2024 NPL Men's

[Aegon]

Time for the 2024 thread as we are already in pre-season for some clubs.

[Captain_Carl]

I love Valentine. A lot. Adam Hughes and the gang with the new facility. Woo hoo. Go Valo!

[Dreamtime Yowie]

So does relegation come into play next season? Or is it still a year off?

[WOW2.0]

I thought it starts this coming season

[Taffy]

Starts this season https://www.northernnswfootball.com.au/news/promotion-relegation-return-zone-football-league-connects-nnswf-premier-competitions

At the end of the 2024 season, the team that comes 12th in NPL Men’s NNSW will be relegated to HIT106.9 Northern League One, while the team that finishes first in HIT106.9 Northern League One will be promoted to NPL Men’s NNSW.

The team that finishes 11th in NPL Men’s NNSW will join the teams that finish second, third and fourth in HIT106.9 Northern League One in a promotion/relegation play-off series to determine the 12th team in NPL Men’s NNSW in 2025.

[Eastwest]

Starts this season https://www.northernnswfootball.com.au/news/promotion-relegation-return-zone-football-league-connects-nnswf-premier-competitions

At the end of the 2024 season, the team that comes 12th in NPL Men’s NNSW will be relegated to HIT106.9 Northern League One, while the team that finishes first in HIT106.9 Northern League One will be promoted to NPL Men’s NNSW.

The team that finishes 11th in NPL Men’s NNSW will join the teams that finish second, third and fourth in HIT106.9 Northern League One in a promotion/relegation play-off series to determine the 12th team in NPL Men’s NNSW in 2025.

Thats if NL1 wants to go up.

[Taffy]

Thats if NL1 wants to go up.

There is no choice in the matter.

[The Postman]

What about clubs with No Youth, are they excluded from the playoffs and auto promotion?

Or are they given the benefit of the doubt to try and organise the Youth Teams over the summer

[Taffy]

What about clubs with No Youth, are they excluded from the playoffs and auto promotion?

Or are they given the benefit of the doubt to try and organise the Youth Teams over the summer

While a number of the key criteria have been relaxed to make promotion to NPL much more achievable such as the venue requirements, the consultation process with NPL Men’s and Northern League One clubs supported the Football Australia direction that clubs must have youth teams to compete in NPL. Specifically in our region, they are to be competing in the Premier Youth League.

Should a team without Premier Youth League teams finish as premiers of Northern League One, they will not be promoted to NPL Men’s. In this instance, the team finishing in 11th place (qualifying for the play-offs) will remain in NPL Men’s and the team finishing 12th will take their spot in the relegation playoffs rather than be automatically relegated.

Should a team without Premier Youth League teams finish in one of the play-off spots, they will not contend the play-offs and the remaining play-off teams will move up their position within the play-off. For example if the team finishing third does not have the required teams, the team finishing fourth will take the position of the third place team and face second place in the semi-final. The team finishing 11th in NPL will move straight to the play-off final. For the avoidance of doubt, no extra teams will be added to the play-off series if one of the qualified teams does not meet the required teams.

https://www.northernnswfootball.com.au/promotion-relegation

[Jim]

What about clubs with No Youth, are they excluded from the playoffs and auto promotion?

Or are they given the benefit of the doubt to try and organise the Youth Teams over the summer

That usually turns out very bad but if a team or 2 has been relegated there may be whole teams to cross over.

[The Magician]

Magic vs Spirit FC
First- Magic 3-2
Reserves- Magic 3-1

[Taffy]

Anyone know how Lakes did against the Jets teams this weekend?

[Hurricane]

Heard the Jets beat a mix of Azzurri first and reserve grade 6 - 0 last week

[Hurricane]

Trial results
Edgeworth beat Magic 4-3
Valentine beat N/Lambton 4-1
Olympic beat Adamstown 5-0

[sapdad]

Olympic beat Adamstown 5-0

Interesting season ahead for Rosebuds.Seniors will be one of the favourites to get relegated and their youth looking like they will end the season in Div 3.Hard to recruit players if thats the direction you are heading.Before you ask no,I'm not basing it off one trial result.

[AVB]

What's the mail on their youth? Why Div3?

[sapdad]

What's the mail on their youth? Why Div3?

Just my opinion.Happy to be proven wrong.

[The Hacker]

Interesting season ahead for Rosebuds.Seniors will be one of the favourites to get relegated and their youth looking like they will end the season in Div 3.Hard to recruit players if thats the direction you are heading.Before you ask no,I'm not basing it off one trial result.

I wouldn?t be to worried about a result in Jan. If so New Lambton letting Valo score 4 is a worry to

[sapdad]

I wouldn?t be to worried about a result in Jan. If so New Lambton letting Valo score 4 is a worry to


Before you ask no,I'm not basing it off one trial result.


?

[2285]

Starting to see some player movement on socials.. more to come I’m predicting

[mge61]

Any scores from Maitland v Jets Youth during the week?

[Milland]

Adamstown beat Maitland 2-0 in first grade and 3-1 in reserve grade. So it looks like Maitland might be in the relegation zone and Adamstown in the top 4 😳

[The Shepherd]

Top 4? Adamstown are going to win the league. Will turn a lot of heads this year

[Devon Sangas]

Any games this weekend?

[magician]

Lakes losing to a 4th division team. That?s just embarrassing

[WOW2.0]

Wasn't that a Lakes ZPL team?

[riverboy]

Wasn't that a Lakes ZPL team?

No it was their NPL team. I have heard the Lakes Zone team are all from a community under 18 team. Croatia would beat them by 12

[WOW2.0]

Oh wow!

[Taffy]

Oh wow!

2.0

[Allday]

Jaffas 4 valo 1
Lakes NPL first grade 2 Newcastle Croatia 4 (Croatia could have had 7)
Adamstown 2 Maitland 0
Magic at maso, believe to only have lost in the semi final against Wollongong, won all their group matches

[straightred88]

Jaffas 4 valo 1
Lakes NPL first grade 2 Newcastle Croatia 4 (Croatia could have had 7)
Adamstown 2 Maitland 0
Magic at maso, believe to only have lost in the semi final against Wollongong, won all their group matches

Early days but not good for Lakes if that?s the case.

[Zonal Marking]

So were Croatia really good or Lakes really poor or a bit of both? Either way Lakes currently pre season favourites to face the drop.

[The Hacker]

So were Croatia really good or Lakes really poor or a bit of both? Either way Lakes currently pre season favourites to face the drop.

Did Lakes put out a full strength side if so then Lakes are in all sorts

[WOW2.0]

Lol, I thought about that after I already posted the 'wow' ��

[straightred88]

Did Lakes put out a full strength side if so then Lakes are in all sorts

Doesn?t matter. No NPL side should be losing to zone teams from any division.

[The Hacker]

Doesn?t matter. No NPL side should be losing to zone teams from any division.

If they had half a team of Under 18?s playing I?d expect them to lose

[straightred88]

If they had half a team of Under 18?s playing I?d expect them to lose

Not sure anyone from Lakes would confirm but my mail is Lakes had their full squad available.

[Taffy]

Hearing Valentine lost to Belswans?

[Bremsstrahlung]

Let’s just relegate and promote based on the first pre season game results.
Would save a lot of hassle of having to perform consistently over the course of the season.

[W8 WATCHER]

Hearing Valentine lost to Belswans?

Belswans, have recruited extremely well, they will be 1 of the teams being promoted next season, along with westy.

tough times, for Lakes, Eagles, Valo and Buds

[Hurricane]

Belswans, have recruited extremely well, they will be 1 of the teams being promoted next season, along with westy.

tough times, for Lakes, Eagles, Valo and Buds
Valo rested plenty of players and Buds beat Maitland in both grades on the weekend. I think both will be fine

[Taffy]

Let?s just relegate and promote based on the first pre season game results.
Would save a lot of hassle of having to perform consistently over the course of the season.

We can't talk about friendlies?

[FTBLNEW]

We can't talk about friendlies?

Maybe in the context of understanding who was on the pitch at the time, it's often not clear who some of those teams are playing. ie. the magic trial against belswans wasn't the first grade side.

[GO AWAY]

Belswans, have recruited extremely well, they will be 1 of the teams being promoted next season, along with westy.

tough times, for Lakes, Eagles, Valo and Buds

You Love a good dig. So the NL1 premiers from last year with the premiership won four rounds from the end will all of a sudden drop out of the race, even though they have the same squad as last year plus a couple of additions.

[W8 WATCHER]

You Love a good dig. So the NL1 premiers from last year with the premiership won four rounds from the end will all of a sudden drop out of the race, even though they have the same squad as last year plus a couple of additions.

not sure where the dig was, just my opinion, on players they have recruited. Belswans will win it, there is my prediction.
GA, i hope the stags replicate it again, and not choke this time, all the best to the Stags this year.

