Southern Football League

[recruiter 10]

The one that is still there is Snezza Snr ,the one that caused all the crap at BRIGHTON in the first place ,how he survived has me well and truley stuffed ,How do I know you may ask ?????? someone very close to it all told me ,

Hey DTH

looking at the clearances is it a case of last man out turn off the lights??

wow, just logged on and had a look - all one way traffic at Brighton, hopefully for them they have a stack of clearances to lodge for players actually joining the club!

Sneeza says HI de HO AND so do all the UMPS you have abused on here and at the footy Old Man bout time to cash in those chips and head back to your home on top of the Hill....crest !

[Dazza44]

Have I missed something about grades for 2014.

I see Marion have advertised for coaches in age groups 13 - 15 - 17.

Is the SFL changing age groups or is Marion moving leagues????

I am stunned that so many people on this forum - who are supposedly involved and in some cases intimately involved in their clubs are TOTALLY unaware of the recommendations of the Future Directions Committee !!!!!!! The recommendations have been public since they were presented in May 2013, and clubs have all had the opportunity to respond - and the consolidated responses have been distributed to clubs.

These recommendations, if implemented, will change the entire structure of the SFL as we know it and (for many of us) love it ...

I can only assume that many clubs have not broadly publicised the recommendations nor consulted with their members to any great extent. I must admit that I was a bit shocked by the positive "official" reactions from some clubs, when I personally and others had spoken to many key members within these clubs who were either totally unaware of the proposals or were aware and totally against them - in total opposition to the "official" club response.

For those who are unaware, the proposals result in:
SATURDAY COMP
A Grade & B Grade
Third senior side (ie C Grade) which is optional - I would hardly expect many clubs to be able to field a third senior side on Saturday at 11:10am, so highly unlikely that this comp will even happen !!
Under 17
Under 15

SUNDAY COMP
Under 13
Mini League (U8, U10, U12 as exists already)
Any other Junior Grades as required due to nominations - eg additional Under 15's (or possibly Under 14's or 16's I assume, but not specified)

As I mentioned, I would be gobsmacked if the Saturday "Thirds" (C Grade) actually had enough teams nominated to actually run a comp ! That would leave only 4 games (maximum) on any Saturday.

We currently have 4 junior comps with (if my maths is correct) 48 teams with the vast majority in each grade competitive. Plus, there should be an expectation that with the large numbers in Under 14's and Under 12's that there would be sufficient numbers next year for Sunday under 14's and 16's. So the proposals only plan for 3 junior comps instead of 5 .... I'm dumbstruck !

But the worst thing I see is the change from Under 18's to Under 17's. This season, we have had the strongest Under 18's comp for many seasons - more teams, and mostly competitive teams. Under 18 is the perfect age to lead in to senior footy, and I'm sure history shows that the retention rates of these kids into senior footy is always higher when we have Under 18 as the senior under age grade rather than Under 17. I don't believe that the proposed "thirds" comp will get up, so it's straight from Under 17's to B Grade or A Grade. Many kids will not be confident enough, strong enough, or good enough to do this will just give up playing footy ... and we'll never get 'em back !

All I see in these proposals is people NOT playing football - and I hope that that is NOT our "Future Direction".

I hope I have helped to explain the situation (with my own strong opinions) and that it may spur some of you to actually talk to your club's officials about their position on these changes. I think that this is a critical make-or-break moment for this league we love and I don't want the wrong decision to be made simply due to lack of information or even worse MISINFORMATION and self-interest.

I must stress that these are MY views on the subject as a person with 30 years involvement in this League as a club President, League delegate, Coach, Team Manager and everything else, and not necessarily the views of my club.

I just think it's time that the people out there in clubland who love their clubs (and hopefully our great competition) knew what is about to happen.

[happilyretired]

Hey guys,

now that mad monday is done for half the comp and the dust has settled - does anyone think there will be any other coaching changes apart from the Porties coach departing?

It seems (just looking at results etc with no connection to any SFL clubs) Aldinga are going even further backwards with losses at the end of the year to sides who were lower than them on the ladder by fair margins as well. How long has their current coach been there and what is going so wrong for them not to improve?

It looks like Hackham's days of 40+ goal losses week in week out is over, well done to everyone at their club on sticking it out

[helicopterking]

Hey guys,

now that mad monday is done for half the comp and the dust has settled - does anyone think there will be any other coaching changes apart from the Porties coach departing?

It seems (just looking at results etc with no connection to any SFL clubs) Aldinga are going even further backwards with losses at the end of the year to sides who were lower than them on the ladder by fair margins as well. How long has their current coach been there and what is going so wrong for them not to improve?

It looks like Hackham's days of 40+ goal losses week in week out is over, well done to everyone at their club on sticking it out

Marion on hunt for new A grade coach.

[the red baron]

What happened to Steven Keam ?

[helicopterking]

Had a 3yr deal, that has expired.

[Muffler]

Had a 3yr deal, that has expired.

Haha went a year to two years too long did it?

