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Great to hear everyone so passionate about Victorian footy!
This is my take on things.
First of all, I am not a fan of the AFL involvement in our state competition. Granted, it creates exposure for the VFL that it would not receive as a stand alone entity, and it obviously raises the standard of play, but in my opinion it’s presence undermines the integrity of the competition.
If the league heads the way it is looking next season with split alignments etc, it once again means the league is divided. I mean how can you have a successful competition when some clubs are desperate only to win a premiership (Frankston, Port Melbourne, Williamstown, Northern Bullants, Werribee?, Tamania?) others a focused purely on developing players (Geelong, Carlton, Collingwood, Western Bulldogs?, Sydney?) and the rest have a foot in both camps (Bendigo, Box Hill, North Ballarat, Sandringham, Casey)?
I am envious of the situation in the SANFL, where all clubs are striving for a common goal, a clear player pathway is in place and they have a strong identity.
I believe we should follow their path.
I am aware the logistical issues are enormous and the current success of the TAC Cup doesn’t warrant any change to the format but a complete restructure can work – look at the success of the Hyundai A-League soccer.
Here is my proposal.
I would like to see the AFL go back to a Victorian reserves competition and the VFL once again stand alone.
All VFL clubs would merge with a TAC cup partner (most of which are in actually in place at the moment) to form one club.
Open up the age restrictions on the regional teams and turn them into senior clubs as they already have a strong local presence in their community.
Clubs consist of a senior team, reserves team, under 19’s, and under 17’s.
The teams:
1. Bendigo Pioneers
2. Box Hill Mustangs (Eastern Ranges)
3. Casey Scorpians (Dandenong Stingrays – Southern zone)
4. Coburg Lions (Calder Cannons)
5. Frankston Dolphins (Dandenong Stingrays – Peninsula zone)
6. Geelong Falcons
7. Gippsland Power
8. Murray Bushrangers
9. North Ballarat Roosters (Ballarat Rebels)
10. Northern Bullants (Northern Knights)
11. Port Melbourne Borough (Oakleigh Chargers)
12. Sandringham Zebras (Sangringham Dragons)
13. Tasmania Devils
14. Werribee Tigers (Western Jets – Zone?)
15. Williamstown Seagulls (Western Jets – Zone?)
The Benefits:
This would be a truly state competition with teams based in the key areas of Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, Gippsland and the Murray.
In Melbourne it also establishes a presence in the western suburbs, eastern suburbs, northern suburbs, south eastern suburbs and bayside/peninsula. All bases are covered!
There would be tremendous interest in the competition with future AFL stars playing and it gives players a clear pathway to follow if they are not drafted.
Gives kids a chance to play against men and step straight into AFL footy if drafted.
An under 19’s competition would take pressure of 18 year olds completing VCE.
Money could go toward developing club facilities, personnel etc
Would love to hear what you all think?
Cheers
