A Section Premier 2016

[flat footy]

Cmon, don't be so soft! Must be referring to the only very recent past. In the late 80s, early 90s, A grade involved regular trips to Bundoora to play Parade (Old Xavs used to play our praccy matches out there too - could never work out why there were trams so far out of the CBD) and Parkside (not so far, but oh so far! Still have flashbacks involving Jacky King).

Bernards wasn't that much of a trip in comparison.

"The very recent past, late 80s and 90s" Thats 25 - 35 years ago, hardly recent!!!! Old Paradians havent been in A Grade for yonks....

 

[pazza]

All this whinging about travelling to St. Bernards has me wondering though - why?

You only need to look at the distances the umpires have to travel to cover matches. Some of us remember having to travel to Cerberus (I was lucky and never had to), South Mornington and Peninsula.

Others had to travel to Whitefriars and Aquinas, Yarra Valley, Chirnside Park, Mount Lilydale, St. Francis Xavier, the odd game at Assumption College or St. Patricks Ballarat, Westbourne, Werribee, Rupertswood....

To me it would seem that some seem a little privileged and scared to go out of their comfort zone.

 

[sideswipe]

"The very recent past, late 80s and 90s" Thats 25 - 35 years ago, hardly recent!!!! Old Paradians havent been in A Grade for yonks....

Fair enough. I think OP were in A Grade when I last heard someone say yonks. Nice tie in.

 

[flat footy]

All this whinging about travelling to St. Bernards has me wondering though - why?

You only need to look at the distances the umpires have to travel to cover matches. Some of us remember having to travel to Cerberus (I was lucky and never had to), South Mornington and Peninsula.

Others had to travel to Whitefriars and Aquinas, Yarra Valley, Chirnside Park, Mount Lilydale, St. Francis Xavier, the odd game at Assumption College or St. Patricks Ballarat, Westbourne, Werribee, Rupertswood....

To me it would seem that some seem a little privileged and scared to go out of their comfort zone.

Im really just taking the "piss" re: far flung grounds. The current 2016 A grade teams would have to be the closest to the CBD radius.
I think its one of the reasons why everyone is loath to be relegated. ( Ha, ha..)The teams you listed Pazza (Xavs?) I dont think have ever been in A Grade if so, it would have been ages ago..

 

[pazza]

Im really just taking the "piss" re: far flung grounds. The current 2016 A grade teams would have to be the closest to the CBD radius.
I think its one of the reasons why everyone is loath to be relegated. ( Ha, ha..)The teams you listed Pazza (Xavs?) I dont think have ever been in A Grade if so, it would have been ages ago..

IIRC and I'm sure eddiesmith will correct me Whitefriars have been at least as high as B if not A (actually I think they have been in A in the early 2000's) and Werribee were in B before heading back to the WRFL. Even North Old Boys, now with St. Patricks Ballarat, saw A grade footy in Brunswick!

 

[MELTY]

Round 18 Top 4 Scenarios;

IF - Trinity & Blacks win; Trinity 54, Xavs 48, Blacks 48, Blues 48.

IF - Trinity & Blues Win; Trinity 54, Blues 52, Xavs 48, Blacks 44.

IF - Xavs & Blacks Win; Xavs 52, Trinity 50, Blacks 48, Blues 48.

IF - Xavs & Blues Win; Xavs 52, Blues 52, Trinity 50, Blacks 44.

 

[Penski]

The explanation of the game being moved on VAFA tragics this week was a joke. TO say that because other clubs this year complained after their games and not before, nothing was done and it was only because a complaint was made prior to the game was the decision made to move it. I dont know about other clubs but I can tell you that Collegians in the past have most definately complained before the game about the condition only for it to fall on deaf ears.
The worst I remember the Uni ground was around 2013 (when the temporary sheds were up), and there was not a blade of grass on the ground. Two players ended up being rather sick for days after the game from the sludge and water and knee deep mud and IIRC there was a decent injury from the game as well. We requested that game be moved beforehand and nothing was done.

 

[MELTY]

The explanation of the game being moved on VAFA tragics this week was a joke. TO say that because other clubs this year complained after their games and not before, nothing was done and it was only because a complaint was made prior to the game was the decision made to move it. I dont know about other clubs but I can tell you that Collegians in the past have most definately complained before the game about the condition only for it to fall on deaf ears.
The worst I remember the Uni ground was around 2013 (when the temporary sheds were up), and there was not a blade of grass on the ground. Two players ended up being rather sick for days after the game from the sludge and water and knee deep mud and IIRC there was a decent injury from the game as well. We requested that game be moved beforehand and nothing was done.

Found it also very interesting that when it was brought up about the Uni Derby this weekend that Nick Armistead made mention that the teams would want the game to be moved to a faster deck for Finals as there is no home ground advantage on offer.

