2017 Zone League 1 thread

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Originally Posted by pv4

Question I have on Wallsend, and I mean no malice here. I was under the impression you guys didn't train last year, is that right? People told me that, and it made me appreciate how well you guys did compared to all the other teams that did train. And if the no training thing was true, is it true you've now got a former state league coach and are training relatively heavily (for your standards)? It just seems to have gone from one end of the spectrum to the other, and I'm just curious how it went down. I just would have assumed that there would have been a big appeal to some of your club men to not train and that's what you previously embraced about the club? So it just seems odd you'd go full bottle now.

Talking about Morisset relegating themselves - I don't fully understand why they'd ask to go from ZPL to ZL1. It doesn't seem to be that drastic a difference to me. I would have thought if any team in ZPL or ZL1 wanted to relegate themselves, it would be due to not being able to field 3 grades? So I guess I'm wondering - are Mory asking to go from ZPL to ZL1 or are they asking to go to ZL2 and only need 2 grades? All hypotheticals, all genuine questions here.

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ZPL to ZL1.....

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Originally Posted by namwob99

This!

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ZPL don't want them either.

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Originally Posted by Jardelsimage

Northern???
they have no say in ZPL...
cheers

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I have tired to have this conversation with Roundball Enthusiast numerous times and he still doesn't understand :banghead:

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Originally Posted by Premy

I have tired to have this conversation with Roundball Enthusiast numerous times and he still doesn't understand :banghead:

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How's the pitch for Sunday? We got the ice fans at the ready on the sideline?

We're up on the top field.
The pitch now runs east to west, cricket pitch has been removed, a heap of top soil has been spread and plenty of TLC has gone into it. It's still not great but it is as soft as it has ever been and a little to soft where the cricket pitch was but it will be fine to play on.

If the unfortunate happens and we have to cancel due to the heat will be having a BBQ back at our sponsor. If this was to happen we would love for all of you to join us to remember a great man.

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Originally Posted by Premy

I have tired to have this conversation with Roundball Enthusiast numerous times and he still doesn't understand :banghead:

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Its because they all do a shit job, I can never remember who to blame :brrr:

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Originally Posted by pv4

Question I have on Wallsend, and I mean no malice here. I was under the impression you guys didn't train last year, is that right? People told me that, and it made me appreciate how well you guys did compared to all the other teams that did train. And if the no training thing was true, is it true you've now got a former state league coach and are training relatively heavily (for your standards)? It just seems to have gone from one end of the spectrum to the other, and I'm just curious how it went down. I just would have assumed that there would have been a big appeal to some of your club men to not train and that's what you previously embraced about the club? So it just seems odd you'd go full bottle now.

Talking about Morisset relegating themselves - I don't fully understand why they'd ask to go from ZPL to ZL1. It doesn't seem to be that drastic a difference to me. I would have thought if any team in ZPL or ZL1 wanted to relegate themselves, it would be due to not being able to field 3 grades? So I guess I'm wondering - are Mory asking to go from ZPL to ZL1 or are they asking to go to ZL2 and only need 2 grades? All hypotheticals, all genuine questions here.

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Last year we did train, well we held training sessions once a week and got about 6-10 people to them (mostly reserve grade players), the training started good but as the coaches (myself and one other guy) were players the discipline dropped during the season and players stopped rocking up to training, which you could see in our results.

Yes we do have Scott Baillie as our head coach this year, Scott replied to an advertisement after the 2016 season and came on board as the coach for this year. The training is heavy at the moment but it is good to get back into a higher standard of training, it is also good to not have to coach this year and just concentrate on trying to play the game.

We also advertised for a coach at the start of the 2016 ZL2 season and got no replies so the I coached again same I they did in 2015 ZL3. A few of the club men that didn't train last year are now back up playing in the NL1 squad and training multiple times a week, I think the reason most of them didn't train is they knew they wouldn't get dropped as we were fighting for promotion and didn't have the quality to threaten their places. I think if we had a proper coach last year then more players would have been to training.

