Booney wrote:"CHEATING" (Using capitals helps when getting your point across) would be playing outside of the rules governing the competition.
Cheating isn't the right word but essentially his point is the same.
There are two AFL reserve sides splaying in the SANFL and they do have certain advantages over the real SANFL clubs. And there are 3 different criteria bring used in the same comp which has given one reserve side a much bigger advantage than the remaining 9 teams including the other reserve side.
I think the current ladder supports this and I suspect most fans know this , including what must be some very happy PAFC supporters. But whilst many PAFC supporters might be happy with the current set up, do you honestly believe having 3 different criteria giving one reserve team a significant advantage over the rest of the competition is good for the long term viability of the SANFL.
As for the PAM debate, personally I couldn't give a rats arse what you want to call them. The team competing in the SANFL is an AFL reserve side and not the true independent Port Adelaide of old. Just don't insult me by trying to purvey them as the genuine article they were.
Going forward, I think the 2 reserve sides are here to stay for the foreseeable future. I don't think the AFL see a national reserves comp viable as they would either still have to rely on state leagues for top up players or increase club numbers which isn't going to work.
The alternatives for both AFL and SANFL is to either a) kick the two reserve teams out of the SANFL altogether, whence you would assume they would have to go to the ammo's, b) offer them places in the SANFL reserve league, something neither AFL club wants, or c) leave them where they are but level the playing field so at least both of the AFL reserve sides are playing under the same criteria.