 

[Flanker28]

The explanation of the game being moved on VAFA tragics this week was a joke. TO say that because other clubs this year complained after their games and not before, nothing was done and it was only because a complaint was made prior to the game was the decision made to move it. I dont know about other clubs but I can tell you that Collegians in the past have most definately complained before the game about the condition only for it to fall on deaf ears.
The worst I remember the Uni ground was around 2013 (when the temporary sheds were up), and there was not a blade of grass on the ground. Two players ended up being rather sick for days after the game from the sludge and water and knee deep mud and IIRC there was a decent injury from the game as well. We requested that game be moved beforehand and nothing was done.

100% spot on. I can categorically say with absolute truth that complaints about the ground standard have been lodged pre-games in previous seasons and have been either ignored or dismissed.

Put an Old Xavs letterhead on the request and VAFA will listen. Pathetic from Sholly, absolutely pathetic. He's not fooling anyone.

 

[Canada]

Worst ground ever. Thank god Ammos have finally seen the light.

 

[Canada]

100% spot on. I can categorically say with absolute truth that complaints about the ground standard have been lodged pre-games in previous seasons and have been either ignored or dismissed.

Put an Old Xavs letterhead on the request and VAFA will listen. Pathetic from Sholly, absolutely pathetic. He's not fooling anyone the smug prick.

I'm not sure Xavs would have won any flags in the last 2-3 decades without the continual leg up from city square. A joke...

 

[Flanker28]

I'm not sure Xavs would have won any flags in the last 2-3 decades without the continual leg up from city square. A joke...

Strange link to make Canada. Post had nothing to do with Xavs success which they have deserved every bit of. It was however a reflection of who Sholly listens to and who he doesn't. Gets a request/threat (call it what you will) from his old club and immediately takes action. Receives requests from any other club when the ground was in a vastly worse state and he ignores.

*edited typos

 

[man in outer]

Worst ground ever. Thank god Ammos have finally seen the light.

Just watched the tragics at lunch and thought I'd jump on for the first time in a while. Applaud the decision but do query why it has taken so, SKOB were required to move home grounds in 2006 due to the ground not being up to it. The Uni oval has been a disaster for a long period of time. Proximity has meant I have watched almost all of the SKOB games there, most of which have been somewhat ruined by appalling conditions. Given there are so many ovals nearby, its a mystery its taken so long.

Was hoping the Dela could have snuck into the finals to have someone to cheer for but alas no such luck. Trinity would have to be the neutrals choice given their underdog status and heart breaker last year.

 

[Penski]

Just watched the tragics at lunch and thought I'd jump on for the first time in a while. Applaud the decision but do query why it has taken so, SKOB were required to move home grounds in 2006 due to the ground not being up to it. The Uni oval has been a disaster for a long period of time. Proximity has meant I have watched almost all of the SKOB games there, most of which have been somewhat ruined by appalling conditions. Given there are so many ovals nearby, its a mystery its taken so long.

Was hoping the Dela could have snuck into the finals to have someone to cheer for but alas no such luck. Trinity would have to be the neutrals choice given their underdog status and heart breaker last year.

I would say that Old Trinity would definitely be the neutrals choice and who i'll be barracking for. Been so good recently without getting over the line, after years of being the perrenial 'yo-yo' club between A and B. They deserve to taste success. They're also a great club full of great people (with the worst changerooms for visiting teams in VAFA football!)

 

[HedgeFund]

All this whinging about travelling to St. Bernards has me wondering though - why?

You only need to look at the distances the umpires have to travel to cover matches. Some of us remember having to travel to Cerberus (I was lucky and never had to), South Mornington and Peninsula.

Others had to travel to Whitefriars and Aquinas, Yarra Valley, Chirnside Park, Mount Lilydale, St. Francis Xavier, the odd game at Assumption College or St. Patricks Ballarat, Westbourne, Werribee, Rupertswood....

To me it would seem that some seem a little privileged and scared to go out of their comfort zone.

Umpires get paid pazza.

Players pay subs.

 

[BrianSpeaking]

Just watched the tragics at lunch and thought I'd jump on for the first time in a while. Applaud the decision but do query why it has taken so, SKOB were required to move home grounds in 2006 due to the ground not being up to it. The Uni oval has been a disaster for a long period of time. Proximity has meant I have watched almost all of the SKOB games there, most of which have been somewhat ruined by appalling conditions. Given there are so many ovals nearby, its a mystery its taken so long.

Was hoping the Dela could have snuck into the finals to have someone to cheer for but alas no such luck. Trinity would have to be the neutrals choice given their underdog status and heart breaker last year.

You have plenty to cheer for MIO, both SKOB under 19 teams have finished on top, the ressies are playing finals and one of the thirds teams are also playing finals, should be a busy few weeks!

 

[man in outer]

You have plenty to cheer for MIO, both SKOB under 19 teams have finished on top, the ressies are playing finals and one of the thirds teams are also playing finals, should be a busy few weeks!

Cant believe you left our the masters!!! Boys are going around this weekend. Get there Sunday. EJ has promised me a hanger...actually you cant take hangers under super rules but still. Be there!!!

