Southern Football League

[fisho mcspaz]

I really don't understand why the SFL doesn't go back to two divs. Whenever I voice this opinion people say the same thing, 'Oh, so-and-so club (usually Marion or Flagstaff Hill) wouldn't like it.'

Absolute rubbish Fisho. The reason the 2 div thing never worked was because there was no promotion/relegation.

Not because some clubs 'didnt like it'

No-one likes to be in div 2, however it can be a way for the weaker senior sides to enjoy some success and have a realistic shot at finals/flag.

Remember Flaggies were in Div 2 for a few years before the whole comp went back to 1 div.

Fair enough - this was all before my time, I have no idea who played in what div for the most part. My point was that no one ever seemed to be able to give a good reason why the league wouldn't go back to two divs. Anyway, I think I've got my answer now. No promotion/relegation, sure, but isn't that symptomatic of the SFL's lack of organisation in general?

I just really hope that something concrete happens within the next couple of years to resolve the current situation - which is, in a nutshell, 30-40 goal margins between the top and bottom sides of the competition. Splitting the league into two divs is the most viable solution in my opinion. But something's got to happen. The bottom sides are giving their absolute all to keep on going, and I think there's a lot to admire there, but if the competition stays the way it is they'll just flicker out eventually - and there's no dignity in that.

Thing is fisho we finished 12th last year but beat hackham by 31 goals with a few out. You go to two divs and it will still happen.

Maybe... I still think it'd be for the best though. Feel free to tell me if I'm wrong here because I've never had anything to do with the administration of a business/club/other organisation in any shape or form. But the way I see it, if there were only eight or so teams in a competition instead of fifteen, the league* would be able to devote more time and effort to ensuring a more even competition, and the individual clubs would have something concrete to aim at as well.

*Ideally the current league admin wouldn't be running both divs, you'd hope there'd be two separate committees.

Getting thrashed by seven other teams would be pretty crap, sure, but getting thrashed by fourteen... you can't get your head around that. A club that's down near the bottom of the ladder is likely going to be struggling financially as well - and fourteen teams, that's a long ladder. The top's that far away it's not even worth aiming at. So why not plug what money you've got into trying to beat the next couple of teams above you? At least that's a feasible goal. I remember when Aldinga beat the Twisties in '07 and it was like the bloody Grand Final. Unfortunately in the bigger scheme of things - including finals aspirations - well, it's just money down a rabbit hole, isn't it? But what can you do?

It might work and it might not, but I still say two divs are better than one.

[the big bang]

:lol: Hilarious. I know we are proud to be East-Aldinga, looking down the hill towards Shark Park. While we are at it we are also Mclaren South and Nth Mt Compass. Hopefully one day we do enough to be called Willunga again.

While we are on the topic of Aldinga, how will they go this year? Will there be any improvement as we move into the 2nd year with Brad Whyatt?

Will the big 4 (Brighton, Cove, Morphett Vale and Reynella) be challenged by any of the other sides this year? Valleys and Porties were the other 2 of the big 6 but they seem to have dropped away a little bit.

ya dreamin mate, ya dreamin.

[the big bang]

East Aldinga???

That would be Willunga

ah ok.

Yes after 15 years at Shark Park I have moved on. Have to say after my first official run last night you can see why East Aldinga are such a successful club.

It's good to be excited about playing footy again.

Miss you Big Bang ;)

who doesn't? (not including my mother)

[the big bang]

:lol: Hilarious. I know we are proud to be East-Aldinga, looking down the hill towards Shark Park. While we are at it we are also Mclaren South and Nth Mt Compass. Hopefully one day we do enough to be called Willunga again.

While we are on the topic of Aldinga, how will they go this year? Will there be any improvement as we move into the 2nd year with Brad Whyatt?

Will the big 4 (Brighton, Cove, Morphett Vale and Reynella) be challenged by any of the other sides this year? Valleys and Porties were the other 2 of the big 6 but they seem to have dropped away a little bit.

ya dreamin mate, ya dreamin.

what do ya get when ya cross Wiluunga FC with BJ Ernest?

A Dreamon!!!!

i'm here all week.

[GO THE PUNT]

Shoeboy not involved with any club just watch sfl footy all round.
Donkey there would be clubs out there that are run better than some top clubs but due to poor results in the past it is difficult for them to recruit to improve the ladder position especially with the amount of money being thrown aroun in the hills and great southern. So to imply that the lower club are not ran well is off the mark. Flaggies would be one of these clubs that find it difficult to crack the top recruits. If they were sitting in the top 8 they would become a very strong club.
People mention 2 divs and I think shoeboy you have (correct me if Im wrong) but I put it to you would you be happy as a club playing in div 2 after finishing 9th this year. You fill full juniors possibly 3 senior sides and sunday teams when other clubs can't fill any juniors and your club would have to play in div 2. You would be pi55ed I would think. You talk about the junior programme but with you guys in div 2 you juniors would never play with the seniors.
I was involved with a club that would have that same situation and all you would be doing is destroying the hard work that they did for 3-5 years to build the club as in numbers, sponsorship, support and facillities. 2 divs will not work.
I have an Idea that may be a way to look at in the future and thats a different points system for wins and losses eg You split the clubs into group rankings 1-4, 5-8, 9-12, 13-15 then the points work as you defeat a team that is a group above you receive 2 pts bonus, if you defeat a team that is 2 groups above you get 4pts bonus, but if you defeat a team in the same group its a 1 pt bonus but no bonus for a group below. You woul than work out a draw that will put teams against teams in there grouping or the group above but the top 4 will never play the bottom 3 sides. Just an idea looking outside of the box. It would take a bit to work out but could be done .

