The AFL last had a reserves competition in the late 90s but I think it would be great for this to return.
The reserves competition enabled players that had failed to get into the senior side some exposure even though it was only at reserves level.
The AFL reserves competition could be a mirror image of the senior competition running alongside it with many curtain raisers and with the same fixtures. Venues may differ under my proposal, but clubs will play the same club in both seniors and reserves under my plan.
The NRL were very successful with the NSW Cup, Queensland Cup and Holden Under 20s used as curtain raisers before the main games and it is a move that I think the AFL should follow.
Some games can be broadcasted as well whether it is on 7 Mate, Seven, or Fox Footy. The finals would be played the same weeks as the AFL with the reserves grand final before the AFL grand final on the last Saturday in September.
West Coast, Fremantle, St Kilda, Carlton, Hawthorn, and Melbourne are the only clubs that do not have their own reserve teams although all of them are aligned with East Perth, Peel, Sandringham, Preston, Box Hill, and Casey respectively.
Yes there would be impact on state league footy in Victoria and the northern states. The WAFL, and SANFL would be able to remain prominent in their states with loads of support for their local competitions.
The standard of VFL in Victoria has dropped as fewer standalone teams have been in the league. The VFL could remain with all clubs being standalone.
The NEAFL would also remain with AFL clubs having the option to still field teams in the competition using Academy players or other players.
Fans want more curtain raisers. I think most football fans would get behind the league which could revive the family day outs at the footy. Eventually I would love to see the womens league move alongside the men’s where we can see three games of footy to really make it a good value day out.
Even though it is very unlikely to happen, I would love to see an Under 18s competition as well to allow football clubs to have various teams.
Collingwood have been touted as trying to expand into basketball after having an AFL, AFLW, VFL, VFLW and netball team.
Under my proposal this would mean that Collingwood would have an AFL, AFLW, VFL, VFLW, AFLR, AFLWR, netball, basketball, and under 18s team. This could mean that the Pies could have up to ten teams all aligned under the Collingwood brand.
Phil
Guest
It's a great idea but I wonder whether it would be financially viable, especially since travel to and from Perth would be involved.
Sam
Guest
If Collingwood want to be seen as a TRULY big club,then they need to apply for an A-League licence,which will give them exposure outside of Mexico....ahum....Melbourne.AND a hell of a lot more followers on social media.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
Port Adelaide don't have a reserves team either. The Magpies are a separate club
TomC
Roar Guru
It would be the end for the NEAFL. There wouldn't be much of a reason for the northern AFL clubs to maintain a team in a sub-standard league. Sometimes NEAFL games are played as curtain raisers to senior fixtures already, but there's generally a couple of hours between the games. When the forecast is for rain they often move them to another venue so as not to damage the surface. Like the Grand Final venue, using state leagues rather than a reserves comp is one of those issues where we have to balance fairness with practicality. Obviously it's an advantage to clubs in stronger footy states to have their squad play reserves at a higher level. How much of an advantage, and whether it's worth the cost, is hard to say.
peeeko
Roar Guru
No , that is all