BL&G Football League

[UNCLE SAM]

So the same Kym Bisset that left Kapunda 2 years ago?
He and his wife are good people, Kapunda would be happy to get them back both on and off the field.

Stewie or Osma and news on your big announcements of recruits it is slow in coming-my mail finding it tough to get recruits up to the Hills and having many knock backs.
So far only ruckman and Rusca - any more

[UNCLE SAM]

Noticed with the program that we are playing a normal round on the Country Championship week-end.
How will that work with player selection.
Would hope seeing the Magpies are playing Kapunda that week-end we don't have 7 players out playing in that bullshit championships.
Losing that game could mean the difference in a top 2 position at the end of the minor round.
Wonder if South will have any players playing this year in the championship eg lawry, musolino etc
If the player is selected in the squad and refuses to play I hope we adopt the Adelaide Plains rule and give the player 2 weeks suspension.
Hell they even suspended a bloke who had a broken leg.

There should be a week off for country championships
Players shouldn't be forced to play championships if it is played on a normal round, South have Centrals that weekend and I would imagine players wouldnt be released to play country championships

Jim did Souths keep Musolino and what is going on with Paget-hearing he wants out but he signed 2 year contract and South playing hard ball.
Beleive South's have signed a gun from darwin-not sure of name
Maybe a deal again like Cragg-Sapsford when he went to Nuri and a truck load of wine came down the road as a clearance sweetener

[Jim05]

Noticed with the program that we are playing a normal round on the Country Championship week-end.
How will that work with player selection.
Would hope seeing the Magpies are playing Kapunda that week-end we don't have 7 players out playing in that bullshit championships.
Losing that game could mean the difference in a top 2 position at the end of the minor round.
Wonder if South will have any players playing this year in the championship eg lawry, musolino etc
If the player is selected in the squad and refuses to play I hope we adopt the Adelaide Plains rule and give the player 2 weeks suspension.
Hell they even suspended a bloke who had a broken leg.

There should be a week off for country championships
Players shouldn't be forced to play championships if it is played on a normal round, South have Centrals that weekend and I would imagine players wouldnt be released to play country championships

Jim did Souths keep Musolino and what is going on with Paget-hearing he wants out but he signed 2 year contract and South playing hard ball.
Beleive South's have signed a gun from darwin-not sure of name
Maybe a deal again like Cragg-Sapsford when he went to Nuri and a truck load of wine came down the road as a clearance sweetener

Musolino has gone to Bute for some very decent coin.
Paget wants to go to Goodwood Saints but there will have to be a deal struck before he is released I believe

[Yardy Lard]

Just how good is the Barossa competition?

Been involved in the SAAFL all my life, except from a few years at SANFL level as a younger player and then with some off-field roles, after the playing side had finished, but have seen a reasonable bit of Barossa football.

The minor round games are good, The grand finals are fantastic in terms of atmosphere and community participation, and certainly the SAAFL should send people to a GF or final, to see how to run an event. There is just no comparison to a day at Thebarton and a B&F Grand Final, or even a final. They are eons apart in terms of a day at the football, and the SAAFL version is relatively poor. Country football as an event, with football and netball and the whole community event, is poles apart from a day at Thebarton.

The standard from what I saw was just so so though. These are my thoughts and care to change my thoughts, although don't just do it because of sticking up for the local competition, or because the B&L competition, is what you know. I am telling you how good the B&L is in terms of a day out and how it is run on grand final day.

Top couple of clubs like Barossa Districts and Tanunda, would be right up there and would probably play D1 football, amongst the lower clubs on the table, but not bad

The middle sides are of about D2 standard (which is still good), and the lower and bottom sides drift right down to D3 standard, and perhaps even as low as D4.

Whilst the atmosphere and the day out, is absolutely fantastic - the standard is the question. No-one can question that a day at the football in the Barossa is much better than the SAAFL and the grand finals are that far in front, that daylight comes second.

Two absurd rules though. Having a rule that wont clear players internally, and also a refusal to have 22 players in finals/grand finals, are both idiotic IMO. Couple of local rules that make no sense.

Fron what I have seen that is my honest assessment of the standard of football. but what is the thoughts of those in the B&L?