If there are any clubs out there wanting a trial for 3 grades, let me know. We are currently looking for games but we don't have a ground to hold them so would have to go to your ground. Thanks and looking forward to the season.

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Originally Posted by beaten favourite

Cooks Hill have already been told that we're at the bottom of the queue due to having a NEWFM squad. I think they want ZPL teams to be their clubs highest team if that makes sense. So anyone who puts a submission in would go ahead of us, other than Wallsend I suppose.

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I don't see why cooks hill can't go to ZPL, yes I get they have a team in the newfm comp but that comp and the ZPL are run by two different associations and it's not promotion/relegation. You can only go up on application. So I don't see why they can't win or take promotion to the top of the zone comps.

We really have two different comps in our area a two division comp (NPL and newfm) then a 4 comp Zone League. I almost think ZPL needs more love shown to it at least it's something every local club can achieve without breaking the banks.

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Originally Posted by Dobbo

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All makes sense, thanks for the response. Like I said, credit to you guys for putting such a solid effort in last year and basically not training. I've got no doubt that the ladder would have looked different had you properly trained all year like most others did.

Good luck this year and to yourself enjoy your "break" from coaching and hopefully you get to enjoy the other parts of the club a bit more than normal! It's guys like you that keep our little pub league teams going, keep it up pal.

I can see both sides of the argument. If we have players that want to take it more seriously and play a higher level they should have a crack at NEWFM and we pick up the blokes that don't make it or don't want to. The association want ZPL to be the main focus of their club theoretically making it more competitive and serious. I know with Cooks Hill so much more resources go into the NEWFM set up and we just do the best with what we get, so i understand it in that sense.

The Cooks Hill players would love to go up and have a crack at ZPL but at the end of the day we're all mates and happy playing wherever they put us!!!

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Originally Posted by beaten favourite

I can see both sides of the argument. If we have players that want to take it more seriously and play a higher level they should have a crack at NEWFM and we pick up the blokes that don't make it or don't want to. The association want ZPL to be the main focus of their club theoretically making it more competitive and serious. I know with Cooks Hill so much more resources go into the NEWFM set up and we just do the best with what we get, so i understand it in that sense.

The Cooks Hill players would love to go up and have a crack at ZPL but at the end of the day we're all mates and happy playing wherever they put us!!!

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I assume if you guys put in and no one else does you would get promoted?

Not sure but I imagine so. I'm not sure we will apply though. That's above my pay grade. I certainly haven't heard anyone talking about lodging an application. With Raymond Terrace & Suburbs pulling out only leaves Stocko, WB and maybe us to fill the spot.

All trial games cancelled for this weekend, due to the weather predicted.

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Originally Posted by Roundball Enthusiast

All trial games cancelled for this weekend, due to the weather predicted.

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Thats a good call (actually I think its the only call given the forecasts), but I wish I had seen the email before I spent 4 hours stringing out and marking the lines.

So csn cooks hill get promoted or not?

Cooks hill aren't applying. As beaten favorite said, we went through this last year when here was an opening and he's right, Newcastle football want other clubs pushing for higher leagues, not 1 club clogging it up, plus internally we don't want to compete with newfm player wise, and having 1 comp in between stops that. ZL1 is plenty competitive, and we still haven't won anything in 1st grade since we've been here, so that's the target still!

I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking it, buuuuut if you've got enough players for 3 sides grit ya teeth and have a go and challenge yourself. What a cop out!

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Originally Posted by namwob99

I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking it, buuuuut if you've got enough players for 3 sides grit ya teeth and have a go and challenge yourself. What a cop out!

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Yeah you're not the only one thinking it.

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Originally Posted by Premy

Yeah you're not the only one thinking it.

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Unfortunately for players at Motown there is history here. Its like Groundhog day again. In 2010 they won everything in the old Zone League 1 and went to ZPL. They lost a number of players (followed Steve Eagleton to Toronto) and had a young side step up and were beaten by Cooks Hill in the ZPL final.

