2025 Northern League One

[Zone Insider]

You were right, but not sure how, stags hit crossbar three times, damo missed one in third minute and westy. Had
Fifteen injuries where ref had to stop the game,
Including a cramp eighty metres back down the field,
Good luck to them, let?s say they defended the 4-2 lead
Well.

That?s all Westy had to do anyway. Stags have been poor for awhile now.

[The Hacker]

That?s all Westy had to do anyway. Stags have been poor for awhile now.

This is true. Love to know what?s changed the last 6 weeks for them to fall off a cliff

[Hunter403]

C'arn Singo!

[Addios]

C'arn Singo!

Put up a decent show.
Thought they had a chance when Valo went down a player but that didnt seem to make a difference.

Cmon Westy

[W8 WATCHER]

That?s all Westy had to do anyway. Stags have been poor for awhile now.

apparently a New Technical Director for Toronto and Edgeworth to be appointed.

world class Chef- Gordan Ramsey, :roflz:

[Hunter403]

Westy not at their best today. Disappointing game really

[Alton]

Westy not at their best today. Disappointing game really

I went and had a look at this one, you are right Westy was very poor, if they had been promoted it would?ve had to have been a total rebuild costing plenty

[ForeverRed]

I went and had a look at this one, you are right Westy was very poor, if they had been promoted it would?ve had to have been a total rebuild costing plenty
That?s why 4th position shouldn?t have the opportunity to be promoted

[prawnhead]

That?s why 4th position shouldn?t have the opportunity to be promoted

Agree

[The Hacker]

I went and had a look at this one, you are right Westy was very poor, if they had been promoted it would?ve had to have been a total rebuild costing plenty

Westy saved their worst game in the last 6 weeks for today. It was like they tried to kick and bully Valo instead of trying to play

[Zone Insider]

Westy were terrible.

Should be interesting comp next season with the return of New Lambton who will be looking to go straight back up and the new boys Croatia who might surprise a few.

[Goatscheese]

It was like they tried to kick and bully Valo instead of trying to play

We are talking about Westy here, do they play another way?

[ForeverRed]

Westy were terrible.

Should be interesting comp next season with the return of New Lambton who will be looking to go straight back up and the new boys Croatia who might surprise a few.
The gunners will be stronger, they have already achieved a few new signings which is pleasing to see

[Goatscheese]

Westy were terrible.

Should be interesting comp next season with the return of New Lambton who will be looking to go straight back up and the new boys Croatia who might surprise a few.

Lakes intentions were to go straight back up too.

[Undertaker]

So ?who won the premiership???

[Goatscheese]

Kahibah

[Undertaker]

Kahibah

You?re meant to sing Westy the white and the blue!!!

[Addios]

Has to be a grand final slotted in somewhere 1v2. Northern have have senior moment there.

[Bremsstrahlung]

I don?t think you can have a finals series AND playoff games.

2 up, 2 down with finals series.

1 up, 1 down with finals series.

Or as is. 1 up, 1 down, playoff with 2nd last and 2-4.

Any playoff would need to exclude the premiers.

Kind of loses the excitement as well the longer it drags on. Eg you could theoretically have Kahibah play the NL1 winners of the playoff series eg Westy but does anybody care at this point?

[samcan]

Kind of loses the excitement as well the longer it drags on. Eg you could theoretically have Kahibah play the NL1 winners of the playoff series eg Westy but does anybody care at this point?

Who says we have to keep the current format? we can have a Grand final and relegation playoff. Just need an open mind and some planning.

eg W1 1v2 straight up GF playoff. W2 then 2nd plays 2nd last in NPL playoff. 2 games 2 weeks we get a champion & prom/reg
OR this system below
Eg, if the lower teams loses each week...

Wk1 3v4 - 4th out
Wk2 2v3 - 3rd out, 2nd into NPL playoff & GF
Wk3 1v2 GF
Wk4 Playoff weekend

Im not into the 2 legged rubbish

[Zonal Marking]

Who says we have to keep the current format? we can have a Grand final and relegation playoff. Just need an open mind and some planning.

eg W1 1v2 straight up GF playoff. W2 then 2nd plays 2nd last in NPL playoff. 2 games 2 weeks we get a champion & prom/reg
OR this system below
Eg, if the lower teams loses each week...

