VFL structure discussion [Split from game thread]

[pmac21]

The VFL comp is a joke. 
The sooner it's the true reserves nationally the better

[Damo]

The VFL comp is a joke. 
The sooner it's the true reserves nationally the better

Question for you
Who is going to pay the costs involved ?
The minnow AFL clubs only stay afloat because power clubs prop them up …

And in your grand plan .. how big would list sizes need to become .. because mid level VFL players aren’t going to travel interstate half a dozen times a year on poo coin .. they’ve got actual jobs

[Darth Tiger]

The VFL comp is a joke. 
The sooner it's the true reserves nationally the better

Question for you
Who is going to pay the costs involved ?
The minnow AFL clubs only stay afloat because power clubs prop them up …

And in your grand plan .. how big would list sizes need to become .. because mid level VFL players aren’t going to travel interstate half a dozen times a year on poo coin .. they’ve got actual jobs

Really good questions Damo.

Personally, I think there should be 2 Conferences of 12 teams, that eliminates byes, has a 22 round season and has 2 x final series (final 5 system) before an ultimate final between the conferences.

Expand AFL lists to 50, where there can be additional nominated 2 x Vet VFL players captains / ambassadors etc, and 2 x VFL development players on limited contracts. Ultimate club list size of 54 + top up's for significant injury lists.

This could be where the coming increase in total player payments could have a portion diverted rather than paying 20 year olds 2m a season.

[WilliamPowell]

The VFL comp is a joke. 
The sooner it's the true reserves nationally the better

Question for you
Who is going to pay the costs involved ?
The minnow AFL clubs only stay afloat because power clubs prop them up …

And in your grand plan .. how big would list sizes need to become .. because mid level VFL players aren’t going to travel interstate half a dozen times a year on poo coin .. they’ve got actual jobs

Really good questions Damo.

Personally, I think there should be 2 Conferences of 12 teams, that eliminates byes, has a 22 round season and has 2 x final series (final 5 system) before an ultimate final between the conferences.

Expand AFL lists to 50, where there can be additional nominated 2 x Vet VFL players captains / ambassadors etc, and 2 x VFL development players on limited contracts. Ultimate club list size of 54 + top up's for significant injury lists.

This could be where the coming increase in total player payments could have a portion diverted rather than paying 20 year olds 2m a season.

Like that idea Darth 

Seeing the AFL prvides some level of funding to most of the 2nd tier comps I can not see there just being a standalone AFL reserve comp.

Further to that if they did what happens to the standalone VFL sides? Can't  go back to the VFA as the AFL decimated that when they took it over.

[Darth Tiger]

Agree WP, the AFL needs to live its community based mantra and the only remaining connection is into the semi professional old-VFL / VFA clubs.

The AFL also needs pathways for umpires to become professional and the 2 Conference system provides eastern sea board recruitment reach and training opportunities.

Its also spreads the umpiring base out into the academy system and U16 / U18 national championships program.

[Darth Tiger]

WP, could I ask if you could please split the VFL structure discussion from the game thread.

Thanks, DT.

[camboon]

Wasn’t it all about stopping the chance of a competing league ( World Series cricket) In ways it would be great to have another A grade league that just concentrated on footy and not a political extension of parliament .

[one-eyed]

WP, could I ask if you could please split the VFL structure discussion from the game thread.

Thanks, DT.

Done, DT  .

[Darth Tiger]

Exactly camboon, structure it and manage a development league to control broadcasters, sponsors, revenue and player movement.

Manage the second tier with purpose and it eliminates any possible alternative competition with an integration of AFL club goals of program consistency across expanded list size.

It could also manage the talent pathway where undrafted talent and late developers have exposure to a quality competition.

[Darth Tiger]

The current comp has 21 in 2025, and will have 22 in 2026 with the St Kilda / Sandrigham split.

In 2027 there is a Tassie team due to make 23.

It would not take much to get to 24 beyond 2027, so a 11 team system with 2 conferences could work at 20 rounds and then expand to 24 teams quickly.

The focus could be talent retention and development and not necessarily talent drain.