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Re: AFL 2026

PostPosted: Fri May 01, 2026 2:08 pm
by wenchbarwer
Dutchy wrote:
Zelezny Chucks wrote:
Speaking with people involved in the SANFL underage programs it feels like it has become all about showcasing the talents of those involved in the academies at the detriment of true development of all players in the squad. Watching the level of the players that come back into local footy that have been in these systems it is hard to argue with that.



Hit nail on head, selection each week is mostly determined by how many phone calls clubs get about players, so naturally the clubs feel they need to give them their best opportunity to showcase their talent.


How do you think the state U18 team is picked? :lol:

Re: AFL 2026

PostPosted: Fri May 01, 2026 3:04 pm
by am Bays
wenchbarwer wrote:
Dutchy wrote:
Zelezny Chucks wrote:
Speaking with people involved in the SANFL underage programs it feels like it has become all about showcasing the talents of those involved in the academies at the detriment of true development of all players in the squad. Watching the level of the players that come back into local footy that have been in these systems it is hard to argue with that.



Hit nail on head, selection each week is mostly determined by how many phone calls clubs get about players, so naturally the clubs feel they need to give them their best opportunity to showcase their talent.


How do you think the state U18 team is picked? :lol:


Got Toby Pink on a list at the end of 2016. Strong interest from AFL clubs got him selected in the Bays 18s when others wanted him dropped.

TBH though and this may sound harsh, those that drop out of the SANFL/WAFL/VFL system probably don't have the necessary mental* capacities to make it to the AFL level anyway.

*Based on the four key parameters of athlete development TTPM: Tactical (game knowledge) Technical (skills), Physical (fitness - speed, strength, stamina) and Mental (desire/resilience etc)

Rule number one of elite sport: It aint fair but if you do the work you will always find your true level

Re: AFL 2026

PostPosted: Fri May 01, 2026 3:28 pm
by wenchbarwer
am Bays wrote:
wenchbarwer wrote:
Dutchy wrote:
Zelezny Chucks wrote:
Speaking with people involved in the SANFL underage programs it feels like it has become all about showcasing the talents of those involved in the academies at the detriment of true development of all players in the squad. Watching the level of the players that come back into local footy that have been in these systems it is hard to argue with that.



Hit nail on head, selection each week is mostly determined by how many phone calls clubs get about players, so naturally the clubs feel they need to give them their best opportunity to showcase their talent.


How do you think the state U18 team is picked? :lol:


Got Toby Pink on a list at the end of 2016. Strong interest from AFL clubs got him selected in the Bays 18s when others wanted him dropped.

TBH though and this may sound harsh, those that drop out of the SANFL/WAFL/VFL system probably don't have the necessary mental* capacities to make it to the AFL level anyway.

*Based on the four key parameters of athlete development TTPM: Tactical (game knowledge) Technical (skills), Physical (fitness - speed, strength, stamina) and Mental (desire/resilience etc)

Rule number one of elite sport: It aint fair but if you do the work you will always find your true level


Not sure SANFL U18 could be considered "elite". Sure, it's developmental pathway to the elite level, but the shenanigans that go on with team selection are far from elite.

Re: AFL 2026

PostPosted: Fri May 01, 2026 4:07 pm
by gadj1976
wenchbarwer wrote:
Not sure SANFL U18 could be considered "elite". Sure, it's developmental pathway to the elite level, but the shenanigans that go on with team selection are far from elite.


You mean with college, or something else?

Re: AFL 2026

PostPosted: Fri May 01, 2026 4:13 pm
by wenchbarwer
Not just talking college

Re: AFL 2026

PostPosted: Fri May 01, 2026 4:25 pm
by gadj1976
Yeh gotcha. We've had many kids drop out of the system who could easily make it at 18's and possibly the next level. It's like anything, you have to be 1000% dedicated and if you're not, or you are but are unable to get to each training, you fall by the way side.

Re: AFL 2026

PostPosted: Tue May 05, 2026 2:40 pm
by DOC
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Re: AFL 2026

PostPosted: Wed May 06, 2026 11:42 am
by mighty_tiger_79
Continually screwed by the umps, its a miracle we actually win a match

Re: AFL 2026

PostPosted: Wed May 06, 2026 11:46 am
by Brodlach
mighty_tiger_79 wrote:Continually screwed by the umps, its a miracle we actually win a match

Um, you are PLUS 47, highest in the league

Re: AFL 2026

PostPosted: Wed May 06, 2026 12:28 pm
by mal
mighty_tiger_79 wrote:Continually screwed by the umps, its a miracle we actually win a match



=))