An interesting development is in the AFL pipeline, which appears to have endorsement from all sixteen clubs

"Either way, all have endorsed the idea of doing away with the farm system and of reclaiming or, in the cases of the South Australian and West Australian sides, gaining total control over the welfare and development of players from draft day onwards".

A sensible strategy which, in time, should become a reality for the AFL.

Shortcut to: http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfoo...3166799460.html

I've really enjoyed going to Sandy and watching our fella's come up through that competition, but there is no doubt that a return to the Ressies would allow our club to handle our players the way we want.

I'll watch with interest.

  Fan said:

I've really enjoyed going to Sandy and watching our fella's come up through that competition, but there is no doubt that a return to the Ressies would allow our club to handle our players the way we want.

I'll watch with interest.

Bring it on.

Bring back the magoo's.

  Fan said:

I've really enjoyed going to Sandy and watching our fella's come up through that competition, but there is no doubt that a return to the Ressies would allow our club to handle our players the way we want.

I'll watch with interest.

I too enjoy getting down to Sandy once in a while.....

.....but realistically it doesn't hold a candle to watching the reserves kick the dew off the grass before the seniors play.

I am very curious as to how they will manage such a change without putting even more financial pressure on clubs.

Perhaps they can sell the rights to the Reserve's games to help cover the cost? (this might give Channel Eddie something to do for the next half a decade ). Seriously though funding 17 additional players, equipment, facilities etc. etc. is going to run into Big Big bucks.

FWIW

I think the AFL spectator has been seriously ripped off in my time football supporter. No more Under 19's, no more Reserves, shorter quarters and increased admission.

It's not all bad though; at least now I can hear the Demon's games on the radio and usually see them on the telly.

Go Dees.

I miss the good old days of turning up early to the G to watch the ressies. Because of the costs involved and ground considerations, I don't think we can realistically go back although perhaps one day our VFL affiliate will have an even closer connection with the MFC in terms of the look and feel of the team. Perhaps a mutual away guernsey or something might help achieve that.

Any chance that some VFL games could be played before the AFL games?

I know that is not the key issue with bringing back the Reserves but it would be good from the spectators point of view.

  Clint Bizkit said:

Any chance that some VFL games could be played before the AFL games?

I know that is not the key issue with bringing back the Reserves but it would be good from the spectators point of view.

None at all. For those of us who have been around a long time, while we remember fondly turning up early to watch the U19's and ressies before the main game, the reality is that the grounds cannot cope with the damage, particularly in winter ( if it ever rains again ). Also when do you play the ressies game for a club playing on Friday night?.

No as Jack said we won't be going back there, and to see a reserves side, you will in all likelihood be heading to Princes park or the Western Oval or Junction oval.

  george_on_the_outer said:

No as Jack said we won't be going back there, and to see a reserves side, you will in all likelihood be heading to Princes park or the Western Oval or Junction oval.

agree re: the use of the mcg and telstra dome for reserve games, its too hard on the surface, but i like the idea of using junction oval... why not on a sunday and saturday put the reserve teams from both sides on, let members in, general public pay VFL prices and have the game finish about an hour before the seniors.

Geelong could play before at kardinia park cause there isnt as much footy played there.

A 10 team competioton in Victoria could work and all supporters would see their teams play plenty of times in the season.