In 2012 after 3 games they lost all bar 2 players from the first grade team and were then getting beaten 7-0 plus each week (some games were 10 plus).

in 2017 they have lost all of the first grade from last year so would be reliant upon Reserve grade (who came last) and their young thirds. They only have the numbers because an all age side is stepping up.

Its easy to say step up - but have you guys forked out $400 plus to get your arse kicked every week.... its bloody demorilising and unnecessary if a more suitable team can be found.

Same thing happened at Westlakes a few years back (I wasn't at the club at that time) I believe, a successful season in ZL2 led to promotion but the majority of the first grade team that led them there left the club. Two years of struggle in League 1 ensued, and it does become difficult when you become ingrained into accepting losses every week because they seem inevitable, so I sympathise. I'm sure the decision to request a regrading was not one taken lightly by the club. Hopefully you guys are able to rebuild around a stable group of players and turn things around as we have been able to.

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Originally Posted by jaypee

Unfortunately for players at Motown there is history here. Its like Groundhog day again. In 2010 they won everything in the old Zone League 1 and went to ZPL. They lost a number of players (followed Steve Eagleton to Toronto) and had a young side step up and were beaten by Cooks Hill in the ZPL final.

In 2012 after 3 games they lost all bar 2 players from the first grade team and were then getting beaten 7-0 plus each week (some games were 10 plus).

in 2017 they have lost all of the first grade from last year so would be reliant upon Reserve grade (who came last) and their young thirds. They only have the numbers because an all age side is stepping up.

Its easy to say step up - but have you guys forked out $400 plus to get your arse kicked every week.... its bloody demorilising and unnecessary if a more suitable team can be found.

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I feel your pain I honestly do.

At Garden Suburb for 4 straight years we had the most consistent ZL1 squad and missed out on promotion by 1 point 3 years in a row. When we were asked to take promotion in 2015 with no disrespect to our players that year it was probably the weakest squad we've had over the last 5 years. This was a result of our success as we lost quite a few lads to clubs in higher divisions. The season came around and we fought hard and we're saved from relegation due to a struggling Barnsley side, 2016 came along and we strengthen in some areas and lost in others. Everyone knows how last year went for us and the pride I got from seeing our boys fight week in week out against teams we knew had a little bit more polish than us was great. We weren't far of the pace however at no stage did we feel we didn't belong there and at no stage did we consider asking to go back down.

I understand why Motown has asked for this request but that doesn't mean I agree with it.
All the best for the season ahead with whatever happens, I don't want to see any club struggle especially one that I have mates playing for. I will add one thing, maybe Motown need to dig a little deeper into why you have such a revolving door. Not a criticism just an observation.

I hear what you are saying but to be fair to Gardo you never lost your entire first grade.

Revolving door is interesting - 2011 was Eagleton - Baille was at Toronto and he was best mates so Scott offered him a position (paid unlike Motown) so he took it and a number of the players (ask Bon about that)...

The young guys in 2012 chased money (they also had a coach who they were very close to who was suspended due to something on the central coast so they lost interest) The guys who picked up the slack were kids and the mojority of that 3rd grade squad still plays.

The last two seasons those young guys came back and the coach (who is no longer the coach) killed a lot of the club culture off - hence why most of the teams we played remember what they behaved like....

The coach is gone, the same players have gone chasing money or playing on the coast.

To be fair our all age guys could have just stayed at all age and then we drop to ZL2 - that would cause more headaches (3 draws to be fixed)

I don't know why more teams don't want to step up challenge themselves and have a crack

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Originally Posted by Nou Camp

I don't know why more teams don't want to step up challenge themselves and have a crack

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With our All age teams (we had 2 last year) the majority of players were over 35 - our team had 5 guys 40+ so I guess they wanted a challenge by not playing 035...

At that age commitments are very different (outside of football)

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Originally Posted by jaypee

With our All age teams (we had 2 last year) the majority of players were over 35 - our team had 5 guys 40+ so I guess they wanted a challenge by not playing 035...

At that age commitments are very different (outside of football)

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I think he means more ZL1 teams stepping up to a 'free' ZPL spot.