 

[eddiesmith]

IIRC and I'm sure eddiesmith will correct me Whitefriars have been at least as high as B if not A (actually I think they have been in A in the early 2000's) and Werribee were in B before heading back to the WRFL. Even North Old Boys, now with St. Patricks Ballarat, saw A grade footy in Brunswick!

Correct, Whitefriars were in A grade in 2004

 

[AM]

100% spot on. I can categorically say with absolute truth that complaints about the ground standard have been lodged pre-games in previous seasons and have been either ignored or dismissed.

Put an Old Xavs letterhead on the request and VAFA will listen. Pathetic from Sholly, absolutely pathetic. He's not fooling anyone.

I'm by no means suggesting Xavs don't have some pull at HQ. Perhaps a disproportionate amount. However if you or others are conflating that with his former association with that club I'd remind you he was a teacher at your alma mater for some 14 years. Just sayin.......

 

[thebeaver]

BREAKING: Dylan Jones is off the Laverton Magpies. Jones has been in talks with a number of clubs after he's been reportedly unhappy with the lack of quality jelly beans provided pre and post game by SKOB. A reliable source close to Jones quoted "i can't put up with this home brand shit any longer". It's been reported that the magpies have offered Jones unlimited Gourmet JellyBelly jelly beans each game as long as he can clean up his act off the field. Tim Cooper has been meeting on and off with Jones over the past month in an attempt to level with the mercurial Jones about his future career on and off the field. "if he can get his head right and stop jumping in the deep end every Saturday night he could be a club legend". Big statement. For a
Big Boy. Making a Big move. #youhearditherefirst #watchthisspace

 

[Rooster 24]

All this whinging about travelling to St. Bernards has me wondering though - why?

You only need to look at the distances the umpires have to travel to cover matches. Some of us remember having to travel to Cerberus (I was lucky and never had to), South Mornington and Peninsula.

Others had to travel to Whitefriars and Aquinas, Yarra Valley, Chirnside Park, Mount Lilydale, St. Francis Xavier, the odd game at Assumption College or St. Patricks Ballarat, Westbourne, Werribee, Rupertswood....

To me it would seem that some seem a little privileged and scared to go out of their comfort zone.

A minute part of this relates to travel Pazza. Clubs happy to travel anywhere, in fact its probably quicker to get from our ground to St Bernard’s than it is to get to the Uni or Bulleen. And to be fair the players are generally decent blokes it more the quality of supporter you find at the Pit. Feral, one-eyed Bogans who have little understanding of the game. Worst I have witnessed by some margin.

When you combine that with the travel factor, most in this grade will be happy to see them go however I have little doubt we will trekking out there again in 2018.

And as pointed out by others umpires get paid while players and supporters actually dip into their pockets for privilege.

 

[BrianSpeaking]

A minute part of this relates to travel Pazza. Clubs happy to travel anywhere, in fact its probably quicker to get from our ground to St Bernard’s than it is to get to the Uni or Bulleen. And to be fair the players are generally decent blokes it more the quality of supporter you find at the Pit. Feral, one-eyed Bogans who have little understanding of the game. Worst I have witnessed by some margin.

When you combine that with the travel factor, most in this grade will be happy to see them go however I have little doubt we will trekking out there again in 2018.

And as pointed out by others umpires get paid while players and supporters actually dip into their pockets for privilege.

IMO it's doubtful they will bounce back straight away, they lose Tom Sullivan and probably Bentick, plus they are always prone to money clubs over that side of town.
They also have some very good young players who heading to the VFL, so at this stage I would suggest a rebuild is needed.
I'd also suggest Old Brighton will be very strong next year as will the unlucky third team out of St Bede's, Beauy and Old Scotch.

 

[Chazz M Michaels]

I'm by no means suggesting Xavs don't have some pull at HQ. Perhaps a disproportionate amount. However if you or others are conflating that with his former association with that club I'd remind you he was a teacher at your alma mater for some 14 years. Just sayin.......

Didn't Xavs have something to do with the changes to the cubbies/thirds setup fairly recently?

Also, on the preferential treatment the "claret and stout" get, I remember a star old xavs player being sent off for head butting an opposition player (just before a centre bounce after a goal, so in front of the umpire) and successfully arguing to get off so they could play in the grand final.

I also wonder with Shollys new found powers, being able to report players on video review, how many, if any, incidents invole xavs players.

You've got to ask yourself why so many people, from so many different clubs, think Sholly is compromised when it comes to issues relating to Old Xavs... There's only so many times Xavs people can claim the "jealousy" card.

No doubt the idiot will have something to say on this.

 

[Canada]

Whether the idiot chooses to or not is completely up to him. But I'm happy to jump in and laugh. Sholleys new powers ensuring no Xavs players on video review. Gold.
Paranoid much. It's a conspiracy.
You did mention jealousy didn't you. I enjoyed your post immensely.

 

[Chazz M Michaels]

^ right on queue