AFL Reserves - Western Australia

Reports from WA suggest that the WAFL clubs and the AFL clubs might be getting closer to an agreement relating to the two AFL club's 'Reserves' teams.

It's speculation only at this stage, but it might involve the AFL Reserves side playing the 'bye' team each week.

If that was to happen here, what are your thoughts?

Whilst I'm for a 10th team in our competition, it cannot seriously be an AFL reserves team.

I also am aware that for our part-time players, without the luxurious recovery staff and equipment, occasionally need a weekend off to recharge the batteries, particularly those who are injury prone or reaching the end of their careers.

And what's wrong with learning another style of play from another coach? It can only improve a player's knowledge of the game. Since when did we decide players need to be robots in order to be successful?

there is an old saying...give an inch & they'll take a mile

it should not even be discussed & i'll add that if an AFL team has say only 4 injured players then they wouldn't have enough players to play the bye team anyway & what happens to the other AFL team ?

A piece by Caroline Wilson from today's Age about a possible separate comp for the WA and SA AFL clubs' reserves teams. Interesting she uses the word 'mismanage' to describe the state leagues' treatment of AFL listed players. She also states Chad Wingard has played most of his footy at SANFL Reserves level this year. Really?

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/sa-wa-clubs-to-go-it-alone-20120828-24ysq.html

Just another example of the depths to which some football "Journalists" (I use the word lightly) have descended, in their desire to lick the boots of their AFL masters, without even trying to be factual. Unless I missed it, Chad Wingard has not played a game for Sturt at all this year. As for Mitch Curnow, I only wish he was far enough advanced to make Sturt's league side, given how desperate we are for talls. The fact is he's struggling at reserves level and will probably be delisted by Port at season's end.

Chad Wingard, didn't he 'win' the rising star this week ? presuming it's the same player i'm sure i heard he's played 18 games with Port this year, so 'Caro' is right on one thing Chad hasn't played league for Sturt too often if at all this year

Yes, I have to say that that's a sloppy article by Caroline, who I think usuall gets it right.

She should be a bit more careful making statements about the SANFL and WAFL, where she has little knowledge.

As for Reserves sides, given that Port, Adelaide and West Coast have all won premierships under the current system, where is the disadvantage, really?

In any case, what side could Port possibly field if they were having to play a Reserves game this week?

Anyone care to have a go at placing one?

They'd be struggling to field half a decent side, even at Reserves level.

Didn't the WAFL try to split the clubs evenly to WCE & Freo in the early 2000s?

Apparently, it didn't work for any party involved, WCE & Freo both suffering their worst records in their histories.

Not knowing the complete injury list, I make it that there would be between 7 and 9 Power players available for a second team right now.

Presumably they'd be topped up with about a dozen Amateur players.

How would that team go against Central or Norwood.

It would really help their development and enthusiasm.

Yes, and what highly successful 'game style' are they going to be able to hone amongst the 7 of them?

Is Caro the Michaelangelo Rucci of Melbourne?

Hmm......

Extraordinary achievement by West Coast yesterday to win a final without a Reserves team.

I blame the SANFL clubs for West Coast and Freo winning without reserves teams .