So far.

Not Applying.
Garden Suburb
Cooks Hill
Raymond Terrace

Applied (unconfirmed, but I have word)
Warnersbay

Should apply
Stockton


Other teams probably lack some squad depth/consistency over the last few years to really step up and challenge ZPL and stay up. IMO.

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Originally Posted by Roundball Enthusiast

I think he means more ZL1 teams stepping up to a 'free' ZPL spot.

So far.

Not Applying.
Garden Suburb
Cooks Hill
Raymond Terrace

Applied (unconfirmed, but I have word)
Warnersbay

Should apply
Stockton


Other teams probably lack some squad depth/consistency over the last few years to really step up and challenge ZPL and stay up. IMO.

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Yep - did think that afterwards.....I agree some should step up - even from 2 years ago when we won the premiership I rated Stocko and Warners from a depth viewpoint... Terrace were in ZL2 so can't comment and Gardo were ZPL.... I can understand Cookers reasons for not applying

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Originally Posted by jaypee

The coach is gone, the same players have gone chasing money or playing on the coast.

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So dat british c0ck and his bastard offspring are gone?

Chasing money you say?
And warners pay are applying to go up...

Coincidence?

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Originally Posted by DonPablo

So dat british c0ck and his bastard offspring are gone

Chasing money you say?
And warners pay are applying to go up...

Coincidence?

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Can confirm that this is the case regards to coach...

There have been 4 of his kids playing at the club... I dare say one or two may but they might not be playing zone league

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Originally Posted by DonPablo

So dat british c0ck and his bastard offspring are gone?

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Bahahahahaha

[QUOTE=DonPablo;173799]So dat british c0ck and his bastard offspring are gone?

What about the 3rd grade coach, he was a complete bell end. 2 years ago it seemed like there was a huge culture problem there, top to bottom, every team had problems playing mori, that's why Noone in ZL1 is missing them. Maybe it's a good chance to clean house and start again culture wise, not let money grabbers and bad eggs back in. Going back to ZL3 might help that, no glory hunters going back there, only players who care about the club. Sounds like every time you guys get close to the sun, the ol wings melt off, thats too bad

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Originally Posted by Roundball Enthusiast

I think he means more ZL1 teams stepping up to a 'free' ZPL spot.

So far.

Not Applying.
Garden Suburb
Cooks Hill
Raymond Terrace

Applied (unconfirmed, but I have word)
Warnersbay

Should apply
Stockton


Other teams probably lack some squad depth/consistency over the last few years to really step up and challenge ZPL and stay up. IMO.

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Isn't it spelt warner$ bay?

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Originally Posted by WWMTD?

Isn't it spelt warner$ bay?

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Up to individuals, I prefer to stay out of speculation and stick to facts.

Less shit talking and cum sucking, the better IMO.

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Originally Posted by DonPablo

So dat british c0ck and his bastard offspring are gone?

Chasing money you say?
And warners pay are applying to go up...

Coincidence?

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[QUOTE=WWMTD?;173822]

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Originally Posted by DonPablo

So dat british c0ck and his bastard offspring are gone?

What about the 3rd grade coach, he was a complete bell end. 2 years ago it seemed like there was a huge culture problem there, top to bottom, every team had problems playing mori, that's why Noone in ZL1 is missing them. Maybe it's a good chance to clean house and start again culture wise, not let money grabbers and bad eggs back in. Going back to ZL3 might help that, no glory hunters going back there, only players who care about the club. Sounds like every time you guys get close to the sun, the ol wings melt off, thats too bad

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3rd grade coach from 2 years ago left last year... He coaches reserves at Toronto....

House is cleaned out and majority of the players are long term Mori players...