[85 WAS A GOOD YEAR]

Thanks GTP for the recognition of Flagstaff. Off Field we are a very well run club. We have solid structures in place to ensure our financial and continued existance, and a fantastic group of people with a very high level of business, marketing, managerial experience, and who have a love of football to boot, running our club and football operations committees.

Our clubs focus on junior development and constant improvement is successful.
Our juniors continue to delve deep into the finals, yet our seniors haven't.
Our football operations people have put in months of hard work, yet hit brick walls in trying to recruit. I know of at least 15 interviews that have taken place with potential A Grade recruits, with a success rate of 0. It tends to boil down to last years result of our A's -12th.

At the end of last season we were finally able to gain sponsorship and grants to allow the construction of a club gym. It has proved a big success with our seniors and U18s showing the benefit of it with improvement in their strength and body make up. To people outside the club they may not realise what an asset this will be in taking that extra step for this group.

When we were in Div 2 our juniors were always in finals, but they never had the opportunity to play clubs such as Morphett Vale, Brighton etc as they were Div 1 Clubs. They never had the opportunity to know how they compared, and I believe it may have even stifled their opportunities to be 'the best they could be' by playing against the "Big Clubs". I don't want this to ever happen again.

But if the 2 Divs ever comes around again, I believe it must have the relegation/promotion system so a club can't just stay put in Div 2 and win GF after GF cos they don't want to go up.

[shoe boy]

Shoeboy not involved with any club just watch sfl footy all round.
Donkey there would be clubs out there that are run better than some top clubs but due to poor results in the past it is difficult for them to recruit to improve the ladder position especially with the amount of money being thrown aroun in the hills and great southern. So to imply that the lower club are not ran well is off the mark. Flaggies would be one of these clubs that find it difficult to crack the top recruits. If they were sitting in the top 8 they would become a very strong club.
me ieoplfPe mention 2 divs and I think shoeboy you have (correct Im wrong) but I put it to you would you be happy as a club playing in div 2 after finishing 9th this year. You fill full juniors possibly 3 senior sides and sunday teams when other clubs can't fill any juniors and your club would have to play in div 2. You would be pi55ed I would think. You talk about the junior programme but with you guys in div 2 you juniors would never play with the seniors.
I was involved with a club that would have that same situation and all you would be doing is destroying the hard work that they did for 3-5 years to build the club as in numbers, sponsorship, support and facillities. 2 divs will not work.
I have an Idea that may be a way to look at in the future and thats a different points system for wins and losses eg You split the clubs into group rankings 1-4, 5-8, 9-12, 13-15 then the points work as you defeat a team that is a group above you receive 2 pts bonus, if you defeat a team that is 2 groups above you get 4pts bonus, but if you defeat a team in the same group its a 1 pt bonus but no bonus for a group below. You woul than work out a draw that will put teams against teams in there grouping or the group above but the top 4 will never play the bottom 3 sides. Just an idea looking outside of the box. It would take a bit to work out but could be done .

You are wrong!

[Vulcan]

IMO-I believe that not only for the better of the competition but also for the better of all clubs themselves,I feel that all clubs need to start thinking about club mergers with commonsence being a major factor.obviously this will reduce the number of teams which will make for a much higher standard on and off the field.the majority will dis-agree with this point but if it's ok with sides such as fitzroy,woodville and the west torrens then surely it's ok with local football teams.eg-m/vale-hackham,lons-cove etc.

[shapes]

IMO-I believe that not only for the better of the competition but also for the better of all clubs themselves,I feel that all clubs need to start thinking about club mergers with commonsence being a major factor.obviously this will reduce the number of teams which will make for a much higher standard on and off the field.the majority will dis-agree with this point but if it's ok with sides such as fitzroy,woodville and the west torrens then surely it's ok with local football teams.eg-m/vale-hackham,lons-cove etc.

Damn, would it be a coin toss over ovals with Lons and Cove? Both not ideal.

[Vulcan]

The bottom line is "shapes",every single club needs to swallow some pride for the better of the sfl!if clubs won't do this then I would be saying goodbye!.

[shapes]

The bottom line is "shapes",every single club needs to swallow some pride for the better of the sfl!if clubs won't do this then I would be saying goodbye!.

Agreed. Being part of a merger in the past, I think it's the build up which is the hard part. Which of course requires crew to swallow pride.