[AcaiBowl6%]

Any truth to Riley smith heading to Olympic due to an argument in the dressing room?
Outside sponsor covering his wages

[Taffy]

Ladder Prediction

Jaffas
Charlestown
Edgeworth
Magic
Maitland
Olympic
Weston
Valentine
Cooks Hill
New Lambton
Adamstown
Lakes

[Thomas477]

Could be an interesting season if northern follows through with point deductions for referee abuse.

[magician]

Ladder Prediction

Jaffas
Charlestown
Edgeworth
Magic
Maitland
Olympic
Weston
Valentine
Cooks Hill
New Lambton
Adamstown
Lakes

Jaffas
Maitland
Weston
Charlestown
Magic
Edgeworth
Olympic
Valentine
Cooks hill
NL
Adamstown
Lakes

[W8 WATCHER]

Jaffas
Charlestown
Maitland
Magic
Edgeworth
Weston
Olympic
Cooks Hill
Valentine
Buds
New Lambton
Lakes

[Taffy]

Could be an interesting season if northern follows through with point deductions for referee abuse.

Hopefully they do, at least it is for the team where the abuse occurred and not just first grade as was first raised

[2285]

I'm hearing Jaffa's world's biggest budget. (at least in nnsw)
Edgy recruited very well.
Magic lost a few but can't dis-respect.
Maitland lost a lot but gained some quality.
Azurie lost there GK .. big loss but will still push sides first half of season.
Valo bit of central coast player and overseas recruitment & perhaps local players as well!
Weston have lost some talent but im sure they will be there abouts.
Olympic rumors they have recruited some very decent players.
Cookers quiet but playing the long game have to respect.
New Lambton Piddington will make a deference but? haven't heard much else .
Adamstown much the same as last season?
Lakes very youth orientated.

just my opinion from socials from out side not looking for bitching just opening up chat on what others have herd or confirmed.
cheers to no bagging but positive chats in future

[Milland]

Adamstown have recruited two Japanese players plus a few Olympic throwbacks! Not the same group as last year. Three have moved in but bigger squad (not better) than last year!

[Alton]

I'm hearing Jaffa's world's biggest budget. (at least in nnsw)
Edgy recruited very well.
Magic lost a few but can't dis-respect.
Maitland lost a lot but gained some quality.
Azurie lost there GK .. big loss but will still push sides first half of season.
Valo bit of central coast player and overseas recruitment & perhaps local players as well!
Weston have lost some talent but im sure they will be there abouts.
Olympic rumors they have recruited some very decent players.
Cookers quiet but playing the long game have to respect.
New Lambton Piddington will make a deference but? haven't heard much else .
Adamstown much the same as last season?
Lakes very youth orientated.

just my opinion from socials from out side not looking for bitching just opening up chat on what others have herd or confirmed.
cheers to no bagging but positive chats in future

You can?t say that many clubs signed decent players cause there aren?t that many around

[2285]

You can?t say that many clubs signed decent players cause there aren?t that many around

Just trying to be positive ..perhaps as to why this forum has lost so many people over many years .
once again not looking for haters.. just trying to get a bit enjoyment out of local football

[2285]

Cheers for update Milland ��

[Mad with football]

Hearing ?around? ( through players) a bit of trouble in coaching ranks at buds - assistant coach walked out , not a great start for new coaching group

[Hunter403]

Hearing ?around? ( through players) a bit of trouble in coaching ranks at buds - assistant coach walked out , not a great start for new coaching group

How did they go against Kahibah?

[The Hacker]

How did they go against Kahibah?

3-0 win to Buds.

[Hurricane]

Trial results
Magic beat Jaffas 3 1
Edgy beat New Lambton 2 0
Olympic and Maitland 2 2

[The Shepherd]

Broadmeadow
Lambton
Weston
Charlestown
Adamstown
Cooks Hill
Maitland
Valentine
New Lambton
Lake Macquarie
Olympic

Toronto and West Wallsend to get promoted

[Yesk21]

Charlestown 2-2 Toronto, 2 pens for Charlestown

[Yesk21]

Jaffas
Maitland
Magic
Olympic
Azzurri
Edgy
Cookers
Weston
New lambton
Valo
Buds
Lakes

[Oldjaffa]

Could be an interesting season if northern follows through with point deductions for referee abuse.

Well, the competitions angriest goalkeeper has already copped a red card for dissent in one of the trial games but apparently there were no consequences. So I'm going to say....probably not.

[W8 WATCHER]

Well, the competitions angriest goalkeeper has already copped a red card for dissent in one of the trial games but apparently there were no consequences. So I'm going to say....probably not.

whos that? (gk)

[Texas Ranger]

This week, Rd 1 (if weather doesn't intervene)
Magic
Maitland
Edgy, Weston draw
Olympic
Jaffas
Azzurri, New Lambton draw

[GO AWAY]

Broadmeadow
Lambton
Weston
Charlestown
Adamstown
Cooks Hill
Maitland
Valentine
New Lambton
Lake Macquarie
Olympic

Toronto and West Wallsend to get promoted

That would mean westy defeating the bottom three NPL teams in a semi final series ? That how it?s working ?

[Yesk21]

That would mean westy defeating the bottom three NPL teams in a semi final series ? That how it?s working ?

Semi final 2 legs
NL 2v3
NL 4v11 NPL
Winner vs each other in playoff final

[Devon Sangas]

Weekend predictions:

Magic 5 - 1 Adamstown
Edgeworth 1 - 2 Weston
Maitland 3 - 1 Valentine
Cooks Hill 2 - 2 Olympic
Lakes 0 - 4 Jaffas
Azzurri 2 - 0 New Lambton

[WOW2.0]

Is it 2 up 2 down for pro-rel?

[W8 WATCHER]

some big scores predicted for 1st round.

Magic 6 - 0 Adamstown
Edgeworth 1 - 3 Weston
Maitland 3 - 2 Valentine
Cooks Hill 1 - 3 Olympic
Lakes 0 - 6 Jaffas
Azzurri 5 - 0 New Lambton

[2ndclasscitizen]

Cooks Hill v Olympic ressies abandoned last night after ~5min due to lightning.

[Avocadomexican]

Lake macquarie have been completely outclassed by jaffas tonight.

[Hunter403]

Lake macquarie have been completely outclassed by $$$$$ tonight.

Fixed

[ForeverRed]

Why is there 4 games pencilled in next Saturday all on the same time when the Jets are at home 🤷*♂️🤦*♂️

[Texas Ranger]

A very soft red card!!!
31 minutes into Azzurri NL game on BarTV.

[ForeverRed]

A very soft red card!!!
31 minutes into Azzurri NL game on BarTV.
I was right in front of it, terrible challenge, straight red every day, pause bar tv and you?ll see

[TheDJ]

I was right in front of it, terrible challenge, straight red every day, pause bar tv and you?ll see

I only saw it on BarTV and agree its pretty bad, turning his back in the challenge therefore losing control (reckless Y1) but makes it into a red by leading with his studs.
Credit to the ref for seeing it correctly though. Easy to see on BarTV when you can watch it a few times but easy to miss when the game is at speed.

[riverboy]

I was right in front of it, terrible challenge, straight red every day, pause bar tv and you?ll see

Have to agree, red card any day of the week. Gone over the ball, studs into the shin.

Pretty poor form from the New Lambton supporter in the stands who clearly called Nigel Boogaard a homophopic name twice in the minutes after the red card. Does NNSWs referee abuse crackdown also mean they are going to crackdown on dickh#ds line him? The fact that fellow supporters all laughed at his comment means it wouldn't be hard to track him down.

[Texas Ranger]

I was right in front of it, terrible challenge, straight red every day, pause bar tv and you?ll see
What I saw was 2 players converging on the ball at the same time. One tries to pull out at last second to minimise contact, very little contact occurs. Other went down way too easily. Suggestions by some as studs up must have been difficult for him from a upright position and virtually stationary at point of contact. Certainly Azzuri player quickly recovered from life threatening injury.
And none of the Azzuri players seemed concerned about the incident or injury, as is the norm when a player is so violently assaulted. Unless of course he wasn't very popular amongst his team mates.

[ForeverRed]

What I saw was 2 players converging on the ball at the same time. One tries to pull out at last second to minimise contact, very little contact occurs. Other went down way too easily. Suggestions by some as studs up must have been difficult for him from a upright position and virtually stationary at point of contact. Certainly Azzuri player quickly recovered from life threatening injury.
And none of the Azzuri players seemed concerned about the incident or injury, as is the norm when a player is so violently assaulted. Unless of course he wasn't very popular amongst his team mates.

What a load of dribble

[Devon Sangas]

Ref made his decision. Move on. Looked like it was pretty reckless on bartv. The following homophobic slurs are abhorrent and need to be stamped out of our game. Absolutely no need for that kind of behaviour at any level. Decent crowd at Azzurri and an entertaining game.

[outsider]

Have to agree, red card any day of the week. Gone over the ball, studs into the shin.