In my opinion Mori shoulda stayed up. I don't think it's right predicting what will happen week to week before you even start the comp. put in and have a go. Also there is no certainty you will come back and it be any easier. I feel as if the standard would be similar. As been said before if you have enough for 3 teams then stay. Or alternatively apply to drop to zl2.
Also have it unconfirmed that stocko won't be applying. We have some guys heading back to play NBN etc and may struggle for depth but see how we go! Hopefully we are still strong

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Originally Posted by Wilso8948

In my opinion Mori shoulda stayed up. I don't think it's right predicting what will happen week to week before you even start the comp. put in and have a go. Also there is no certainty you will come back and it be any easier. I feel as if the standard would be similar. As been said before if you have enough for 3 teams then stay. Or alternatively apply to drop to zl2.
Also have it unconfirmed that stocko won't be applying. We have some guys heading back to play NBN etc and may struggle for depth but see how we go! Hopefully we are still strong

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Hey Wilso - you are entitled to your opinion but its a bit of a funny statement

Mori - should stay up - little difference in ZPL - ZL1 to bad if you lost some players
Stocko - lost some players so we won't apply even if comps are similar.....

We aren't thinking this is a cake walk, if you were at the club you'd understand why we reached the decision we did.... it wasn't a hey this is a good idea.... there was loads of discussion before we made the decision, however we made it early to give both the association and any teams wanting to go up a bit of time.... imagine if we made the decision in 4 weeks time...

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Originally Posted by jaypee

Hey Wilso - you are entitled to your opinion but its a bit of a funny statement

Mori - should stay up - little difference in ZPL - ZL1 to bad if you lost some players
Stocko - lost some players so we won't apply even if comps are similar.....

We aren't thinking this is a cake walk, if you were at the club you'd understand why we reached the decision we did.... it wasn't a hey this is a good idea.... there was loads of discussion before we made the decision, however we made it early to give both the association and any teams wanting to go up a bit of time.... imagine if we made the decision in 4 weeks time...

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If you think it's similar quality then why drop down?

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Originally Posted by jaypee

Hey Wilso - you are entitled to your opinion but its a bit of a funny statement

Mori - should stay up - little difference in ZPL - ZL1 to bad if you lost some players
Stocko - lost some players so we won't apply even if comps are similar.....

We aren't thinking this is a cake walk, if you were at the club you'd understand why we reached the decision we did.... it wasn't a hey this is a good idea.... there was loads of discussion before we made the decision, however we made it early to give both the association and any teams wanting to go up a bit of time.... imagine if we made the decision in 4 weeks time...

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Yeah best make the call now and see if a ZL2 squad could get 3 teams and make a clean swap. Stranger things have happened, cooks hill jumped from ZL3 to ZL1 3 years ago at short notice cause we could muster an extra team after a hole opened up.

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Originally Posted by DonPablo

So dat british c0ck and his bastard offspring are gone?

Chasing money you say?
And warners pay are applying to go up...

Coincidence?

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Originally Posted by Wilso8948

If you think it's similar quality then why drop down?

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I don't think they are the same... I said it's not a cake walk ... I can tell you that there is a massive jump from ZL1 to ZPL especially now with the fact that if you are over 23 and can't make NBN/NEWFM it's the place you go...

Anyone complaining about Motown putting in the request needs to think about both sides of the coin. I would rather them be proactive than sit back and not deal with a problem that has arisen for them.

If they stay up and get spanked each week because they have lost the spine of their 1st grade, every man and their dog will be telling them they should have dropped down and given someone else a chance who is ready. I know this because it happened in 2011 to them.


Obviously the club since then has tried to build a winning culture and bring through talented young players and move through the divisions. They achieved that but unfortunately instead of a few of the talented players leaving every year and trying to replace them. A lot of these boys have decided to leave together as they are mates, not realising the knock-down affect it has on the club when they all go at once.

I know there are definitely a hand-full of great 1st graders staying at the club and a few other guys contemplating a return to the club, so it's not all doom and gloom. I hope they manage to nick a couple more quality players and whatever division they are in, rebuild again and learn from the experience. Just with more slip'n slides and less angry banter.

Also, there is a solid difference between ZPL and ZL1 quality. Lower grades are definitely higher as well. So anyone saying 'what's the point in dropping down' will be rudely shocked if they do get promoted.