Wk1 3v4 - 4th out
Wk2 2v3 - 3rd out, 2nd into NPL playoff & GF
Wk3 1v2 GF
Wk4 Playoff weekend

Im not into the 2 legged rubbish

You cant have a relegation playoff decided on a one off match. It?s not right that a team can have the entire future of their club at risk due to 90mins and one bad day at the office. Has to be two legs or none at all.

[onlooker]

The NPL do a 5 team final series so why don?t they do that with this comp, have the second last team in NPL make up the 5th team. If premiers make GF the team in it with them gets promoted as well if premiers don?t make GF the team who wins it gets promoted. Now straight away even I see problems with that but I think fixable. Where do you rank the NPL team? I say 5th if they want to stay up they need to earn it as they came second last probably don?t deserve to stay up. Also the trophy situation, maybe have two but only one gets handed out each year depending on who wins or create a new one, name it after someone who deserves the honour then it doesn?t matter who wins they get that trophy.

[Zonal Marking]

The NPL do a 5 team final series so why don?t they do that with this comp, have the second last team in NPL make up the 5th team. If premiers make GF the team in it with them gets promoted as well if premiers don?t make GF the team who wins it gets promoted. Now straight away even I see problems with that but I think fixable. Where do you rank the NPL team? I say 5th if they want to stay up they need to earn it as they came second last probably don?t deserve to stay up. Also the trophy situation, maybe have two but only one gets handed out each year depending on who wins or create a new one, name it after someone who deserves the honour then it doesn?t matter who wins they get that trophy.

Far too complicated. Keep it at 1 up and 1 down or maybe eventually 2 up and 2 down. Teams that finish 3rd & 4th in the second division should not be given the opportunity to be promoted and Kahibah should have been given the opportunity to win a grand final to cap off an amazing season.

[Goatscheese]

Only rugby people need a grand final. Kahibah got their trophy, and their presentation, pictures are all over Facebook.

[ForeverRed]

One up one down and still have a semi final series, simple

[Addios]

Bit like the championship playoffs. The 3rd team winning the playoff final gets all the glory.

[Zonal Marking]

One up one down and still have a semi final series, simple

Agreed. Maybe one day down the line two up and two down but for now just keep it as it is and let Newfm have a proper finals series.

Ridiculous that Adamstown & now Valentine for the past 2 seasons have lifted a trophy that should have been in the possession of a Newfm club

[biscuits]

Leave it as one up one down.

What about, NL1 has its 5 team finals series like all other divisions.
NL1 finishes 1 week before NPL.

NPL GF day, have 2nd place from NL1 play 11th from NPL in a one off, winner takes all match, as a curtain raiser for NPL GF?s. No trophy, no medals.

Even possible to make NL1 finals 6 teams, so 1st and 2nd have a week off. This week off could be used as leg 1 for pro/rel playoff. Then the second leg played with NPL GF? This would make the 2 legs a month apart. Which would be silly.

I think the only 2 options are, one up/one down, or a one off winner takes all. Doesn?t matter which way, it will upset people.

[Speedymetric]

One up one down and still have a semi final series, simple

Surely the most logical way to do it.

[Zone Insider]

Hearing Croatia will play out of Speers Point next season similar to how Lakes did.

[Alton]

Hearing Croatia will play out of Speers Point next season similar to how Lakes did.

That?ll cost them $ and crowd support, very underwhelming after promotion, why wasn?t a home ground sorted long before this?

[Zone Insider]

That?ll cost them $ and crowd support, very underwhelming after promotion, why wasn?t a home ground sorted long before this?

One could argue it will increase crowds. I?m sure they have tried to get a ground but not sure what happened.

[northern_swan]

That?ll cost them $ and crowd support, very underwhelming after promotion, why wasn?t a home ground sorted long before this?

My understanding is that they've been trying to find a home ground all of last season. Pasadena is there for them, but understandably they want to move. Getting council(s) to give a club a ground isn't a simple exercise.

[straightred88]

My question to Northern and councils what is the plan for teams coming up from zone level when their grounds don?t meet the criteria each year ?