Pretty poor form from the New Lambton supporter in the stands who clearly called Nigel Boogaard a homophopic name twice in the minutes after the red card. Does NNSWs referee abuse crackdown also mean they are going to crackdown on dickh#ds line him? The fact that fellow supporters all laughed at his comment means it wouldn't be hard to track him down.

That is up to the duty officers or club officials to control-spectators can be banned for crap like that

[riverboy]

That is up to the duty officers or club officials to control-spectators can be banned for crap like that

Wonder if New Lambton have or will take any action?

[Texas Ranger]

What a load of dribble
I guess I can't argue with that wonderful, factually proved and eloquently expressed counter argument.

[Alton]

I guess I can't argue with that wonderful, factually proved and eloquently expressed counter argument.

You must have been there Red

[ForeverRed]

You must have been there Red

I was

[ForeverRed]

I guess I can't argue with that wonderful, factually proved and eloquently expressed counter argument.

Have a think about what you said though, honestly

[W8 WATCHER]

some big scores predicted for 1st round.

Magic 6 - 0 Adamstown
Edgeworth 1 - 3 Weston
Maitland 3 - 2 Valentine
Cooks Hill 1 - 3 Olympic
Lakes 0 - 6 Jaffas
Azzurri 5 - 0 New Lambton

poor predictions on my behalf.
i will run with big scores again this week. IT WILL HAPPEN

to be honest though, probably some of the worst football i have seen for a while, Valo and Olympic probably the better

[Thomas477]

Nah, pretty clearly a soft tackle, should’ve been a caution for diving.

1844

[Jim]

That is up to the duty officers or club officials to control-spectators can be banned for crap like that

agree. Sick n tired of people disparaging foot stools.

That tackle pic looks nasty but also seen similar tackles let go. Cant imagine Boogs stays down if It didnt connect.

Anyway NL did ok and couldve got a point if young mate didnt make that tackle.

[Jim]

Nah, pretty clearly a soft tackle, should’ve been a caution for diving.

1844

1845

not sent. worse tackle.

[anfield]

I don't understand the debate. That's a red card challenge, move on.

[Texas Ranger]

1845

not sent. worse tackle.
Interesting screen shot, but if you show next shot you see him and his leg moving away from Charlestown players leg, not pushing through. Leg was up as both players played at ball at the same time. If he was coming in studs up he wouldn't still be stationary, standing upright on that same spot, after the minimal contact was made. Bet you won't show next screen shots, or even the shots leading up as well.

[Texas Ranger]

Note everyone, don't confuse that second screenshot from a different game to what we are discussing.

[Thomas477]

Interesting screen shot, but if you show next shot you see him and his leg moving away from Charlestown players leg, not pushing through. Leg was up as both players played at ball at the same time. If he was coming in studs up he wouldn't still be stationary, standing upright on that same spot, after the minimal contact was made. Bet you won't show next screen shots, or even the shots leading up as well.

No I won’t because I don’t have the time or care to help teach fools on the internet about the laws of the game. You’re obviously either a New Lambton supporter, have no idea on the laws of the game or both. Jog on champ.

[Aegon]

This conversation just shows why NNSW had to implement the zero tolerance towards match official abuse initiative.

Everyone on the sideline is an expert and allows referees zero margin for error.

Why aren't we discussing the 100 individual player errors that happened in the same game? (I'm not saying the decision was an error FYI)

[Texas Ranger]

No I won’t because I don’t have the time or care to help teach fools on the internet about the laws of the game. You’re obviously either a New Lambton supporter, have no idea on the laws of the game or both. Jog on champ.
And it would prove my point. But glad you get so upset about people having different viewpoints, bit of a trend these days. As for both teams and players, I care little.

[W8 WATCHER]

Round 2 predictions

NL Eagles 0 v Valo 3
Weston 3 v Maitland 1
Olympic 2 v Edgeworth 2
Buds 1 v Azzurri 3
Lakes 0 v Magic 6
Jaffas 4 v Cookers 1

[Eastwest]

NL Eagles 2 v Valo 2
Weston 2 v Maitland 1
Olympic 3 v Edgeworth 1
Buds 1 v Azzurri 2
Lakes 0 v Magic 5
Jaffas 1 v Cookers 1

[Devon Sangas]

NL Eagles 2 v Valo 2
Weston 2 v Maitland 1
Olympic 3 v Edgeworth 1
Buds 1 v Azzurri 2
Lakes 0 v Magic 5
Jaffas 1 v Cookers 1

NL Eagles 1 v 2 Valo
Weston 2 v 1 Maitland
Olympic 2 v 2 Edgeworth
Buds 1 v 3 Azzurri
Lakes 1 v 3 Magic
Jaffas 1 v 1 Cookers

[straightred88]

Round 2 predictions

NL Eagles 0 v Valo 3
Weston 3 v Maitland 1
Olympic 2 v Edgeworth 2
Buds 1 v Azzurri 3
Lakes 0 v Magic 6
Jaffas 4 v Cookers 1

NL 1 v Valo 2
Weston 2 v Maitland 2
Olympic 3 v Edgy 2
Buds 2 v Azzurri 2
Lakes 0 v Magic 4
Jaffas 3 v Cookers 0

[W8 WATCHER]

week 1 -washouts

Magic 5 v Buds 0
Edgy 1 v Weston 3

week 3 predictions

NL Eagles 0 v Maitland 6
Buds 1 v Valo 3
Edgy 1 v Jaffas 3
Cookers 0 v Magic 3
Weston 3 v Olympic 2
Azzuri 5 v Lakes 0

[WOW2.0]

I don't recall, but is promotion/relegation based on SNR club championship, or 1st grade ladder position?

[The Magician]

I don't recall, but is promotion/relegation based on SNR club championship, or 1st grade ladder position?

First Grade

[ForeverRed]

The lakes coach must be nervous, he signed quite a few new players and is conceding 4 goals a game, zero points after 4 rounds, I?m not sure how much time he has or are lakes content on being relegated.

[Alton]

The lakes coach must be nervous, he signed quite a few new players and is conceding 4 goals a game, zero points after 4 rounds, I?m not sure how much time he has or are lakes content on being relegated.

Exactly Red I?m thinking he is very nervous, they needed a couple of experienced players to help out this year just to avoid relegation at the very least

[The Hacker]

Exactly Red I?m thinking he is very nervous, they needed a couple of experienced players to help out this year just to avoid relegation at the very least

Who are they finishing ahead of to avoid relegation

[Alton]

Who are they finishing ahead of to avoid relegation

No one they are specials for the spoon, if not NL

[prawnhead]

[QUOTE=ForeverRed;272257]The lakes coach must be nervous, he signed quite a few new players and is conceding 4 goals a game, zero points after 4 rounds, I?m not sure how much time he has or are lakes content on being relegated.


To be fair, the guys just an academy coach/TD (albeit at the CCM). He was always going to bring in some young boys.

However, winning games of senior football in 1st grade (even at NPL level) sometimes requires a bit more than what these academy guys have to offer.

[straightred88]

Another loss and another red card for edgy. How many is that now ? Surely the coach is under pressure.

[plague]

if not NL

How could they relegate the club that invented birds?

Not gonna happen.

[Devon Sangas]

Weekend predictions?

Jaffas 2 - 1 Olympic
Edgey 1 - 3 Charlestown
New Lambton 2 -1 Lakes
Maitland 4 - 1 Adamstowns
Weston 2 - 2 Magic

[W8 WATCHER]

[QUOTE=Devon Sangas;272409]Weekend predictions?

Jaffas 3 - 1 Olympic
Edgey 1 - 1 Charlestown
New Lambton 0 -2 Lakes
Maitland 3 - 2 Adamstowns
Weston 3 - 2 Magic
Cooks Hill 1- 3 Valentine

[straightred88]

Weekend predictions?

Jaffas 2 - 1 Olympic
Edgey 1 - 3 Charlestown
New Lambton 2 -1 Lakes
Maitland 4 - 1 Adamstowns
Weston 2 - 2 Magic

Jaffas 3-1 Olympic
Edgy 0-3 Azzurri
New Lambton 1-1 Lakes
Maitland 3-0 Adamstown
Weston 2-1 Magic

[MCG_1997]

Jaffas 4-2 Olympic
Edgy 1-2 Azzurri
New Lambton 3-2 Lakes
Maitland 5-1 Adamstown
Weston 4-2 Magic

[boz-monaut]

Cooks Hill 1 Valentine 1

As the most biased Cooks Hill supporter, I can say that Valentine were very unlucky with that penalty - they have every right to be pissed about that

[Retro Jet]

Cooks Hill 1 Valentine 1

As the most biased Cooks Hill supporter, I can say that Valentine were very unlucky with that penalty - they have every right to be pissed about that

I saw that on BarTV Boz. I was waiting for the inevitable finger point.
Local refs must be taking their cues from the new PGMOL standards... :blush:

[Swanky]

Goalkeeper Needed

Due to a season ending Injury Newcastle Olympic Zone League are looking for a Goalkeeper.

