The SANFL this year thus far (ramblings)

[Dissident]

Hi all,

I think this year has been great for footy. The competition is even and on any given week, 9th can push 1st all the way. We've seen West and Sturt sit near the bottom but still push, and beat, top sides. The top 4 teams have traded blows (no, I won't put an asterisk there) and tussled for premiership favouritism. It's a lot harder now than it was before round one to pick a top 5, top 2 and premier because we have a lot more than just lists, and ins/outs, to go by.

Crowds have been good, I beleive. To be honest I'm sick of the "crowd was poor" line. To be a state league, we have done extremely well to keep 95% of games above the 2000 crowd number (this percentage is purely made up but based on what I've seen. Spelly, feel free to step in). I am also tired of hearing about who team has more supporters at the games. Unfortunately, it's hard to breed crowds over night - and even success doesn't bring out as many fas as say, the AFL does.

(On a side note - I often forget my scarfe, and because of that you wouldn't even know who I was supporting. I don't "cheer" stupidly and loudly and there are many like me from all clubs. To put it simply, colour does not equate to supporters.)

You can't equate crowd numbers with passion.

The influx of external talent this year has also added spice to the competition. Unfortunately, this is where a lot of the talent comes from these days as anyone who can kick and use their brain usualy gets snapped up at 17. The SANFL is basically full of young guys who weren't good enough at 17, late developers, returning AFL players, ex-AFL players and recruits from other leagues. I don't think this detracts from the league as such, but does put pressure on the clubs to lure quality players from around the country.

From a personal standpoint as an Eagles man, I'm very happy with my team this year. I thought we'd slide a little with some of the "outs", but the "ins", along with improvement of current players has meant we can still match it with the other eight clubs.

The "heritage" jumpers worn by us were great - and I'm looking forward to the old Peckers uniform being dusted off and adorned as well.

The Magarey looks wide open, with Jeremy Clayton having what would seem to be a lead at the moment, but a HUGE field of players on his tail. The count has been low and even as far as tallies have gone recently, which has seen more joint winners than ever. It would suprise me if this happened again this year.


All things considered, the SANFL looks good. There are passionate people in the right places, people are watching, and the competition is good to watch.

Apologies for anything boring.

D

[RustyCage]

Are you going this week Disso?

It would be your first Port v Eagles game that wasn't a final for a very long time.

[Dissident]

Going to be tough but will try. Have Grant's fundraiser at the Arkaba Friday night - all drink prices going to charity!

Will get messy...

[RustyCage]

Going to be tough but will try. Have Grant's fundraiser at the Arkaba Friday night - all drink prices going to charity!

Will get messy...

Should be a good night. Hope a lot of money gets raised, though I dont think theres any chance of anything but raising a lot of money at the bar!

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Dissident,

Good post. basically agree with all of it. Id say there have been 80% above 2000.

[Mickyj]

Would agree with what you have written Dissident .A very even season so far with the odd upset.
I would just like the SANFL to advertise Blockbuster games a bit more in the Media you never know how many extra bums they may get on seats !!