Hot topics: Should the AFL bring back the reserves?Nick Bowen and Peter Ryan
afl.com.au
December 30, 2014 12:00 PMYESOnly cold-blooded bean counters and curmudgeons like Peter Ryan could argue against bringing the reserves back. Such killjoys view the game through a passionless prism where finances and logistics trump tradition, club ties and packed stadiums. For them, the reintroduction of the reserves means a spike in football department spending and raises the question of whether there are enough suitable venues. But such problems are not the insurmountable obstacles Ryan and co. would have you believe. The AFL could easily allow a measured expansion of the football department cap to pave the way for the reserves' return. Suitable venues could be found too and, with the high standard of ground maintenance today, curtain-raisers could be regularly played at AFL venues without ruining the playing surface for the main event. We have seen the huge success the Western Bulldogs enjoyed this year basing their own VFL team, Footscray, at their old home ground, the Whitten Oval. Why can't every club enjoy the same success with their own reserves team?
But for the reserves 2.0 to really work the AFL would have play as many curtain-raisers before AFL games as possible. Many fans grew up watching their club's reserves team play before their senior side. It was a great chance to watch their team's youngsters take their first steps in the game and added an extra dimension to their day at the footy. The new Gillon McLachlan administration recognises fans want the game's traditions preserved, moving quickly to reintroduce afternoon blockbusters and the after-match kick-to-kick. The reserves is another tradition that should make a comeback. It should never have disappeared in the first place and certainly should not remain in exile simply because Ryan and his joyless, unimaginative cronies say so.
– Nick Bowen NOWhile the idea of a national reserves competition sounds romantic and restoring it would satisfy the retro urges of some, its popularity would be short-lived. I'd give it three seasons before clubs are looking at other development alternatives and questioning the value of a reserves model. Football department costs, suitable venues (although curtain raisers would fill some gaps) and a realisation that part of the current attraction of watching the VFL now is the laid back environment it provides for spectators would start to turn the tide. Watching local competitions you can hear the bumps, feel the tradition and allow teams from different states to develop their talent in a unique environment. Strong state-based competitions with the odd curtain raiser played is the perfect goal.
– Peter Ryanhttp://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-12-30/hot-topics-should-the-afl-bring-back-the-reserves