Please call Bill on 0402872569 if you are keen for a change.

[Thomas477]

Sounds like some drama at NL - not sure being for the loss of Wallarah and Blackley Ovals is the hill you want to make a stand, but each to their own.

[2ndclasscitizen]

NEW Lambton Football Club Juniors (NLFCJ) has taken up position against a new multi-million dollar basketball stadium at Broadmeadow, arguing it will put more pressure on already packed playing fields.

The Hunter Indoor Sports Centre, proposed for Turton Road opposite Hunter Stadium would see playing fields transformed into 12 indoor courts, three which can be converted into a 2000-seat show court, replacing Newcastle Basketball's ageing stadium.

NLFCJ secretary Megan Payne said they're already seeing it put some pressure on green space in New Lambton.

"Although it's not our primary grounds, it's starting to displace other clubs into space that is affecting us," she said.

"Although basketball obviously needs a stadium it's just not the right location for the amount of pressure that's already on the fields at New Lambton."

Lambton Jaffas Football Club primarily uses Wallarah Oval for its training, and Ms Payne said they're being displaced to Johnson Park, while some of the New Lambton Eagles premier teams are being moved to Novocastrian Park.

"We've already got 900 players for two fields at Novocastrian, so it's already a very highly used park and it's pushing extra players onto that," she said.

"There is increased use over time by the premier club and that has caused us some concern about the sustainability of having so many players on the field.

"They [City of Newcastle] seems to think it's manageable and we are having a meeting with them to assess the ground condition, so I guess that's how they're planning to manage it at present."

In December, the Newcastle Herald reported that the $25 million in state funding set aside for the new basketball stadium would only build half of it.

Newcastle Basketball has lodged an application with the state government seeking approval for the new stadium, designed to be delivered as an initial block of six courts with a further two added later.

Ms Payne said parking can already be difficult in the area if there are other events on at McDonald Jones Stadium or the hockey fields next door.

"It affects our families in a few ways, because a lot of our players attend Lambton High School so it will affect the high school's use of the ground as well," she said.

In a statement, NLFCJ said while promoting exercise is commendable, the construction of a new Hunter Indoor Sports Complex at Turton Road does not align with community needs or priorities and "comes at too high a price to the local community".

It's not the only sport that would lose access to the site, which is used for cricket, football, rugby league and community recreation.

An online petition against the development has accrued more than 1000 signatures.

A City of Newcastle (CN) spokeswoman said it has been working closely with impacted sporting groups to ensure that if the development is approved, new playing locations will be secured for sporting clubs.

"This includes both the Area Manager Northern and the Local Infrastructure Manager for CricketNSW, as well as representatives from Northern NSW Football, Newcastle Football and Lambton Jaffas," she said.

"CN has not met with representatives from New Lambton FC Juniors as they do not use the fields where the indoor sports centre is proposed to be built and therefore is disappointed they have made comment without having all the facts."

The spokeswoman said that while construction on a new stadium is not expected to start until 2025, the council is prioritising discussions with sporting groups to ensure they can avoid disruptions.

"This will involve the creation of upgraded sporting infrastructure elsewhere that includes improved drainage, improved lighting and improved male and female facilities."

The development is classified as a State Significant Development by the state government.

As part of the assessment process, the council has been asked to provide feedback on the initial application to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.

The CN spokeswoman said it provided a range of comments for consideration in January, including about the management of flood risks on site.

"The fields are in a known flood prone area," she said.

"It is for this reason that the fields were unable to be used for the entire 2022 sporting season.

"The proposed indoor sports centre would of course not be affected by rain and flooding issues would be addressed via an engineered solution."

The department will consider feedback from various agencies and ask the applicant to address any issues as part of an Environmental Impact Statement for the development, which will be placed on public exhibition.

The final decision will be made by the state government.

The Newcastle Herald contacted Newcastle Basketball for comment.

Is basketball that big of a sport in the Hunter? Though I guess if the arena can also have events it might be useful

[plague]

The best part is the seniors making sure they stay in good with the overlords at NCC.

Very proud that they understand how the system works. Newcastle football clubs need to do way more of it.

Upset they didn't announce exactly how much distance they had put between themselves and the juniors. 50m....1km? Cmon 'press office' be more specific.

and yes basketball is under resourced in this city and the facilities are a joke.

There are absolutely better places to put a new centre, but a bunch of bored suburban mums starting Facebook petitions ain't gonna shift it.

[straightred88]

Sounds like some drama at NL - not sure being for the loss of Wallarah and Blackley Ovals is the hill you want to make a stand, but each to their own.

Maybe they should concentrate on trying to win a game instead.

[W8 WATCHER]

Maybe they should concentrate on trying to win a game instead.

Can't see them winning any game over the next 7 weeks. Relegation could be now a serious concern.

[ForeverRed]

Seems a bit crazy to stop being one entity over not agreeing on a council decision, you?d think it could have been sorted over a cuppa, crazy stuff

[KITZ]

The best part is the seniors making sure they stay in good with the overlords at NCC.

Very proud that they understand how the system works. Newcastle football clubs need to do way more of it.

Upset they didn't announce exactly how much distance they had put between themselves and the juniors. 50m....1km? Cmon 'press office' be more specific.

and yes basketball is under resourced in this city and the facilities are a joke.

There are absolutely better places to put a new centre, but a bunch of bored suburban mums starting Facebook petitions ain't gonna shift it.

People thinking that the engineering solution to the flooding issue isn't going to end up in peoples houses being flooded is the hilarious bit. If they can't fix it for a couple of empty fields pretty sure a slab of concrete and a 6 story building isn't going to, telling everyone they will engineer it is hilarious.

The bigger issue is councils complete uninterest in properly addressing sporting fields in the region, I don't know why people think the answer isn't a lobby group instead of pandering to the abysmal state of that organisation.

but then by the state of what's just happened today, football can't help but shoot itself in the foot instead of using it as an opportunity to come together and put public pressure on an issue that every single club is having and is hampering the development of the sport in the region. Football is supposed to advocate for football, not smile and clap for a basketball stadium. let the basketball people do that.

[ForeverRed]

People thinking that the engineering solution to the flooding issue isn't going to end up in peoples houses being flooded is the hilarious bit. If they can't fix it for a couple of empty fields pretty sure a slab of concrete and a 6 story building isn't going to, telling everyone they will engineer it is hilarious.

The bigger issue is councils complete uninterest in properly addressing sporting fields in the region, I don't know why people think the answer isn't a lobby group instead of pandering to the abysmal state of that organisation.

but then by the state of what's just happened today, football can't help but shoot itself in the foot instead of using it as an opportunity to come together and put public pressure on an issue that every single club is having and is hampering the development of the sport in the region. Football is supposed to advocate for football, not smile and clap for a basketball stadium. let the basketball people do that.

Correct

[ForeverRed]

The best part is the seniors making sure they stay in good with the overlords at NCC.

Very proud that they understand how the system works. Newcastle football clubs need to do way more of it.

Upset they didn't announce exactly how much distance they had put between themselves and the juniors. 50m....1km? Cmon 'press office' be more specific.

and yes basketball is under resourced in this city and the facilities are a joke.

There are absolutely better places to put a new centre, but a bunch of bored suburban mums starting Facebook petitions ain't gonna shift it.
What, By bending over and getting jammed, here?s no way that stadium belongs there

[plague]

Football is supposed to advocate for football, not smile and clap for a basketball stadium.

Yeah but New Lambton is supposed to advocate for New Lambton. Maybe there's some relationships there that will benefit them later on if they tow the line here.

You'll have to ask them why they feel so strongly about it.

I've said since day 1, if our local clubs actually work together and strongarms their local reps they will get what they want.

But yeah, good luck with that, until then it's everyone for themselves.

