SA Footy

SA not upset at Devils' decision


From The Mercury
Reported by James Bresnehan


THE SANFL has copped it on the chin and said there were no hard feelings that the Tasmanian Devils preferred to continue in the VFL rather than switch to the Adelaide-based competition.

SANFL executive commissioner Leigh Whicker found out on Monday afternoon in a phone call from Scott Wade that the Devils had announced their intentions to stay in the Victorian league.

The AFL Tasmania general manager had fronted a media conference in Hobart four hours earlier to outline the Devils' future.

Whicker said he and his South Australian colleagues did not feel used as leverage for the Devils to get a better deal in Victoria.

"Not at all," Whicker said.

"At the end of the day it's not about South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria, it's about the game and getting the best mix to strengthen the code.

"I reckon what's Tassie's done is fantastic."

Wade's call came as a surprise and Whicker felt Tasmania could have offered the SANFL a fresh challenge.

With its increased annual grant from the AFL on the way, AFL Tasmania will form a Centre of Excellence for elite teenage players, lift the Devils' salary cap from $200,000 to $300,000, and form closer ties with Hawthorn.

Great result for SA footy.

And Tassie get an extra $100K to boot, but much of that will go to fund Hawthorn.

Where's the evidence that NT don't want in?

They have consistently stated that the WAFL is their preferred option, and that the SANFL is their next choice. This said, they are looking to play in a second-tier competition in time for the 2009 season.

They will more than likely play some WAFL sides in trial matches in 2008 with a view to starting in the WAFL in 2009 ... unfortunately!

AFL Tasmania just used the SANFL as leverage to get a better deal from the VFL IMO

I think its the best thing for the SANFL anyway

hondo71 wrote:AFL Tasmania just used the SANFL as leverage to get a better deal from the VFL IMO

I think its the best thing for the SANFL anyway

Agreed!

Rushby Hinds wrote:SA not upset at Devils' decision


From The Mercury
Reported by James Bresnehan


With its increased annual grant from the AFL on the way, AFL Tasmania will ...... lift the Devils' salary cap from $200,000 to $300,000, and form closer ties with Hawthorn.


Whicker said he and his South Australian colleagues did not feel used as leverage for the Devils to get a better deal in Victoria.

No, of course not.

Perish the thought.

"this is a local comp for local teams! we'll have no trouble here!"

Benchwarmer wrote:They have consistently stated that the WAFL is their preferred option, and that the SANFL is their next choice. This said, they are looking to play in a second-tier competition in time for the 2009 season.

They will more than likely play some WAFL sides in trial matches in 2008 with a view to starting in the WAFL in 2009 ... unfortunately!

Oh Really? When have these consistently stated statements occurred?

bugger 'em

Fine by me I dont want either...we dont need them.

I think the Alice would be a better option. Closer geographicaly and a nice leisurely overnight trip on the Ghan to Alice (maybe Southern Rail could be chatted for a supporters carriage). A coupla hours in Lassiters before a good game of footy, and hitchhike home.

Maybe even Broken Hill could be considered.

go mildura they have wanted VFL side for ages here is our chance

I was hoping Tas would join the SANFL, thought it might inject some more interest to the comp and make it stronger. I think that the AFL will have alot more control over us in the next 10 years and the stronger we can become as a second tier comp the better. If that involves other states then good. Under Demitriou I think we'll see the AFL inject alot more $$$ to make them the best comp outside of the AFL which would spell danger for us.

Anyone who thinks the SANFL is fine should look at attendance figures since the Crows were formed. Some plan is required to turn this around otherwise the comp will slowly die.

doggies4eva wrote:Anyone who thinks the SANFL is fine should look at attendance figures since the Crows were formed. Some plan is required to turn this around otherwise the comp will slowly die.

Agreed fully.
There really is an issue with the younger fans not coming through, mind you it is another place I see Central leading the way as they easily have the most younger supporters IMHO.

Doggies4Eva

Throughout June, July and August whilst the issue was a bit more than the current chill it is in now.

There is a thread a few pages in called the National Second Tier Review which has it all in.