[RightFoot]

My question to Northern and councils what is the plan for teams coming up from zone level when their grounds don?t meet the criteria each year ?

Most ZL1 grounds would meet standard with just some basic fencing.

[straightred88]

Most ZL1 grounds would meet standard with just some basic fencing.

Don?t think so

[RightFoot]

Don?t think so
Croatia had the worst ground in ZL1 last season, full stop.

These grounds would already meet requirements:

Cardiff - yes (basic fencing)
Mayfield - yes
Warners Bay - yes
Suns - yes
Uni of Newcastle - yes

Kotara - maybe
Westlakes - maybe (ground needs work)
Stockton - maybe (ground is a bit dodgy)
Swansea - maybe (needs seating)

Only one that wouldn't is Croudace Bay

[Hunter403]

Good signing by Westy

[ForeverRed]

Good signing by Westy
Who

[deadbond]

Most recent Instagram post says Jarrod Purcell

[straightred88]

Croatia had the worst ground in ZL1 last season, full stop.

These grounds would already meet requirements:

Cardiff - yes (basic fencing)
Mayfield - yes
Warners Bay - yes
Suns - yes
Uni of Newcastle - yes

Kotara - maybe
Westlakes - maybe (ground needs work)
Stockton - maybe (ground is a bit dodgy)
Swansea - maybe (needs seating)

Only one that wouldn't is Croudace Bay

Not as easy as that

[plague]

Anyone who thinks that Kotara lighting is up to scratch is delusional.

[Goatscheese]

Only one that wouldn't is Croudace Bay

And this is would still be correct with the move to Heaton Park

[RightFoot]

And this is would still be correct with the move to Heaton Park

I'm surprised Heaton Park is ZL1 eligible. The place is a paddock with some lines drawn on it.

[Zone Insider]

What is northerns plan for zone teams promoted who do not have juniors ?

Yes they can enter the competition but cannot compete in finals or be promoted to NPL.

Hypothetical - next few seasons Cardiff and Uni get promoted with Croatia already in the comp. None with a junior base. Imagine that finish top 3 - makes a mockery of the competition.

[Hunter403]

What is northerns plan for zone teams promoted who do not have juniors ?

Yes they can enter the competition but cannot compete in finals or be promoted to NPL.

Hypothetical - next few seasons Cardiff and Uni get promoted with Croatia already in the comp. None with a junior base. Imagine that finish top 3 - makes a mockery of the competition.

Then clubs like that better get busy and build youth

[Trigger]

An idea that I dont really like.
Since youth is decoupled from seniors, new Clubs promoted could take on or connect with Youth teams relegated to ZL1. That way the 13s-18s youth teams can stick together as a unit albeit with a different club. Better than clubs having to reinvent the wheel.
Another point is that we're struggling to get 20 competitive youth clubs now, we cannot add 5 more and expect a better comp.

[Goatscheese]

Since youth is decoupled from seniors, new Clubs promoted could take on or connect with Youth teams relegated to ZL1. That way the 13s-18s youth teams can stick together as a unit albeit with a different club. Better than clubs having to reinvent the wheel.

Only works if those clubs have a similar culture and are a reason for coaches and players to move over. Used to happen those dropped from NPL to NL1 would lose their youth the promoted club would need to then get their youth teams. There would be coaches and players not happy just to switch and will potentially go elsewhere. And while recent promotions/relegations have been close, would say Singleton youth be happy to now travel down to Warners Bay because Singleton got relegated and Warners Bay were promoted?


Another point is that we're struggling to get 20 competitive youth clubs now, we cannot add 5 more and expect a better comp.

This is a good point, though if they managed to split into 4 division of 8 each with promotion/relegation between all of them then it would see more competitive games.

[Thomas477]

An idea that I dont really like.
Since youth is decoupled from seniors, new Clubs promoted could take on or connect with Youth teams relegated to ZL1. That way the 13s-18s youth teams can stick together as a unit albeit with a different club. Better than clubs having to reinvent the wheel.
Another point is that we're struggling to get 20 competitive youth clubs now, we cannot add 5 more and expect a better comp.