[Devon Sangas]

Weekend predictions? (Weather pending)

Magic 2 - 2 Olympic
Cooks Hill 2 - 1 New Lambton
Lakes 2 - 3 Rosebuds
Valentine 1 - 1 Edgeworth
Azzurri 2 - 1 Weston
Maitland 1 - 1 Jaffas

[W8 WATCHER]

Magic 2 - 2 Olympic
Cooks Hill 3 - 0 New Lambton
Lakes 1 - 3 Rosebuds
Valentine 2 - 1 Edgeworth
Azzurri 2 - 2 Weston
Maitland 1 - 2 Jaffas

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

Magic 3-0 Olympic
Cooks Hill 3-1 New Lambton
Lakes 2-1 Rosebuds
Valentine 2-1 Edgeworth
Azzurri 1-1 Weston
Maitland 2-1 Jaffas

[magician]

Magic 2-0
Cooks hill 2-1
Lakes 1 buds 1
Valentine 2 edgy 2
Azzurri 2-1
Jaffas 2-1

[JustMe]

All games on?
Micks Multi
Bet365 has Maitland @ $4 for a draw v Jaffas. think ill have that on a wet track.
I think Lake Mac can get a point off Rosebuds as well @ $4.33

Magic 2-1 Olympic
Cooks Hill 3-1 New Lambton
Lakes 2-2 Rosebuds
Valentine 3-1 Edgeworth
Azzurri 2-0 Weston
Maitland 1-1 Jaffas

[Alton]

What is Federation thinking with NPL games on at same time as Jets, they need Fed support not opposition

[The Magician]

What is Federation thinking with NPL games on at same time as Jets, they need Fed support not opposition

Will be a bigger crowd at Magic vs Olympic

[Alton]

Will be a bigger crowd at Magic vs Olympic
And that sums up our support for the Jets

[ForeverRed]

Will be a bigger crowd at Magic vs Olympic

I?ll bet there isn?t 🤷*♂️

[magician]

Adamstown 1 cooks hill 1
New Lambton 0 Edgy 3
Valentine 1 Weston 3
Maitland 4 lakes 0
Magic 2 Jaffas 1
Olympic 1 Azzurri 2

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

Adamstown 1-2 Cooks Hill
New Lambton 0-2 Edgeworth
Valentine 0-3 Weston
Maitland 6-0 Lakes
Magic 2-2 Lambton
Olympic 0-1 Charlestown

[W8 WATCHER]

Adamstown 1-2 Cooks Hill
New Lambton 0-2 Edgeworth
Valentine 0-3 Weston
Maitland 6-0 Lakes
Magic 2-2 Lambton
Olympic 0-1 Charlestown

Both eagles, resemble bin chickens to be honest.

[2ndclasscitizen]

Buds v Cookers
Res 0-0
1st 1-3

First 3 pointer for 1st, feels good

[matjpacker]

Both eagles, resemble bin chickens to be honest.

Accurate.

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

NL 0-4 Weston
Edgeworth 5-1 Adamstown
Cooks hill 3-1 Lakes
Valentine 1-1 Olympic
Magic 3-2 Maitland
Charlestown 1-4 Lambton

[matjpacker]

NL 0-4 Weston


Stoked you got that one wrong!

[Allday]

Will be interesting what sort of punishment is handed down to Wells after his double handed push on the ref today..

[ForeverRed]

Will be interesting what sort of punishment is handed down to Wells after his double handed push on the ref today..

It was a ordinary game, both teams failing to hold on to the football

[Thomas477]

It’s an interesting one. I don’t think it was malicious, more a result of the ref being caught too close between player and play. But that being said, it was a clear push, no denying that. Let’s see how strict northern are.

[WOW2.0]

If anyone wanted to review the red card, it is sort of captured on BarTVs coverage at 1:49:45 at the corner of the screen

The ref over reacts a bit, especially for someone who got in the way of play (ball watching with no spatial awareness how he was impacting play)

[Alton]

Maitland must have some serious issues

[Devon Sangas]

Been away for a few weeks and looks like I've missed a lot of action.

Weekend predictions:

Weston 2 - 1 Lakes
Maitland 1 - 2 Charlestown
New Lambton 0 - 3 Lambton
Cooks Hill 2 - 1 Edgeworth
Olympic 3 - 2 Adamstown
Valentine 1 - 3 Magic

[2ndclasscitizen]

Rain 1 - 0 Competition

[matjpacker]

Rain 1 - 0 Competition

Probably the most likely prediction to come off. Sadly.

[Alton]

Probably the most likely prediction to come off. Sadly.

Valo will get on for sure

[Yesk21]

With a pretty wet winter coming up, already games being postponed. Do we think nnsw will open their back pocket and get games played on speers point for the benefit of getting competitions moving forward? Doesn?t sound like nnswf to make clubs pay extra money to ensure all games are played

[Zico]

With a pretty wet winter coming up, already games being postponed. Do we think nnsw will open their back pocket and get games played on speers point for the benefit of getting competitions moving forward? Doesn?t sound like nnswf to make clubs pay extra money to ensure all games are played

NNSW needs to enforce a higher threshold for games to be postponed.

[ForeverRed]

With a pretty wet winter coming up, already games being postponed. Do we think nnsw will open their back pocket and get games played on speers point for the benefit of getting competitions moving forward? Doesn?t sound like nnswf to make clubs pay extra money to ensure all games are played
Maybe clubs just need to get on with it, who cares how good your field looks in August, now the grand final grounds have been announced you?ll be lucky to get on at magic, edgy & olympic when it?s cloudy, just play 🤷*♂️

[Two tone]

Ref Down, shot by a sniper. Shot in the CooksHill v Edgeworth game. Word from Retro he may have broken something. Hope that?s not the case and he is back refereeing soon. All the best ref.
Hey retro like you wheels bro 😎

[Hunter403]

NNSW needs to enforce a higher threshold for games to be postponed.

If I recall correctly, grounds in Newcastle Council area are controlled by Council, so it is Council, not clubs that call off games. Magic are the only club with a non Council controlled ground.
In Lake Mac, ground committees have control but Council wrote to them this week reminding them that any play that damages the ground will have to be repaired ($) by the clubs.

[Jardelsimage]

If I recall correctly, grounds in Newcastle Council area are controlled by Council, so it is Council, not clubs that call off games. Magic are the only club with a non Council controlled ground.
In Lake Mac, ground committees have control but Council wrote to them this week reminding them that any play that damages the ground will have to be repaired ($) by the clubs.

council do not pay for repairs to any LM grounds anyway, all council do is mow the inner and outer grounds.
The ovals board pat this with the charges imposed on players at the rego time, especially in the lower division's.

[WOW2.0]

If I recall correctly, grounds in Newcastle Council area are controlled by Council, so it is Council, not clubs that call off games...

If that were true, then how is it refs are calling off games during the day, or after some matches have already been played?


In general though...
It's really frustrating they are all so overly protective of the grounds these days...they are dirt and grass, what's the worse that can happen to them...we're not holding a demolition derby on them for goodness sake

[Hunter403]

If that were true, then how is it refs are calling off games during the day, or after some matches have already been played

Council can give the go ahead but the ref will have the final say. Things can change between an early morning call by a council officer and the match start time.

I agree that we are at times a bit to protective, but I can see the clubs perspective (wanting to maintain the surface) and the ref's (player safety).

On or off, not everyone will be happy.

[ForeverRed]

Relegation can?t come quick enough for lakes

[ExWhistleMan]

Referee?s won?t ever call it off purely based on ground preservation, that?s on the clubs I believe.

Referee?s only factor in player safety when deciding to abandon or call off a match due the wet weather

[matjpacker]

From recent experiences, referees will only call the game off after it?s started if it?s dangerous to play, we had this with our PYL Girls a couple of weeks ago, game was called at half time. Coaches and / or Club person can query the referees, respectfully of course, but ultimate decision will be made by the referee.

NNSWF have a policy that they forward to all clubs as a reminder when it looks like we?re getting significant weather. Basically, we the Clubs can call off youth and reserve grade games if we believe it is too wet / dangerous to play. We send photos in, they must have meta data still so you can?t reuse old photos, as supporting evidence. NNSWF reserve the rights to make the decision about First Grade fixtures, and will push to leave the decision as late as possible to give the grounds time to drain.

Council, as the owners of the grounds, push all the liability back on the clubs, at least this is what is happening in Newcastle. If you play / train and destroy the pitch, it?s your responsibility to remediate?this generally means they come and fix it and you receive a bill for the work.

Given the pressure on grounds for training and playing, and the distinct lack of alternate options, each Club will make their own decision as to whether games go ahead or not. Lots of factors to consider, how many upcoming home games are there, senior versus youth matches, JDL home games, etc.

It?s not an easy decision to postpone matches.

[Mad with football]

From recent experiences, referees will only call the game off after it?s started if it?s dangerous to play, we had this with our PYL Girls a couple of weeks ago, game was called at half time. Coaches and / or Club person can query the referees, respectfully of course, but ultimate decision will be made by the referee.

NNSWF have a policy that they forward to all clubs as a reminder when it looks like we?re getting significant weather. Basically, we the Clubs can call off youth and reserve grade games if we believe it is too wet / dangerous to play. We send photos in, they must have meta data still so you can?t reuse old photos, as supporting evidence. NNSWF reserve the rights to make the decision about First Grade fixtures, and will push to leave the decision as late as possible to give the grounds time to drain.

Council, as the owners of the grounds, push all the liability back on the clubs, at least this is what is happening in Newcastle. If you play / train and destroy the pitch, it?s your responsibility to remediate?this generally means they come and fix it and you receive a bill for the work.

Given the pressure on grounds for training and playing, and the distinct lack of alternate options, each Club will make their own decision as to whether games go ahead or not. Lots of factors to consider, how many upcoming home games are there, senior versus youth matches, JDL home games, etc.

