by finn » Mon Apr 24, 2017 11:42 pm
Given the current rules state that clubs have to forfeit from their bottom grade, I can't see why they're dropping what is essentially their c/d grade. I would tried to maintain sides in 7 and 7 res and drop the bottom side. It also seems remarkably quick; two weeks in and done. What's to stop clubs doing this then getting players back and dominating grades? It also skews the results in all grades eg the Reds lost by 100+ points in round 1 but will play other teams with a stronger side. I understand the reasoning but think that swaps shouldn't occur until a complete round of matches (9 in a ten team comp, 8 in a 9 team comp etc) has occurred.
Unfortunately it appears other sides in c4 may also be teetering and the AFL wasn't so keen on reducing c1 to a 7 team comp.
In the long term, it appears that the League is in a position with not too many winners. I'm not sure how to solve this dilemma but the League can't also reward these clubs with easier gradings when they've nominated others. At uni we get players doubling up and access older players to ensure numbers are filled; I hope that princes have pushed hard internally and through their alumni to try to fill their nominated teams.
always forgive your enemies...nothing annoys them so much