So what happens if club A gets relegated, newly promoted club B takes club A’s youth on, then the next year club C gets relegated and club A gets repromoted? Do you then have club B continue with club A’s youth, or the takes on club C’s youth?

Either way, it’s a ridiculous idea.

[plague]

If any local.club puts in half an effort to get their best community kids and some decent coaches they will have competative games in the lower division of NPL youth.

Then within a few short years they will prob breed some NL1/ZPL level players and have a better future than relying on recruiting seniors every year.

Stags set the blueprint on how to rebuild youth just go ask em.

Anyone know if Dudley got youth off the ground for next year?

Them and Croatia gonna be a good case study on how its done over the next few years.

[Zone Insider]

If any local.club puts in half an effort to get their best community kids and some decent coaches they will have competative games in the lower division of NPL youth.

Then within a few short years they will prob breed some NL1/ZPL level players and have a better future than relying on recruiting seniors every year.

Stags set the blueprint on how to rebuild youth just go ask em.

Anyone know if Dudley got youth off the ground for next year?

Them and Croatia gonna be a good case study on how it?s done over the next few years.

Dudley merged with Dudley juniors. Have PYL licence for next season.

Croatia have nothing and would have to start from scratch.

[The Hacker]

Dudley merged with Dudley juniors. Have PYL licence for next season.

Croatia have nothing and would have to start from scratch.

Have heard Dudley have their teams set. They were in a fortunate spot to have a junior club with 700 plus junior. They add in a quality coach in Peter Preston as TD showing they are taking it seriously.
I imagine starting from scratch with no juniors would be a massive undertaking for a club on top of a senior squad going from ZL to NL1. It's a big ask from the federation

[plague]

Have heard Dudley have their teams set. They were in a fortunate spot to have a junior club with 700 plus junior. They add in a quality coach in Peter Preston as TD showing they are taking it seriously.


Awesome.

Hope they do well.

[Zone Insider]

Have heard Dudley have their teams set. They were in a fortunate spot to have a junior club with 700 plus junior. They add in a quality coach in Peter Preston as TD showing they are taking it seriously.
I imagine starting from scratch with no juniors would be a massive undertaking for a club on top of a senior squad going from ZL to NL1. It's a big ask from the federation

Dudley will be ok I think they will do well.

A huge task for Croatia and any other team from ZL with no juniors moving up. I would hate to be them.

[Addios]

So what happens if club A gets relegated, newly promoted club B takes club A’s youth on, then the next year club C gets relegated and club A gets repromoted? Do you then have club B continue with club A’s youth, or the takes on club C’s youth?

Either way, it’s a ridiculous idea.

Shortsighted view. Youd make a good politician. good for nothing.

I dont mind it. It's an idea that can keep teams together & coaches together and a chance for clubs like Croatia who have nothing.

Kids are chopping and changing clubs anyway. Whats a better way Albert?

[Thomas477]

Shortsighted view. Youd make a good politician. good for nothing.

I dont mind it. It's an idea that can keep teams together & coaches together and a chance for clubs like Croatia who have nothing.

Kids are chopping and changing clubs anyway. Whats a better way Albert?

Hit a nerve did I? What happens if Belswans get relegated and Toronto promoted? The juniors based in Belswans aren’t going to drive to the other side of the lake to play. Or will Belswans continue to have to provide a training ground and match day ground? What if Belswans get relegated and Singleton get promoted? It’s still ridiculous and your personal attacks don’t address the logistics of it.

If players and coaches are chopping and changing clubs anyway, then why bother trying to keep them together :lulz:

[Yesk21]

This competition getting tighter and more exciting each year, anyone have any early standouts for promotion/relegation

[RightFoot]

This competition getting tighter and more exciting each year, anyone have any early standouts for promotion/relegation

With Croatia's rise, everyone would be naive to count them out early. Along with them, West Wallsend, New Lambton and Toronto are your early favourites. Although with Toronto's loss of Purcell and the form considered at the back end of last season, I don't see them contending again.

Relegation is anyone's game and last year proved that. I think that this year, as the depth of quality improves, we will see a clear top half and a clear bottom half.

[Zone Insider]

With Croatia's rise, everyone would be naive to count them out early. Along with them, West Wallsend, New Lambton and Toronto are your early favourites. Although with Toronto's loss of Purcell and the form considered at the back end of last season, I don't see them contending again.