It?s not an easy decision to postpone matches.

What is going on at Maitland? Have really slipped with 1st grade mid table & ressies last ? Has to be some issues there anyone with valid ideas

[plague]

Valo getting threatened with sanctions from the head honchos.

Clearly this is because of Captain Carl and his trumpets, and not a moment too soon.

[Devon Sangas]

Weekend predictions?

Olympic 1 - 1 Cooks Hill
Adamstown 1 - 3 Magic
Lakes 0 - 4 Jaffas
Valo 2 - 2 Maitland
Weston 3 - 2 Edgeworth
New Lambton 0 - 3 Charlestown

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

Olympic 0-1 Cooks Hill
Adamstown 0-7 Magic
Lakes 0-8 Jaffas
Valo 1-2 Maitland
Weston 2-2 Edgeworth
New Lambton 0-4 Charlestown

[Mad with football]

Adamstown -omg conceded 15 goals in last 2 games -was some hope with new coach ( Dawkins) but not doing much -he will have to work very hard with a limited squad to avoid relegation ATM

[ForeverRed]

Adamstown -omg conceded 15 goals in last 2 games -was some hope with new coach ( Dawkins) but not doing much -he will have to work very hard with a limited squad to avoid relegation ATM
Why have they got a limited squad, they?ve been shite for a few years and are still shite, why haven?t they improved,

[magician]

Why have they got a limited squad, they?ve been shite for a few years and are still shite, why haven?t they improved,

At the end of the day NPL should be 8 teams
The quality is awful

[Alton]

At the end of the day NPL should be 8 teams
The quality is awful
Agree with this, and promotion is not going to work, it will be a rotation of the same one or two teams every year, Adamstown were no where near the standard required today

[Jardelsimage]

At the end of the day NPL should be 8 teams
The quality is awful

i would say 10 teams better in NPL and NL1.

[anfield]

Been saying for a long time it should be a 10 team competition. Same few teams up the top end and same few teams at the bottom end year after year. Swapping a team in and out isn't going to solve the divide.

The only reason why there is 12 teams is make the competition a longer NPL to fit in with others around the country. If they were to reduce the competition they could always bring in a pre season cup with NPL and NL1 clubs.

[Reds Forever]

Should be 3 down and 1 up this year. Lakes, New Lambton and Adamstown are woeful.

[Mad with football]

Well Adamstown ‘bit the billet’ and sacked Daniel Dawkins with. moylo in the job temporary
Limited squad can’t see much changing -talked to several players who indicated Dawkins was out of his depth with no clear plans-was problematic from the start and it is sad to see such a grand old club go backwards but I honestly believe it is needed they not up to standard anywhere and some time in 2nd division help them to regroup and see how they can build

[W8 WATCHER]

Well Adamstown ?bit the billet? and sacked Daniel Dawkins with. moylo in the job temporary
Limited squad can?t see much changing -talked to several players who indicated Dawkins was out of his depth with no clear plans-was problematic from the start and it is sad to see such a grand old club go backwards but I honestly believe it is needed they not up to standard anywhere and some time in 2nd division help them to regroup and see how they can build

personally, lakes, new lambton, cooks hill, weston, valo and olympic have been ordinary as well, however olympic, weston and valo have had bigger budgets to play with.
the current quality of football is way below par, from 5-10 years ago, this is because we have teams of 15 year olds in ressies.

if we just remove teams, there is basically a 5 team comp, that can't be sustainable, and will deter players and interest on local football.
ideally, there needs to be a draft style of rule, to prevent the top 3 or 4, just signing everyone.
the bottom 5, will never attract players purely of their position, there are players preferring to sit on bench in top 3, or play ressies then, playing 1st grade at the bottom 5 clubs.
to promote from NL1, besides Belswans, which will also find it difficult, with limited time restraints to establish and develop,also location and money will be a factor. Weston currently has the same problem, great club, but finds it difficult to attract locally.
to develop game, we need more teams, rather then less, otherwise jets should be dropped as well, they continue to fail and are in bottom 4 each year.

[WOW2.0]

You could make the case that their is chaff in every league...could cut the Premier League down to 10 teams, or 5 and it would be stronger.

Personally, I can't wait to see how the pro-rel works out...I saw quite a few transfers announced this week...adds to the excitement

[ForeverRed]

personally, lakes, new lambton, cooks hill, weston, valo and olympic have been ordinary as well, however olympic, weston and valo have had bigger budgets to play with.
the current quality of football is way below par, from 5-10 years ago, this is because we have teams of 15 year olds in ressies.

if we just remove teams, there is basically a 5 team comp, that can't be sustainable, and will deter players and interest on local football.
ideally, there needs to be a draft style of rule, to prevent the top 3 or 4, just signing everyone.
the bottom 5, will never attract players purely of their position, there are players preferring to sit on bench in top 3, or play ressies then, playing 1st grade at the bottom 5 clubs.
to promote from NL1, besides Belswans, which will also find it difficult, with limited time restraints to establish and develop,also location and money will be a factor. Weston currently has the same problem, great club, but finds it difficult to attract locally.
to develop game, we need more teams, rather then less, otherwise jets should be dropped as well, they continue to fail and are in bottom 4 each year.
The very first year of NPL there was a points system included that would have worked perfectly but magic & olympic seen the threat and had it watered down to what it is today, it?s basically pointless, pardon the pun.

[travellingman]

Well Adamstown ‘bit the billet’ and sacked Daniel Dawkins with. moylo in the job temporary
Limited squad can’t see much changing -talked to several players who indicated Dawkins was out of his depth with no clear plans-was problematic from the start and it is sad to see such a grand old club go backwards but I honestly believe it is needed they not up to standard anywhere and some time in 2nd division help them to regroup and see how they can build

The players think he is out of his depth. What a joke the players are out of their depth.
The NPL is park football at best from most teams. There is only 4 maybe 5 teams up to NPL level.

[sapdad]

The very first year of NPL there was a points system included that would have worked perfectly but magic & olympic seen the threat and had it watered down to what it is today, it?s basically pointless, pardon the pun.

I would like to see a system that almost forces clubs to play their own youth into seniors.Maybe 18s and reserves need to have a % of players who have played in the junior ranks,and a smaller % into 1st grade.Something that takes away the habit of stacking reserves with weaker clubs best players and does the double whammy of not only having good players on benches,but keeps good players at clubs that need them the most and hopefully strengthening the competition.Local NPL (and realistically the A-League itself) should be all about a pathway for young players trying to make steps up the ladder.Seeing the same old veterans swap NPL clubs year after year doesnt do a whole lot to grow the comp.Limit overage players per club,force local youth to play and see if that helps.Of course theres 100 holes in the few sentences I've typed but the cycle the local comp is in at the moment doesnt seem to be improving.And if you ask every NPL club they'll tell you they are all about youth development and are very proud of the kids they are bringing through.So lets see these same kids make it to 1st grade.

[Zico]

I would like to see a system that almost forces clubs to play their own youth into seniors.Maybe 18s and reserves need to have a % of players who have played in the junior ranks,and a smaller % into 1st grade.Something that takes away the habit of stacking reserves with weaker clubs best players and does the double whammy of not only having good players on benches,but keeps good players at clubs that need them the most and hopefully strengthening the competition.Local NPL (and realistically the A-League itself) should be all about a pathway for young players trying to make steps up the ladder.Seeing the same old veterans swap NPL clubs year after year doesnt do a whole lot to grow the comp.Limit overage players per club,force local youth to play and see if that helps.Of course theres 100 holes in the few sentences I've typed but the cycle the local comp is in at the moment doesnt seem to be improving.And if you ask every NPL club they'll tell you they are all about youth development and are very proud of the kids they are bringing through.So lets see these same kids make it to 1st grade.
You can?t be serious with this post.
Clubs have excessive restrictions on them at the moment & don?t require more.
We all whinge & moan about how poor the standard is, how few players are developed into elite footballers & how expensive the game is??funny thing is that all these issues didn?t exist before the handbrake was put on clubs.
Stop limiting clubs via red tape and restriction that are clearly choking the game in this area & watch the game prosper.

[sapdad]

You can?t be serious with this post.
Clubs have excessive restrictions on them at the moment & don?t require more.
We all whinge & moan about how poor the standard is, how few players are developed into elite footballers & how expensive the game is??funny thing is that all these issues didn?t exist before the handbrake was put on clubs.
Stop limiting clubs via red tape and restriction that are clearly choking the game in this area & watch the game prosper.

I was serious in wanting the game to change and it sounds like you want change too,so we agree there.We just differ on what we want to see and thats fine.I think NNSW needs to decide what they want NPL to mean.If its just a straight up chest beating competition then I agree,do away with any salary caps,points restrictions and dont make them require youth programs.Just let it be a free for all if thats what they want.I would rather see it used as a next step up for kids that have come through the mini roos/JDL/NPL youth programs.I am interested to hear what restrictions you would do away with that you alluded to in your post.I am not involved in seniors so have no real understanding on what you feel is holding clubs/the game back at that level.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Yes. We are at the point where we need to figure out what the local NPL is.

