On 23/02/2025 at 17:49, Travy14 said:

This is exactly the reason lower levels are struggling.  Because the AFL doesn't give a [censored].  Can guarantee Norwood will now struggle this year after losing Boyd, and he was taken a month ago.  

 

That’s not a real imposition for Norwood. I t to think they hit a reprieve when he wasn’t taken in the Nov National Draft. 

I believe we should have looked at Boyd instead of Marty Hore more seriously however am very happy we have got Campbell AJ Harvey XL Sharp and now Henderson plus Culley now. 

Two rucks both forwards of sorts two versatile smalls who have class and finish well Two of the best young players on the AFL who are multi talented and 200 game prospects for our midfield and attacking roles and a tough big bodied mid to add depth and grunt to our stars already and newbies developing in the midfield.

I reckon our seven players here are real honest from the heart types who will not be far from their best each match.

very valuable last 3/4 days including a boost in morale on Sat with eleven probables out and still a good even effort in extreme heat with their fitness supremely important in the final analysis. 

8 minutes ago, 58er said:

I believe we should have looked at Boyd instead of Marty Hore

4 rucks are enough, we have maxy tc aj white to hopefully come in next year and fullerton and verral sitting on the sidelines

Are SSP contracted as rookies? Do all rookie deals only last 1 year and when is the deadline for ending/ extending / upgrading that contract?

The Kossie situation interesting with Narkle and Dudley as SSP at Freo. You’d hope (but not holding my breath) that both are clear on their position with that club before Kossie needs to make a decision on requesting a trade or not.

8 hours ago, 58er said:

That’s not a real imposition for Norwood. I t to think they hit a reprieve when he wasn’t taken in the Nov National Draft. 

I believe we should have looked at Boyd instead of Marty Hore more seriously however am very happy we have got Campbell AJ Harvey XL Sharp and now Henderson plus Culley now. 

Two rucks both forwards of sorts two versatile smalls who have class and finish well Two of the best young players on the AFL who are multi talented and 200 game prospects for our midfield and attacking roles and a tough big bodied mid to add depth and grunt to our stars already and newbies developing in the midfield.

I reckon our seven players here are real honest from the heart types who will not be far from their best each match.

very valuable last 3/4 days including a boost in morale on Sat with eleven probables out and still a good even effort in extreme heat with their fitness supremely important in the final analysis. 

It is now that Adelaide have now taken their back up ruck as an SSP as well.

It's a huge hole for them, they lose a captain, 3 time B&F, magarey medallist and Jack Oatey medallist.  And is a Ruckman, this is why the 2nd their clubs need some sort of reprieve.  Or just a discussion and if the club is happy to let their player chase their dream then all sweet.  Which i woukd think will usually be the case.

I saw this article on Zero Hangar about the SSP and why it shouldn't be extended.

https://www.zerohanger.com/why-the-afl-shouldnt-be-extending-the-ssp-window-158873/

While I do have sympathy for the 2nd tier competitions, the only real way to deal with this issue is to increase AFL list sizes. Melbourne and Carlton would not have been in such dire need then.

If each AFL team is given another 5 or 6 extra list spots to cushion the effects of any numerous injuries, then you don't have to worry about last minute recruiting as much.

Furthermore, you can bring back reserves teams for the 2nd tier competitions as well.

That way you don't have AFL clubs scrambling around trying to get last minute recruits from the VFL, SANFL, WAFL etc which then makes the clubs in those leagues suffer. As the old saying goes, you shouldn't be "robbing Peter to pay Paul".

In the end, it is up to the AFL to show initiative and use it's huge profits to financially support the 2nd tier competitions and grassroots football. The more money that is invested in the lower levels of football the more that the AFL and AFL supporters will benefit in the long run. Stronger grassroots football and stronger 2nd tier competitions will in turn create a stronger AFL.

Let's hope that the AFL focuses on rectifying this issue for the long term survival of Australian Rules Football.

Edited February 25, 20251 yr by Supreme_Demon

42 minutes ago, Supreme_Demon said:

Let's hope that the AFL focuses on rectifying this issue for the long term survival of Australian Rules Football.

the afl gives lip service to the notion of 'australian rules football'