Relegation is anyone's game and last year proved that. I think that this year, as the depth of quality improves, we will see a clear top half and a clear bottom half.

Lakes spending so they should be thereabouts.
New Lambton and Westy should be there.
Toronto I can?t see them finishing near the top.
Dudley and Singo could be the dark horse.
Croatia won?t do anything.

[ABCDEF]

Hearing news that Port Macquarie Saints have been offered a spot in NL1 as winners of the regional super league - northern also plan to offer the 2026 winners a spot and take NL1 to 12 teams for 2027.

[The Hacker]

Hearing news that Port Macquarie Saints have been offered a spot in NL1 as winners of the regional super league - northern also plan to offer the 2026 winners a spot and take NL1 to 12 teams for 2027.

Surely not. With all their rules I'd be surprised if they let a club jump 3 division and not start at the bottom.
What if they come last does that mean they are then a zone league team?

[Goatscheese]

I dont mind it. It's an idea that can keep teams together & coaches together and a chance for clubs like Croatia who have nothing.

It won't keep players and coaches together, different cultures, different locations, if anyone thinks 5 teams will up and move are delusional.

[Goatscheese]

Surely not. With all their rules I'd be surprised if they let a club jump 3 division and not start at the bottom.

Not to mention that Southern United wanted to enter at NL1 and were told they would have to work themselves up. Can't see it happening.


What if they come last does that mean they are then a zone league team?

And then would they want to remain in the competition?

[RightFoot]

Lakes spending so they should be thereabouts.
New Lambton and Westy should be there.
Toronto I can?t see them finishing near the top.
Dudley and Singo could be the dark horse.
Croatia won?t do anything.

I agree with everything you say... But Croatia will seriously shake up the comp.

Early predictions, I'd say Westy, Croatia, New Lambton for top 4. Couldn't settle on a team to round out the top 4; it's too close to call.

[ForeverRed]

Don?t discount the gunners, Hamilton had them playing well in the back end of last year to avoid relegation, they have signed a few new players and will have a full pre season with him as coach, they will be there abouts, I can?t see anyone getting near new Lambton, Bennis will have a quality side

[Yesk21]

Westy
NL
Toronto
Croatia
Lakes
Southy
Cessnock
Wallsend
Dudley
Singleton

[the-deviant]

Should actually be a great comp this year. Couple of teams looking strong. Croatia definitely going to make some noise I reckon and think Cessnock/Wallsend might shock a few. NL/Lakes to go straight up for me

[GO AWAY]

Westy
Southy
Stags
Lakes
NL
Croatia
Singo
Wallsend
Cessnock
Dudley

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

NL
Croatia
Stags
Dudley
Westy
Lakes
Southy
Wallsend
Singo
Cessnock

[Zone Insider]

I agree with everything you say... But Croatia will seriously shake up the comp.

Early predictions, I'd say Westy, Croatia, New Lambton for top 4. Couldn't settle on a team to round out the top 4; it's too close to call.

Will be hard for Croatia to keep players up for it when they are essentially are playing for nothing.

[The Hacker]

Will be hard for Croatia to keep players up for it when they are essentially are playing for nothing.

I would think hard to attract players with ambition of promotion unless the rules have changed and they can be promoted

[Eastwest]

Will be hard for Croatia to keep players up for it when they are essentially are playing for nothing.

Croatia doesnt play for nothing. They play for their community against Aussies.

[Zone Insider]

Croatia doesnt play for nothing. They play for their community against Aussies.

Can?t be promoted or play in finals as it stands.

[Addios]

Can?t be promoted or play in finals as it stands.

Promotion I can underStand but No finals? harsh. I dont understand this rule.

[The Hacker]

Promotion I can underStand but No finals? harsh. I dont understand this rule.

I see they are putting in juniors in community football. Wonder where they going to play juniors out of

[Zone Insider]

Interesting to see Stags holding open trials. Usually doesn?t happen.

[The Hacker]

Interesting to see Stags holding open trials. Usually doesn?t happen.

I like it. Never know the kind of player you might jag. If you get one quality first grader it's worth it