The changed that occurred were aimed to increase the number of youth coming through and playing first grade. It’s just happened artificially.

The positives - all clubs have a good youth set up now, with players coming through.

NPL first grade should not be a conveyor belt or a glorified youth comp. It should be the best players in the region, regardless of age.

I think first and foremost, the local NPL needs to get back what made it so great. The club stalwarts, the rivalries, the players everyone associated with certain clubs, the journeyman, the young prodigies coming through.


I’m not sure what the dynamics are within clubs, some would do this better than others. But I used to love youth (18/19s), reserves (22/23/annd overage players) and first grade playing on the same day.
Great atmosphere on game day. Youth players able to bench for reserves and so on. Great training vibes when the “seniors” would train together or at least the same time and intermingle a little.



I just feel like we are trying to artificially promote young players for the sake of it.

Scrap the stupid points system in its current form. Again the idea was to spread talent, instead clubs find loopholes, petition for changes and we end up with a system that is doing nothing.

[sapdad]

NPL first grade should not be a conveyor belt or a glorified youth comp. It should be the best players in the region, regardless of age.

But I used to love youth (18/19s), reserves (22/23/annd overage players) and first grade playing on the same day.


Yes,thats why my original post was more about promoting youth into 18s and reserves,if they leave 1st grade as a free for all then I'm ok with that too.I havent met anyone over the last 2 seasons who thinks playing 18s with youth is a good idea.18s should always be closer to 1st and reserves than they are to 16s (and younger).I hope they change this back.It also makes youth game days really long and we have seen plenty of occasions where 18s are played on a separate day to the other youth anyway.Having 18s play 1st on a senior day then hopefully hanging around to support the top grades is a great way to build culture in clubs rather than them kicking off in the cold and dark and the canteen crew are dying to shut up shop and go home.

[Jardelsimage]

[QUOTE=Bremsstrahlung;273623]Yes. We are at the point where we need to figure out what the local NPL is.

I’m not sure what the dynamics are within clubs, some would do this better than others. But I used to love youth (18/19s), reserves (22/23/annd overage players) and first grade playing on the same day.
Great atmosphere on game day. Youth players able to bench for reserves and so on. Great training vibes when the “seniors” would train together or at least the same time and intermingle a little.



3 grades on the same day, once the best option to build club culture etc, but it needs to be 1st, reserves and U/18's or U/19's.

Placing age restrictions on a reserve grade, is that still going on? or are we straight reggies again.

[W8 WATCHER]

[QUOTE=Bremsstrahlung;273623]Yes. We are at the point where we need to figure out what the local NPL is.

I?m not sure what the dynamics are within clubs, some would do this better than others. But I used to love youth (18/19s), reserves (22/23/annd overage players) and first grade playing on the same day.
Great atmosphere on game day. Youth players able to bench for reserves and so on. Great training vibes when the ?seniors? would train together or at least the same time and intermingle a little.



3 grades on the same day, once the best option to build club culture etc, but it needs to be 1st, reserves and U/18's or U/19's.

Placing age restrictions on a reserve grade, is that still going on? or are we straight reggies again.

totally agree.
the current ressies is a under 15/16/17 comp, that no one cares or watches.
i don't understand, why pushing so many young players, when not ready and demand silly monies. this is a buy product of the emerging jets, shit system.
having the best 18/19's ressies and 1st on same day was a great day out.
now, mum and dad drop the ressies off, pack them away in the car after game and go for a happy meal.

[Dodo14]

Good to see the refs protecting magic tonight. Ignore a blatant penalty for lakes at 1-1 in the 87th minute and give the softest of penalties up the other end.

[Trigger]

And if you ask every NPL club they'll tell you they are all about youth development and are very proud of the kids they are bringing through.So lets see these same kids make it to 1st grade.

They are proud? They should be embarrassed. The large majority go to all-age or back to mountain biking.

[Alton]

They are proud? They should be embarrassed. The large majority go to all-age or back to mountain biking.
I agree Trigger it just doesn?t work

[matjpacker]

Not saying we have the answers, but at New Lambton we have around half our senior squad that have come through our youth system, or have at least played with the club more than 5 years.

In last nights teams we had 12 players who have directly come through the youth program here. In my book we are at least pointing in the right direction as a development club.

[sapdad]

They are proud? They should be embarrassed. The large majority go to all-age or back to mountain biking.

Please turn on your sarcasm detector.

[ForeverRed]

Not saying we have the answers, but at New Lambton we have around half our senior squad that have come through our youth system, or have at least played with the club more than 5 years.

In last nights teams we had 12 players who have directly come through the youth program here. In my book we are at least pointing in the right direction as a development club.
Because they are playing first grade doesn?t necessarily mean it?s working, it?s pretty and nice to say all this but the results say otherwise, full credit to new Lambton for trying this but is it sustainable, time will tell, watch out for other clubs throwing money around if any of your development players happen to stand out, because you?ll get nothing for your investment

[Alton]

Because they are playing first grade doesn?t necessarily mean it?s working, it?s pretty and nice to say all this but the results say otherwise, full credit to new Lambton for trying this but is it sustainable, time will tell, watch out for other clubs throwing money around if any of your development players happen to stand out, because you?ll get nothing for your investment

Red is right, mum and dad will always go for the $

[namwob99]

Lol.....Investment?
You mean the near on $2k that the parents are forking out to be in an NPL program?

[WOW2.0]

I agree with Namwob's sentiment...how can anyone call it an "investment" from a club, when it's actually a revenue stream for the club

Remove the cost and add transfer fees...than it'd be an investment

[ForeverRed]

I agree with Namwob's sentiment...how can anyone call it an "investment" from a club, when it's actually a revenue stream for the club

Remove the cost and add transfer fees...than it'd be an investment

It?s an investment of time & energy over several years

[straightred88]

I thought Lakes were bad until I saw Adamstown

[magician]

I thought Lakes were bad until I saw Adamstown

But the coach is out of his depth 🤦🏼*♂️

[Alton]

But the coach is out of his depth 🤦🏼*♂️

I left at 5-0 last night, it was hard to watch, Lakes and New Lambton must be getting more confident of surviving

[Allday]

Isn?t Taylor Regan the toughest man in Newcastle football.. 🤦🏼*♂️

[W8 WATCHER]

I left at 5-0 last night, it was hard to watch, Lakes and New Lambton must be getting more confident of surviving

yep, the defence is shambles, and ill disciplined
i don't understand, why knock and play the ball around at back, when you can't defend.
looking grim, unless structure changes

[straightred88]

I left at 5-0 last night, it was hard to watch, Lakes and New Lambton must be getting more confident of surviving

I would be

[Alton]

I would be

Another big score line last night at Magic

[Zico]

Another big score line last night at Magic
Geez that PPS has been a great initiative 🤦🏻*♂️
Bigger gaps between top to bottom clubs since the inception of the PPS.

[ExWhistleMan]

Geez that PPS has been a great initiative 🤦🏻*♂️
Bigger gaps between top to bottom clubs since the inception of the PPS.

I think 1-1 at HT and 2-2 with 20 mins left to finish 5-2 is no different to you would get between one of the top teams at home to one of the bottom teams in even the most even and competitive leagues in the world.

[Alton]

i think 1-1 at ht and 2-2 with 20 mins left to finish 5-2 is no different to you would get between one of the top teams at home to one of the bottom teams in even the most even and competitive leagues in the world.
wtf?

[fozphantom]

Geez that PPS has been a great initiative ����*♂️
Bigger gaps between top to bottom clubs since the inception of the PPS.


I think 1-1 at HT and 2-2 with 20 mins left to finish 5-2 is no different to you would get between one of the top teams at home to one of the bottom teams in even the most even and competitive leagues in the world.


wtf?

yeah...slow weekend with the rain so I had a gander at BarUpTV
check out the stone cold send off the used meds 'spitter' of a keeper shoulda got in the very early minutes (1.08 on the vid)
Then the yellow brick head in the middle giving a gift pen to them in the 63rd for a ball that bounces over the attacker's head that the keeper rightfully gets to punch away. :roflz:
Zero Tollerance yella given to the cookers bench of course lofl & FML

[ExWhistleMan]

wtf?

????.....

I am just saying that 5-2 isn't really a crazy score line when you consider it was 2-2 with 20 minutes left before the stronger team banged in some late goals, and isn't a dissimilar score line to what you would get in any league anywhere when one of the top teams plays one of the lower teams.........

[Alton]

Cookers to beat NL and make relegation a three horse race

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

Cookers to beat NL and make relegation a three horse race

11th and 12th will stay 11th and 12th.

[ExWhistleMan]

Interesting commentary on the CH vs NL game.

Semi audible moaning, groaning mixed in with a bit of narrating what is happening.