[Speccy02]

Does any know anything about an A grade team of the year? Is this a new thing or has it been done in the past?
Is it similar to the AFL All australian team? if so who picks it?
If it is true who made it this year?

Sorry for all the questions!!

[Oldman Munga]

I was told brighton were smashed in a trial against Port Districts by over 20 goals? this true?

hope so

Oh dear the footy gods got ya "Old Man" then again you might have had only 1 goal in mind !

Humble Pie doesnt taste so bad , been chewing a bit lately, Thats Footy

[Oldman Munga]

The one that is still there is Snezza Snr ,the one that caused all the crap at BRIGHTON in the first place ,how he survived has me well and truley stuffed ,How do I know you may ask ?????? someone very close to it all told me ,

Hey DTH

looking at the clearances is it a case of last man out turn off the lights??

wow, just logged on and had a look - all one way traffic at Brighton, hopefully for them they have a stack of clearances to lodge for players actually joining the club!

Sneeza says HI de HO AND so do all the UMPS you have abused on here and at the footy Old Man bout time to cash in those chips and head back to your home on top of the Hill....crest !

Oh so I abuse Umps on a regular basis do I ? drawing a long bow there buddy , they cop the occasional spray when I think they have made a wrong call or missed the obvious , but abuse ? That would be in breach of the code of conduct and acted on if that were the case wouldnt it ? And I always watch games well within earshot of any officials from the League and Umpires, and feel free to drag up any posts abusing umpires , while your trolling through previous pages

[Look Good In Leather]

Does any know anything about an A grade team of the year? Is this a new thing or has it been done in the past?
Is it similar to the AFL All australian team? if so who picks it?
If it is true who made it this year?

Sorry for all the questions!!

Top 21 vote getters in the medal. So likely a team of midfielders.
Will be interesting to see if the two leading goalkickers (Ramsey & Golding) make the team. If they don't, it probably shouldn't be called the "Team of the Year".

[Down the Hill]

Does any know anything about an A grade team of the year? Is this a new thing or has it been done in the past?
Is it similar to the AFL All australian team? if so who picks it?
If it is true who made it this year?

Sorry for all the questions!!

It's a first and not really a team of the year, just the same concept that they have run with junior grades for several years, that is the top 21 vote getters. Pretty lame and more like a Merit Award than a TOTY but if it means getting more A grade players along then that is a good thing because the structure in previous years has meant the room has been full of juniors and parents and not enough there with a genuine interest on what the night is about - the Mail Medal. The involvement in the night of juniors and parents is great but the balance hasn't quite been right. If it was a genuine TOTY I really don't know who is best qualified to pick it and we would spend pages on here debating it like they do in some other leagues. At least if its the best 21 vote getters there can be no argument even though it will be mainly a group of midfielders. Those 21 will be named in the next 24 to 48 hours and should be in the Boot this weekend along with all other invitees.

[Look Good In Leather]

Does any know anything about an A grade team of the year? Is this a new thing or has it been done in the past?
Is it similar to the AFL All australian team? if so who picks it?
If it is true who made it this year?

Sorry for all the questions!!

It's a first and not really a team of the year, just the same concept that they have run with junior grades for several years, that is the top 21 vote getters. Pretty lame and more like a Merit Award than a TOTY but if it means getting more A grade players along then that is a good thing because the structure in previous years has meant the room has been full of juniors and parents and not enough there with a genuine interest on what the night is about - the Mail Medal. The involvement in the night of juniors and parents is great but the balance hasn't quite been right. If it was a genuine TOTY I really don't know who is best qualified to pick it and we would spend pages on here debating it like they do in some other leagues. At least if its the best 21 vote getters there can be no argument even though it will be mainly a group of midfielders. Those 21 will be named in the next 24 to 48 hours and should be in the Boot this weekend along with all other invitees.

Bit half-arsed really

Perhaps the association selectors can be put to work for the whole season to select this side. Could only assist in selecting the following season's association team.

[afc9798]

OK, tips for this weekend's A Grade finals:

Reynella vs Morphett Vale- Reynella by 16 points
Happy Valley vs Morphettville Park- Happy Valley by 21 points
Noarlunga vs Christies Beach- Noarlunga by 35 points
Edwardstown vs Brighton- Edwardstown by 6 points

Should be a cracking start to the finals this week and none of these tips are with any great confidence as I feel there is real potential for a few upsets.

[Speccy02]

Have I missed something about grades for 2014.

I see Marion have advertised for coaches in age groups 13 - 15 - 17.

Is the SFL changing age groups or is Marion moving leagues????

I am stunned that so many people on this forum - who are supposedly involved and in some cases intimately involved in their clubs are TOTALLY unaware of the recommendations of the Future Directions Committee !!!!!!! The recommendations have been public since they were presented in May 2013, and clubs have all had the opportunity to respond - and the consolidated responses have been distributed to clubs.

These recommendations, if implemented, will change the entire structure of the SFL as we know it and (for many of us) love it ...