[Jim05]

Barossa and Tanunda could play finals in Div 1.
The next couple would be in the bottom half of Div 1.
Id think teams 5-7 would make finals in D2 and the bottom 2 sides would be in the lower half of D2.
I dont think Div 3 and definately not D4, from what ive seen of D4 there are ressie sides in the Barossa who would dominate in D4.
Top 2 divs in Ammos are excellent but the standard drops away fairly quickly after that, D3 is still not bad but D4 is fairly ordinary

[Failed Creation]

Barossa and Tanunda could play finals in Div 1.
The next couple would be in the bottom half of Div 1.
Id think teams 5-7 would make finals in D2 and the bottom 2 sides would be in the lower half of D2.
I dont think Div 3 and definately not D4, from what ive seen of D4 there are ressie sides in the Barossa who would dominate in D4.
Top 2 divs in Ammos are excellent but the standard drops away fairly quickly after that, D3 is still not bad but D4 is fairly ordinary

Having regularly watch both SAAFL Div1 and BL&GFA A Grade games over the last 5 years, I'd say that you're spot on, Jim.

However, Yardy Lard is right on the money in regards to the BL&G being light years ahead of SAAFL in terms of putting on an event. Sad as it may be, going up to the various BL&G grounds week in, week out during the winter (even for minor round games) was undoubtedly the highlight of my week. Even supporters of teams not competing in the finals can appreciate the buzz that a day at the BL&G finals creates.

I love the community feel, the banter with the opposition fans, the awesome canteen food, and the drive up there makes it a truly worthwhile day out.

[Extractor]

The internal clearance rule exists for a very good reason. If clubs could have a free swing at any players within the comp then the richest clubs would simply throw excessive money at the best local players and there would be no way for the middle to lower clubs to make their way back up the ladder. You have to remember there is no div 2 for a club to drop back to and regroup...

Any club that brings this rule up for discussion at the association level (and there was one this year) would quickly find the shoe on the other foot if they lost a couple of locals, especially young players that they invested a lot of time in through juniors, to the team down the road.

It is a ridiculous rule when your team is up and about and you have the money to throw around but the rule is extremely valuable when you are sitting middle of the table and the opposition wants to throw excessive money at your best young locals!

Just how good is the Barossa competition?

Been involved in the SAAFL all my life, except from a few years at SANFL level as a younger player and then with some off-field roles, after the playing side had finished, but have seen a reasonable bit of Barossa football.

The minor round games are good, The grand finals are fantastic in terms of atmosphere and community participation, and certainly the SAAFL should send people to a GF or final, to see how to run an event. There is just no comparison to a day at Thebarton and a B&F Grand Final, or even a final. They are eons apart in terms of a day at the football, and the SAAFL version is relatively poor. Country football as an event, with football and netball and the whole community event, is poles apart from a day at Thebarton.

The standard from what I saw was just so so though. These are my thoughts and care to change my thoughts, although don't just do it because of sticking up for the local competition, or because the B&L competition, is what you know. I am telling you how good the B&L is in terms of a day out and how it is run on grand final day.

Top couple of clubs like Barossa Districts and Tanunda, would be right up there and would probably play D1 football, amongst the lower clubs on the table, but not bad

The middle sides are of about D2 standard (which is still good), and the lower and bottom sides drift right down to D3 standard, and perhaps even as low as D4.

Whilst the atmosphere and the day out, is absolutely fantastic - the standard is the question. No-one can question that a day at the football in the Barossa is much better than the SAAFL and the grand finals are that far in front, that daylight comes second.

Two absurd rules though. Having a rule that wont clear players internally, and also a refusal to have 22 players in finals/grand finals, are both idiotic IMO. Couple of local rules that make no sense.

Fron what I have seen that is my honest assessment of the standard of football. but what is the thoughts of those in the B&L?

[Jim05]

Agreed Extractor, would like the rule changed regarding players returning to the league though.
Once a player leaves the league for a set number of years they shouldnt have to get a clearance from their old Barossa club if they wish to return and play for another club

[Extractor]

Agreed Extractor, would like the rule changed regarding players returning to the league though.
Once a player leaves the league for a set number of years they shouldnt have to get a clearance from their old Barossa club if they wish to return and play for another club

Fair call Jim. I assume you would be happy to not count time at CDFC or any other SANFL club as 'time out of the league' though? or does this defeat the point for you blokes?