[The Hacker]

Lakes in all sorts. The pitch out there is a goat track tough for any team to play on that. Adamstown showed some fight. Lucky the feed at Pippis made the night out there worth while

[AVB]

Interesting commentary on the CH vs NL game.

Semi audible moaning, groaning mixed in with a bit of narrating what is happening.

The BarTV footage of NL first goal is unbelievable. Keeper caught it clean about half a meter in front of the line, and the assistant award a goal....how does that even happen.

Zero tolerance but...

[The Hacker]

The BarTV footage of NL first goal is unbelievable. Keeper caught it clean about half a meter in front of the line, and the assistant award a goal....how does that even happen.

Zero tolerance but...

That is a disgraceful call. The ball isn?t even close. The keeper is in front of the line. What is he looking at

[fozphantom]

The BarTV footage of NL first goal is unbelievable. Keeper caught it clean about half a meter in front of the line, and the assistant award a goal....how does that even happen.

Zero tolerance but...


That is a disgraceful call. The ball isn?t even close. The keeper is in front of the line. What is he looking at

I'd b right royally pissed as a cookers fan. Not even close.
Hows the grubs for appealing it too lol - cheats.
Linesman looks like he should be playing warhammer with his other dweebie mates down newcastle west

[ForeverRed]

That is a disgraceful call. The ball isn?t even close. The keeper is in front of the line. What is he looking at
Wow, how was that given, I?d be challenging that decision

[Thomas477]

Assuming you?re talking about the first goal, I don?t like New Lambton, but it does appear as though as he?s caught it he?s twisted to the right and it?s gone pretty close to the line, if not over it, given his right foot was over the goal line.

Either way, can?t definitively tell based on the BarTV footage.

[Alton]

Lakes in all sorts. The pitch out there is a goat track tough for any team to play on that. Adamstown showed some fight. Lucky the feed at Pippis made the night out there worth while

Because the Fed want them to play 72,684 games a season on it

[Milland]

The BarTV footage of NL first goal is unbelievable. Keeper caught it clean about half a meter in front of the line, and the assistant award a goal....how does that even happen.

Zero tolerance but...


The Zero tolerance nonsense doesn't cut the mustard. Week after week we see referees making bad calls with zero accountability. I agree it's a tough job and that abusing a referee is not acceptable. However, it is time we found a way to improve the standard of refereeing rather than simply accepting clear and obvious poor officiating. If the referees are better, then respect will follow organically.

It should be zero tolerance from an abuse of referees perspective. However, there needs to be a level of accountability where referees can reflect and learn from mistakes.

In terms of players and officials carrying on about the referee standards, I watched the Cooks Hill V New Lambton match on BarTV and the game was riddled with errors from both teams. Poor refereeing standards is a simple reflection of the poor player standards.

That's my 10 cents worth!

[Thomas477]

The Zero tolerance nonsense doesn't cut the mustard. Week after week we see referees making bad calls with zero accountability. I agree it's a tough job and that abusing a referee is not acceptable. However, it is time we found a way to improve the standard of refereeing rather than simply accepting clear and obvious poor officiating. If the referees are better, then respect will follow organically.

It should be zero tolerance from an abuse of referees perspective. However, there needs to be a level of accountability where referees can reflect and learn from mistakes.

In terms of players and officials carrying on about the referee standards, I watched the Cooks Hill V New Lambton match on BarTV and the game was riddled with errors from both teams. Poor refereeing standards is a simple reflection of the poor player standards.

That's my 10 cents worth!

It?s a pretty fair take. Although I will add this, the problem is that we currently have the best of a small pool, similar to how the standard of football isn?t great as there?s not enough ?npl quality? players at the moment. The only way to increase the standard is a combination of coaching (which is already happening) and increasing the pool of referees.

Referees are held accountable by NNSWF, I speak from experience, however, if there?s not enough quality to replace referees at a level, they can?t drop people too far because then they won?t have anyone capable of doing it that level.

I?ll also add that, and it?s not directed at you, if people are that concerned with the level of reffing, take it up yourself and see what it?s like, rather than being a keyboard warrior.

[W8 WATCHER]

The Zero tolerance nonsense doesn't cut the mustard. Week after week we see referees making bad calls with zero accountability. I agree it's a tough job and that abusing a referee is not acceptable. However, it is time we found a way to improve the standard of refereeing rather than simply accepting clear and obvious poor officiating. If the referees are better, then respect will follow organically.

It should be zero tolerance from an abuse of referees perspective. However, there needs to be a level of accountability where referees can reflect and learn from mistakes.

In terms of players and officials carrying on about the referee standards, I watched the Cooks Hill V New Lambton match on BarTV and the game was riddled with errors from both teams. Poor refereeing standards is a simple reflection of the poor player standards.

That's my 10 cents worth!

agree Mill
just watched the 1st NL goal??????????
wtf - in this circumstance no where near line, and goal awarded. i am sure Cooks Hill players and coaching staff would be livid with officiating last night, cost them 3 points basically.
there should be an appeal put forward for draw,or rematch , if accepted by NNSW and stands, then the standard is set to continue, and more poor decisions to come.

[AVB]

The Zero tolerance nonsense doesn't cut the mustard. Week after week we see referees making bad calls with zero accountability. I agree it's a tough job and that abusing a referee is not acceptable. However, it is time we found a way to improve the standard of refereeing rather than simply accepting clear and obvious poor officiating. If the referees are better, then respect will follow organically.

It should be zero tolerance from an abuse of referees perspective. However, there needs to be a level of accountability where referees can reflect and learn from mistakes.

In terms of players and officials carrying on about the referee standards, I watched the Cooks Hill V New Lambton match on BarTV and the game was riddled with errors from both teams. Poor refereeing standards is a simple reflection of the poor player standards.

That's my 10 cents worth!


The problem with saying "The football is poor, and the refereeing is poor" is that clubs aren?t the ones driving all these initiatives and criteria in professionalism.

If NNSW want to continue to demand clubs are meeting increasingly higher levels of professionalism off the field, then they too need to be accountable for their governance and management of the competition

I think CH last night would find it easier to shallow a shocking decision, if it didn?t now have a potential impact on their NPL status.

NNSW need to do less but do it to a higher quality. Spend less time constantly tinkering with a whole range of bullshit initiatives that may or may not improve anything and spend time getting the basics right of each inititive as they implement them e.g. refereeing performance so that the integrity can be maintained of a competition that now has pro/rel and subsequently $$$ impact to clubs.

The latest example of this, is the latest JDL review. This must be the 3rd interaction of SAP/JDL in the last ~5 years. How much benefit did the last 3 review have?

One thing at a time, and get it nailed before moving onto the next. Get the basics right first.

[ForeverRed]

They?re to busy worrying about Pride round, Indigenous round, referees round, Mother?s Day round etc, that?s a Z league ref decision last night, not good enough.

[sapdad]

agree Mill
just watched the 1st NL goal??????????
wtf - in this circumstance no where near line, and goal awarded.
From the same video you all watched it looked to me like the ref got a call from his assistant and they had a better angle on it than you all saw on the video.You are all guessing with less info than they had out on the field.

[NewHere]

agree Mill
just watched the 1st NL goal??????????
wtf - in this circumstance no where near line,

In relation to the view from half way, I would say the ball was definitely near the goal line. Corner taker and goalkeeper in the best positions to judge. Clearly New Lambton putting forward the case that it was a goal and Cookers on the case that it was not, you would expect nothing different. At the end of the day, it's the officials job to adjudicate, which they did.

[WOW2.0]

They?re to busy worrying about Pride round, Indigenous round, referees round, Mother?s Day round etc, that?s a Z league ref decision last night, not good enough.

After Fozphantom just insulted them, we now also need a Warhammer Round!!!

[Two tone]

I?ve just watched the lakes v Adamstown and CooksHill v New Lambton games and both games have goals that I?m scratching my head about.
The referee has final say, let?s move on. Bye the way my team lost.

[MCG_1997]

Valentine vs Lake.
Was the quickest goal of the season? It took Valo only 19 seconds to score.

[Alton]

Maitland coach getting out at the right time, Cookers now above them

[chook]

Crap game between Charlestown and Cooks Hill. Winning team playing long ball.

[Alton]

Crap game between Charlestown and Cooks Hill. Winning team playing long ball.

Getting ready for the new coach who also loves playing the long ball ????

[AVB]

Getting ready for the new coach who also loves playing the long ball ????

CH got a new coach?

[2ndclasscitizen]

CH got a new coach?

First I've heard about it

[Hunter403]

Crap game between Charlestown and Cooks Hill. Winning team playing long ball.

So what? Long ball, tikka takka etc, who cares. This isn't youth development. This is first grade NPL where the coach is paid to win. Looking pretty doesn't enter into it.

[Oldjaffa]

I think Azzurri really missed Boogaard. There was no one there to tell the referee when he was making a mistake.