HFL Division 1 (Central)

[Sherrin]

anybody know birdwood result from kersbrook last night?

or be able to follow up in word from The Courier that they are to enter Central Division next year??

[robby]

Yes my sources have given me the impression that Birdwood will indeed be moving in Central Division next year. Have to wait and see what happens though.

[onkas-valleysvirgin]

Good to hear, onkas-valley. For a player/supporter(?) of the doggies on the end of a big defeat, to still support the concept, good on you.
.

I reckon OVV isnt a player or supporter but very close to the team...if Im following his history correctly!

What gave me away Dutchy? I thought it was a brilliant disguise......

Also involved with SPOC in '96?

No,but close

'97?

Right side,right year,wrong bloke. I sit next to him.

[Justquietly]

Birdwood in Central?? Has anyone seen both divisions this year? I've only been out to a few Central games and played in that div when nairne was there. Nairne were competitive when dropped to Country, but BELTED in Central div. Ironbank have been fairly competitive in Central since coming up a few years ago, but they had dominated (minor rounds anyway) for a fair while. Dunno if that'd be a great idea.

[Justquietly]

Does anyone know of an ex-TV and Gumeracha (?) player called Aaron Mclean. Think that's his name. Has joined a club I used to play at and they're just wondering what sort of player he was.

[PPLions]

What was the outcome of the TV vs Echunga game
TV's 3rd close win this year
Or are thescores in the 'Tiser wrong (the goals and points don't add up properly)
Thanks!

[robby]

Echunga did win by 2 points

[Justquietly]

Anyone on McLean?

[ball magnet]

What talk of Birdwood coming into Central. They were found wanting by around 80 points at Kersbrook on Saturday night. So how would they stand up to the quality in a higher grade?Also interesting to note that Roger James returned to Brooker colors, albeit in the magoos. The Roosters take on the Lions this week, in another test that will show promotion may well be a pipe dream. Birdwood won flags in 1992 and 1994 and jumped up to Division 1 in 1995. The result, down the bottom of the ladder, and crawled back in 1996, with tail between legs. Just haven't got the depth to compete. Will a similar thing happen. If instant success doesn't come, it appears Country clubs want to bail out, and not do the hard things to consolidate over a learning period. I reckon a more safe bet would be for Kangarilla to make the move. Remember, before they left for SFL in 1981, they were playing in the top-tier of HFL. Maybe a flag win would be a good incentive to step up and finally remove the crazy situation of a bye in both divisions.

[Dr.Football]

Magneto, i wouldn't be critical of clubs that struggle in central division retreating to country division. If you ever have to recruit players you find they want to play at a club that is already having success, remember these guys aren't about loyalty, it's the dollar/success factor. My point is if you dwell at the bottom of central for too long your core footballers A) Retire earlier than if success was forseeable B) Quit football altogether c) The soft ones move to another club. This coupled with an inability to recruit only worsens the situation.

Whereas, return to Country Division have some success (eg. play finals), hence develop some recruiting power, rebuild your local stocks ( through intensive junior programs) then when you have sufficient depth return to Central.

I do concur that Birdwood would struggle unless they recruited heavily.

[Justquietly]

Numbers and a few years to find your feet would be needed for the promoted club. I thought maybe a promotion/relegation system, but I think if the Central club that goes down retains its players, they'd have a cruisy year in country, then be straight back up. I don't know if much needs to change.

[Dr.Football]

Having played in both divisions, i can tell you first hand the relegated side would not get a cruisy ride. Problem is that the elevated side would struggle to play in finals, hence the problem of retaining players.

[wishiwas]

the worm turns very quiclky in the country div. it was only a couple of years ago that most people were barking to get meadows into the central div. then they quiclky went by the wayside. birdwood have a bit as well. i would be confident in saying that all the good country div teams would struggle in the central div. even kangarilla.

[Justquietly]

I just don't see the need for another team in Central.

[sprinter]

Would these country teams be competitive against Mount Lofty, Uraidla etc.

[Justquietly]

Not at the moment, I'd suggest. Some Central teams will struggle with Lofty and Uraidla.

[sprinter]

Can anyone tell me about Bridgewater. They seem to be big improvers. They may give Lofty a go this week?

[Justquietly]

Sprinter - ooh, tough one. Big improvers, maybe. Their win against Barker is good. But Braker - 6.19, won't win you too many games. And bridgey's first win was against the team that looks like it may very well finish bottom.
BUT, I reckon it'll be a cracker of a game on the postage stamp. Not sure about the recruits and how they go.
Don't expect too many CHF's to be picked this weekend!

[Justquietly]

Without wanting to blow my own trumpet, lads, I'm pretty happy that my tips for the top 4 in Country Div seem to be going OK ie TV, Kangarilla, Meadows and Echunga. A bit surpried actually, haven't seen a game yet. Not sure who I'd have 5th, but at this stage I could be on track.
Your thoughts on either top 5 early on??

[robby]

Central Division- Mt Lofty, Uraidla, then it's going to be close for 3rd,4th and 5th. I would say Mt Barker, Hahndorf and Onkas.
Country Division- Kangarilla, Torrens Valley, Meadows, Echunga and Kersbrook.