Time to fold the VFL?

[Slax]

Agreed.

The AFL's funding will either stay with the VFL or be diverted to an AFL reserves competition when it is formed.

They will not fund both. If they go with an AFL reserves, then the money vanishes for a VFL/VFA competition.

Of the standalone VFL clubs hard to see many surviving. The issue isnt just about funding a new league to take then but at what level would they enter?

AFL might give them a parachute payment but they'll probably need to threaten the league with going to court first. The guaranteed way to get AFL to pay up is threaten to put them on the stand under oath, they know they're dodgy as.

 

[Epictetus]

So if the VFL disbands, what happens to the players? What happens to the comp that provides the vast majority of players to the AFL outside of the Coates league? Just go an play local footy and disappear?

 

[AussieNick1999]

So if the VFL disbands, what happens to the players? What happens to the comp that provides the vast majority of players to the AFL outside of the Coates league? Just go an play local footy and disappear?

Considering that the majority of VFL teams are reserves teams algined to AFL clubs, those teams will likely continue as normal in an AFL reserves competition. I don't think the AFL cares about those who are playing for the few standalones left. They might even view it as a chance to shed some of the fringe players who aren't good enough to get drafted and consolidate the best second-tier players in a streamlined reserves league.

I've seen people on these very forums arguing that the VFL needs a reduction in size and that the weaker standalone clubs should be culled. I highly doubt the AFL has any more respect for us than those people do.

 

[MortlockWatcher]

Media report tonight over here in the west saying that West Coast are set to announce its commitment to the WAFL for the near future.

 

[Epictetus]

Considering that the majority of VFL teams are reserves teams algined to AFL clubs, those teams will likely continue as normal in an AFL reserves competition. I don't think the AFL cares about those who are playing for the few standalones left. They might even view it as a chance to shed some of the fringe players who aren't good enough to get drafted and consolidate the best second-tier players in a streamlined reserves league.

I've seen people on these very forums arguing that the VFL needs a reduction in size and that the weaker standalone clubs should be culled. I highly doubt the AFL has any more respect for us than those people do.

There are 6. That's 240 players with a legit opportunity to play state league on merit, not just because there are injuries at AFL clubs. And these clubs provide most of the draftable players.

And the two worst VFL clubs on performance right now is probably Collingwood and Carlton !!

 

[glengowan]

There was big carry on from Port Adelaide (and Crows silently followed) regarding them playing in the SANFL. They were unhappy with the playing conditions and wanting to join the VFL. In the end, the SANFL didn't want them leaving and neither did the AFL, but have given both Port and the Crows very generous top up player rules for 2025 and beyond. They signed the initial contract for 15 years, so that expires in 2028. Apparently West Coast were also wanting to join an AFL Reserves/VFL league, but Freo were happy with their arrangements with Peel Thunder and staying in the WAFL.

There is clearly concern from the SANFL admin of going alone. I get the feeling most of your average SANFL supporters want a non-AFL Reserves competition, but those in club land and in the SANFL seem to see trouble in both player and corporate retention if the AFL teams aren't involved. The AFL clubs want to compete on a level playing field against other AFL clubs.

So, what if the SANFL came under the AFL umbrella and the AFL used the ANFL as the branding for the 2nd tier competition which was a melding of all the AFL Reserves teams in the country, as well as the SANFL and VFL.

A (Southern)ANFL consisting of 17 teams and an (Eastern)ANFL consisting of 17 teams.

The SANFL to retain the traditions, Magarey Medal etc and the EANFL to retain the traditions of the old VFA/VFL, JJ Liston medal etc. Much like the VFL became the AFL.

22 Rounds, with 2 byes. Double up games against teams in your own state as much as possible. For example, each team would only need to travel to WA once. Vic teams to SA 6 times. SANFL clubs only making 2/3 trips to Vic and 1 trip to WA per season.

Top 8 with the Grand Finals as is now on AFL Preliminary weekend. Potentially, as a curtain raiser to the AFL Grand Final, the winners could play for the ANFL championship, or not.

SANFL
Collingwood
Carlton
Richmond
North Melbourne
Essendon
West Coast
Fremantle/Peel
Adelaide
Port Adelaide
Plus the 8 SANFL clubs

EANFL
Geelong
Western Bulldogs
Box Hill/Hawthorn
Sandringham/St Kilda
Casey/Melbourne
Sydney
GWS
Brisbane
Gold Coast
Plus Tasmania
Plus the 6 VFL standalone clubs
Plus Southport

Potential expansion of a 3rd WA club and NT for the SANFL. Perhaps a Canberra and North QLD team for the EANFL?

Other things to consider would be all players, including the standalone clubs, coming under the AFL TPP.

Would this give a stronger 2nd tier base and better outcomes for the standalone clubs, with AFL marketing? More interesting commercially than just AFL Reserves? Not so messy as the VFL currently is with 21 teams. Better equality for the likes of the SA and WA AFL teams, competing against their AFL opposition on more occasions. Opportunity for expansion via this competition first for places like Canberra, NT, WA3 and NQLD.

Watching the old teams on the old suburban grounds, many of which have been done up and have AFLW as well. It could work with SA due to distance and it would need the Victorian AFL clubs to split down the middle to create equitable leagues in terms of travel.