for the day is one of numerous other negatives to this situation. It is always worrying when a club needs to buy in players to help them fill grades as it means they are in trouble for their future.
How to solve this? One suggestion is to improve the C grade (even change the name to Country div II, it sounds better than c grade) and make it better competition, with more exposure ( Very little is written in either the Courier or the Final Siren about the comp, perhaps print a brief game commentary, scores and table under its own banner ) and sub committee or at least one person to oversee the running of it to give guidance and direction, look at bringing in new teams or strengthening the current ones with perhaps clubs combining even if for one year to have a strong team playing number wise and thus no forfeits. Look for sponsorship. Times for games, ask clubs for their best options and have a flexible schedule. If necessary in the future bring in a colts comp, again be flexible with the age limit each year may be u/15 one year u/16 the next.
As in the future other clubs may have the same problems as Milang, Callington or S/C, but if they have a meaningful competition to play in gives them an option for their club to survive and or regroup and step back up into the Country div at some point.