[Jim05]

Agreed Extractor, would like the rule changed regarding players returning to the league though.
Once a player leaves the league for a set number of years they shouldnt have to get a clearance from their old Barossa club if they wish to return and play for another club

Fair call Jim. I assume you would be happy to not count time at CDFC or any other SANFL club as 'time out of the league' though? or does this defeat the point for you blokes?

No fairs fair. If you go down to SANFL then you should be able to go to the club of your choice when you return.
90% of players would probably return to their old club anyway but there are some who for one reason or another may wish to play elsewhere, why should they be bound to their old club?
Maybe bring in a rule where after spending 2 years in another league you get an automatic clearance on returning

[Extractor]

Agreed Extractor, would like the rule changed regarding players returning to the league though.
Once a player leaves the league for a set number of years they shouldnt have to get a clearance from their old Barossa club if they wish to return and play for another club

Fair call Jim. I assume you would be happy to not count time at CDFC or any other SANFL club as 'time out of the league' though? or does this defeat the point for you blokes?

No fairs fair. If you go down to SANFL then you should be able to go to the club of your choice when you return.
90% of players would probably return to their old club anyway but there are some who for one reason or another may wish to play elsewhere, why should they be bound to their old club?Maybe bring in a rule where after spending 2 years in another league you get an automatic clearance on returning

Because clubs should be encouraged to invest in their juniors and push them towards success at a higher level without having to worry about them being poached by a club with deeper pockets if things don't work out at CDFC!

I'm sure South wouldnt be too happy if someone had a crack at Yves or Paul Marschall and were able to get them over the line...

[Jim05]

Agreed Extractor, would like the rule changed regarding players returning to the league though.
Once a player leaves the league for a set number of years they shouldnt have to get a clearance from their old Barossa club if they wish to return and play for another club

Fair call Jim. I assume you would be happy to not count time at CDFC or any other SANFL club as 'time out of the league' though? or does this defeat the point for you blokes?

No fairs fair. If you go down to SANFL then you should be able to go to the club of your choice when you return.
90% of players would probably return to their old club anyway but there are some who for one reason or another may wish to play elsewhere, why should they be bound to their old club?Maybe bring in a rule where after spending 2 years in another league you get an automatic clearance on returning

Because clubs should be encouraged to invest in their juniors and push them towards success at a higher level without having to worry about them being poached by a club with deeper pockets if things don't work out at CDFC!

I'm sure South wouldnt be too happy if someone had a crack at Yves or Paul Marschall and were able to get them over the line...

Of course we wouldnt be happy about it but at the end of the day the club doesnt own the player.
Im sure most players have strong enough loyalty and ties to return to their old club

[Failed Creation]

Agreed Extractor, would like the rule changed regarding players returning to the league though.
Once a player leaves the league for a set number of years they shouldnt have to get a clearance from their old Barossa club if they wish to return and play for another club

Fair call Jim. I assume you would be happy to not count time at CDFC or any other SANFL club as 'time out of the league' though? or does this defeat the point for you blokes?

No fairs fair. If you go down to SANFL then you should be able to go to the club of your choice when you return.
90% of players would probably return to their old club anyway but there are some who for one reason or another may wish to play elsewhere, why should they be bound to their old club?Maybe bring in a rule where after spending 2 years in another league you get an automatic clearance on returning

Because clubs should be encouraged to invest in their juniors and push them towards success at a higher level without having to worry about them being poached by a club with deeper pockets if things don't work out at CDFC!

I'm sure South wouldnt be too happy if someone had a crack at Yves or Paul Marschall and were able to get them over the line...

Good call guys. We've all seen it happen in our favour, and we've all seen it go against us. I do believe in a certain time period should exist for returning players being able to go to a club of their choice. Like you guys previously mentioned, 90% would return to their junior club eventually anyway.

[Executive Member]

Agreed Extractor, would like the rule changed regarding players returning to the league though.
Once a player leaves the league for a set number of years they shouldnt have to get a clearance from their old Barossa club if they wish to return and play for another club

Fair call Jim. I assume you would be happy to not count time at CDFC or any other SANFL club as 'time out of the league' though? or does this defeat the point for you blokes?

