Eyesonthepies
Draftee
- Aug 8, 2024
- 8
- 51
- AFL Club
- Collingwood
I can't see this ever happening and nor should it. We are talking about a large junior program with hundreds of kids and there are so many factors to consider that are just as if not more important than creating the best possible footballers
-Much less travel. With many of the kids playing having siblings also playing football and netball, logistically changing to the EDFL would be a nightmare for parents. More parents would move their kids to the Giants for the simple fact that it's much easier
-For the younger age groups participation is far more important than developing future superstars of the game. If you have to play all away games in the EDFL I guarantee less kids will play and that's not good for anyone.
-The local rivalries are great in the Juniors. When Gisborne play the Giants, Riddell, Macedon and even the Sunbury teams so many of the kids know each other because they go to the same schools. This creates great competition and Riverly. The Young lads love this.
-And finally, it's simply not needed. Gisborne has been producing good juniors for decades. Their senior teams have always been made of up mostly locals who came through the RDFL Junior league. They often get good representation in the Cannons team and have produced a number of AFL draftees.
IMO the number 1 priority when it comes to Junior sport is to make decisions that encourages and gives the opportunity for as many kids as possible to want to participate. Having been a Gisborne local for a long time and having kids going through the juniors and knowing lots of other kids in the Juniors, I can assure you moving to the EDFL Juniors comp would be a disaster and we would see far less kids participating.