I can't see it happening though, nor can I see the league reverting back to two div's. Maybe an alternative league, not sure. The SFL is in a difficult spot. But not if your a player / member / supporter of one of the better clubs. Cause they just keep winning. But even those clubs would agree 30 goal drubbings prove nothing.

[The Yetti]

Some interesting reading re the SFL and where it is going, or where it might go.

Having spent some time on the SFL website it is interesting to note
A grade leading goalkickers, Mail Medalists, B Grade Honour roll and Premiership Clubs....are only representative of Division one.

Where is the History for the Div 2 Clubs for the years that was run?
It looks to me as though 2 of the forming clubs (Aldinga and McLaren Vale)of the SFL didn't count during the years of two Divisions.
No premierships are listed, no Mail Medalists are listed...etc

Not good enough SFL

[The Yetti]

Question... What do Goolwa FC and Reynella FC have in Common.

Both Black and White.

and

Both have not won a A Grade Grand Final since 1977!

[Spangy]

I do agree something needs to be done with the SFL Comp, we are not a power house league! I think 2 divisions would be a great idea but not ideal for the comp & clubs. There would be too much player movement & result in Division 2 becoming very ugly & not successful... Also you would not get the crowds in to watch a Div2 game, therefore less money for the clubs... Example: When a bottom team plays a top team the crowd is significantly bigger due to the supporter base of the top team. So if we go to 2 Divisions & a bottom team plays another bottom team the crowd will be significantly lower.

GTP the point system you came up with is a very good idea & I think it could work, you’re sort of categorising the teams into 4 divisions but most of the teams still play each other so I guess it wouldn't look so bad.. Is this what you were thinking breaking the teams up like this? - Div 1 only plays Div 2-3, Div 2-3 play everyone & Div 4 only plays 2&3...

Div 1
Emus
Wineys
Bombers
Cove
Div 2
Valleys
townies
Porties
Shoes
Div 3
Beachies
Marion
M/Ville
Flaggies
Div 4
Lonsdale
Aldinga
Hackham

I really think merging teams is the right decision for the SFL at the moment, this would create a stronger competitive comp & would therefore create enough players at every club to have14,16,18,B,A all play on the Sat. If you have an overflow then create the Sunday league which is happening now for the juniors & play them before the C Grade games....
Say hyperthetically we merged hawks, Aldinga, Lonsdale as currently these are the most struggling teams this would bring it down to a 12 team comp & the teams merging would infiltrate other teams making them stronger & a more even competition with all grades playing on the Sat...
Div 1 Teams
Emu's
Bombers
Wineys
Cobras
Valleys
Cockle Divers
Townies
Shoes
Div 2 Teams
Beachies
Twisties
Flaggies
Marion
Lions
Sharks
Hawks

[GO THE PUNT]

Yeh spangy that is what I meant.

[wilba]

With all the talk of 2 divisions why not make a north/south competition?
north division
brighton, edwardstown, marion, morphettville pk,flagstaff hill, cove,and maybe two other sides from down that neck of the woods,(i have heard that phos camden or plympton are looking at joining sfl)
south division
morphett vale, reynella, happy valley, christies bch,pt noarlunga, noarlunga, aldinga, and amalgamate osb lons/hackham.
2 even nos competitions. Play normal seasons and then at the end of year the two wining gf sides play for overall sfl champions
just another thought for comment

[Look Good In Leather]

With all the talk of 2 divisions why not make a north/south competition?
north division
brighton, edwardstown, marion, morphettville pk,flagstaff hill, cove,and maybe two other sides from down that neck of the woods,(i have heard that phos camden or plympton are looking at joining sfl)
south division
morphett vale, reynella, happy valley, christies bch,pt noarlunga, noarlunga, aldinga, and amalgamate osb lons/hackham.
2 even nos competitions. Play normal seasons and then at the end of year the two wining gf sides play for overall sfl champions
just another thought for comment

...and that will fix the big margins how?

[ddonkey]

With all the talk of 2 divisions why not make a north/south competition?
north division
brighton, edwardstown, marion, morphettville pk,flagstaff hill, cove,and maybe two other sides from down that neck of the woods,(i have heard that phos camden or plympton are looking at joining sfl)
south division
morphett vale, reynella, happy valley, christies bch,pt noarlunga, noarlunga, aldinga, and amalgamate osb lons/hackham.
2 even nos competitions. Play normal seasons and then at the end of year the two wining gf sides play for overall sfl champions
just another thought for comment

...and that will fix the big margins how?

You're right on the money there LGIL

[ddonkey]

Surely there have to be some standards in place to play Division 1. If I remember correctly, a few years back Ironbank were sent back to Division 2 (Country) in HFL, because their facilities weren't up to scratch. They soon got their act together and got back to Division 1. To be in Division 1 you must field teams in all grades.

[Backliner]

what if you aren't a DIV1 footballer and have no desire for DIV1 and you live down south, you assume everyone wants to play Div 1, someone once said to me ' A footy club should cater for all level of footy player' which I don't think you can with the SFL system, the emphasis is on A grade results