I can only assume that many clubs have not broadly publicised the recommendations nor consulted with their members to any great extent. I must admit that I was a bit shocked by the positive "official" reactions from some clubs, when I personally and others had spoken to many key members within these clubs who were either totally unaware of the proposals or were aware and totally against them - in total opposition to the "official" club response.

For those who are unaware, the proposals result in:
SATURDAY COMP
A Grade & B Grade
Third senior side (ie C Grade) which is optional - I would hardly expect many clubs to be able to field a third senior side on Saturday at 11:10am, so highly unlikely that this comp will even happen !!
Under 17
Under 15

SUNDAY COMP
Under 13
Mini League (U8, U10, U12 as exists already)
Any other Junior Grades as required due to nominations - eg additional Under 15's (or possibly Under 14's or 16's I assume, but not specified)

As I mentioned, I would be gobsmacked if the Saturday "Thirds" (C Grade) actually had enough teams nominated to actually run a comp ! That would leave only 4 games (maximum) on any Saturday.

We currently have 4 junior comps with (if my maths is correct) 48 teams with the vast majority in each grade competitive. Plus, there should be an expectation that with the large numbers in Under 14's and Under 12's that there would be sufficient numbers next year for Sunday under 14's and 16's. So the proposals only plan for 3 junior comps instead of 5 .... I'm dumbstruck !

But the worst thing I see is the change from Under 18's to Under 17's. This season, we have had the strongest Under 18's comp for many seasons - more teams, and mostly competitive teams. Under 18 is the perfect age to lead in to senior footy, and I'm sure history shows that the retention rates of these kids into senior footy is always higher when we have Under 18 as the senior under age grade rather than Under 17. I don't believe that the proposed "thirds" comp will get up, so it's straight from Under 17's to B Grade or A Grade. Many kids will not be confident enough, strong enough, or good enough to do this will just give up playing footy ... and we'll never get 'em back !

All I see in these proposals is people NOT playing football - and I hope that that is NOT our "Future Direction".

I hope I have helped to explain the situation (with my own strong opinions) and that it may spur some of you to actually talk to your club's officials about their position on these changes. I think that this is a critical make-or-break moment for this league we love and I don't want the wrong decision to be made simply due to lack of information or even worse MISINFORMATION and self-interest.

I must stress that these are MY views on the subject as a person with 30 years involvement in this League as a club President, League delegate, Coach, Team Manager and everything else, and not necessarily the views of my club.

I just think it's time that the people out there in clubland who love their clubs (and hopefully our great competition) knew what is about to happen.

Nice summary! All I can say is that MV have struggled the past few season to field numbers right through the season in U/18's, this may not been seen from the outside due to exceptional results but with more and more young guns playing up to cover the loss of departed A graders makes it extremely tough on this grade for our club, i'm sure others would echo this? The boys started with 14 genuine 18's last week against the Falcons which makes it pretty tough, so a change to 17's for our club would certainly be a bonus. We've had difficulty for a number of years in turning U/18's into senior players, the numbers simply have been no where near what they were back in the early 2000's when a good 10 or so would make the seniors year in year out, now we are lucky to keep a couple in the club. When I started playing footy for the Emu's the comp was 13's, 15's and 17's for my junior career (year before I started was 14's, 16's and 18's). So it ran like this for atleast 5 years not sure how much longer after that they changed it back? So if they are to go with this they should play the 13's on a Saturday as the day accommodates 5 games no problems. There didn't seem to be much of an issue of coming out as a 17 YO and playing senior footy the next year as I recall.

A confirmation of grades will surely not be far away due to coaching vacancies and positions needing to be filled.

Just my 2 cents worth and am sure it won't suit other clubs such as Flaggies.

[Broken Down Hack]

May be look at 13.5, 15.5 & 17.5......i think there is a huge dropout at 18 level due to work or just being dead lazy if clubs like M/Vale and Reynella are starting to feel the pinch....17.5 might keep a few more playing rather than walking away, can also keep some lads down to gain a bit more confidence before moving to seniors, seems to work in the Hills>>>>>just a thought

[Numbers]

My opinion is that 13's, 15's & 17.5's would be best! Gives the hardest grade to fill 6 months extra of kids that might not be up to seniors & those kids can still play as opposed to walking away from footy! Hopefully 12 months later they are bigger/ good enough to play seniors!

[Dutchy]

Are all clubs going to be able to field an under 13 team when only drawing from one year?

Also agree that they should play on Saturdays, as they will be Primary school age there is no college clashes, I don't get the change to a Sunday.

[Look Good In Leather]

Are all clubs going to be able to field an under 13 team when only drawing from one year?

Also agree that they should play on Saturdays, as they will be Primary school age there is no college clashes, I don't get the change to a Sunday.

There is the reason, U/14 currently clashes with Primary School football

Also surely clubs would drop an U/12 team to fill an U/13 competitive team if they were struggling

[Dutchy]

But they don't want under 12 kids playing in a competitive environment so goes against the leagues values, unless they have changed also....

Kids at year 6/7 chose between club or school, I guess the under 13s let them do both, but it only covers one year so I'm not sure if it is worth changing the day of play for kids born within a 12 month period.