No fairs fair. If you go down to SANFL then you should be able to go to the club of your choice when you return.
90% of players would probably return to their old club anyway but there are some who for one reason or another may wish to play elsewhere, why should they be bound to their old club?
Maybe bring in a rule where after spending 2 years in another league you get an automatic clearance on returning

SANFL rule is that the player has to go back to original club or seek a clearance from that club; no matter how long they have been at SANFL level

[daysofourlives]

Agreed Extractor, would like the rule changed regarding players returning to the league though.
Once a player leaves the league for a set number of years they shouldnt have to get a clearance from their old Barossa club if they wish to return and play for another club

Fair call Jim. I assume you would be happy to not count time at CDFC or any other SANFL club as 'time out of the league' though? or does this defeat the point for you blokes?

No fairs fair. If you go down to SANFL then you should be able to go to the club of your choice when you return.
90% of players would probably return to their old club anyway but there are some who for one reason or another may wish to play elsewhere, why should they be bound to their old club?
Maybe bring in a rule where after spending 2 years in another league you get an automatic clearance on returning

SANFL rule is that the player has to go back to original club or seek a clearance from that club; no matter how long they have been at SANFL level

Totally agree with every thing you say Extractor.
The rule is at its best when a lad pursues a SANFL career, in many cases the lad has spent up to 10 junior years at his home club, not played senior footy and to see him go to a club down the road after having a crack at SANFL for 2 years is wrong.
Being at CDFC they can become mates with lads from the club down the road and then possibly they all want to play at the same club upon returning which more than likely will be the club with the most cash. At least this way if they want to do this it is outside of our league and the pain of watching an ex junior carve up your club is not there.
Couldnt get Dunne or Fry cleared Jim??

[Jim05]

We all know Fry wasnt cleared Days and Dunne has gone back down to the Dogs.
I can see your point regarding juniors but what about imports like say a Paget?
He has left South to play at Goodwood, what if in 2-3 years time he wants to come back and play in the BL&G why should South have any say in where he goes?

[daysofourlives]

We all know Fry wasnt cleared Days and Dunne has gone back down to the Dogs.
I can see your point regarding juniors but what about imports like say a Paget?
He has left South to play at Goodwood, what if in 2-3 years time he wants to come back and play in the BL&G why should South have any say in where he goes?

Yeah i agree with that part Jim, 2 years away should be enuogh in that case to go where he likes. Didnt we use to have that rule?

[Extractor]

We all know Fry wasnt cleared Days and Dunne has gone back down to the Dogs.
I can see your point regarding juniors but what about imports like say a Paget?
He has left South to play at Goodwood, what if in 2-3 years time he wants to come back and play in the BL&G why should South have any say in where he goes?

Yeah i agree with that part Jim, 2 years away should be enuogh in that case to go where he likes. Didnt we use to have that rule?

I dont think many would argue with that proposition provided time at SANFL clubs didn't count as time out of the league. 2 or 3 years playing elsewhere and it should be back to square one...

At the end of the day, there is no rule that says a club must not grant a clearance if a player returns to the association. South could always clear Paget out of the goodness of their heart...

[countryboy]

I've been involved with both competitions over the past 15 yeras and while the skill standard of BLG & SAAFL div 1 teams might be similar in say the top 10 players the depth of Div 1 is much better than probably all country leagues. And Div 1 teams train much earlier & harder than country teams - most 3 nights per week - while country clubs have harvest & other work interuptions so the 2nd half of a game would favour Div 1. I watched Gaza a few years ago in a round robin comp when I was at Loxton and they smashed every team they played and that's when I realised that the bodies are bigger & stronger especially in the bottom 10 of each team. Loved playing country footy but city clubs are just that bit stronger and fitter. Top 5 would be a stretch for any BLG teams in Div 1.

[brook]

At the end of the day, there is no rule that says a club must not grant a clearance if a player returns to the association. South could always clear Paget out of the goodness of their heart...[/quote]

South might want to be carefully with Paget. If they don't let him go he may never come back. Or worse it might deter other players from signing with a club that holds its players for ransom.