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discussion here
cmon the local league. take me away from this aleague sh*t.
Suns recruited quite well i hear.
I hear that dreadlocked capo of suburbs goes alright
Pandoras box has just been opened.
Unlimited and unrestricted substitutes in 3rd grade ffs.
Interesting to see some reactions. I think it will be split 50/50 happy to unhappy.
unlimited subs in 3rd's, another great decision by the powers that be.
Are we not the premier Zone comp and as we were all told a few years "the gateway to 2hd" and should be producing players and coaches that can go the distance.
Or is this a limited few whining to the powers, need more subs because we don't have the numbers and need to be rotate the players more.
this is exactly how the great decision on making 3rds a 23's comp a few years ago was made, not the majority, just no-one objected so the stone was set, look at it now.
leave unlimited subs to Juniors, AA and the womens comps who want it so everyone gets a game.
Just because they are there it doesn't mean that you have to use them.
In my opinion you are at a disadvantage if you continue to change the squad through the game, each player changed will need time to settle in and the squad time to settle after a change. A team that has not made a change will be working in to a game when a team using interchange will constantly be starting to work in a game.
Admittedly 3rd grade may not always be results driven as some clubs may focus more on development then results.
I agree with this in a way. I feel that the teams who are working on development are more likely to not make as many changes and let their team settle and get rhythm going. As the year goes on these teams will be harder to beat. Interchange is not a good way to develop players.
As you said though, its not really an issue as you can choose not to use it and do your own thing.
I personally find it ridiculous to have interchange. It will definitely impact the development of players, not to mention slowing the game to a farcical level if coaches decide to use it that way (and some will).
The additional point is that at semi finals time teams would be able to sub on 5 players from a higher grade to play in that match. They cant start, but could be subbed on after 1 minute. Teams will absolutely abuse this as well (as it has happened many times in the past, even with a 3 only having 3 substitutes).
From my recollection the majority of teams at last years end of season Newcastle Football meeting also advocated for the use of 3 substitutes for all grades in the ZPLK competition. I wonder how Newcastle Football came to the conclusion that interchanges is of benefit to the competition?
The Zpl meeting last year was pretty much a 50/50 split over interchange v 3 subs. The powers that be were receptive of both arguments.
At the meeting on Wed we were TOLD
that it was interchange. Once again no consultation.
My point was that it opens up a opportunity that maybe to hard to pass when a team is need of slowing things down. There is also no rule to control it. (Although later that night it was pointed out that as Idwtpwh said semi finals are exploitable and they will look at stopping that)
Referees have no power to stop it other then "unsportsmanlike conduct" which can only be dealt with after the game.
The other point was it helps clubs that are struggling for numbers. If your short you can bring in players for quick stints from a higher grade which is a massive gain.
The response to these questions was we probably took the easy way out.
Personally I think as a league that is supposed to preparing for higher levels it's a massive step backwards. No consultation again like the 23's issue.
I'm waiting for all the 3rd grade games this year to see how this pans out.
I can't speak on behalf of Suburb, but I have a good relationship with our 3rd grade coach and I will be letting him know my thoughts and asking him not to exploit the rules.
I feel results are important and definitely help morale, but 3rd grade is more about development then a plaque to hang on the club house wall. Throw in the odd Clubman on field to help kids out as well.
ahem, many a club chase the 3rd grade trophy spesh when all is lost on the top 2.
ok. if clubs think/want this is a development grade then could always scrap the finals. first past post takes the prize & interchange cant hamper the final series.
Comps still have problems with which players can play in semis & GFs etc. Players who sub on after 2 mins has been done before.
What was the last interchange for 3rd grade? 3 ressies?
Early days.. But are there any predictions for the season?
Also with a couple of big games this weekend for New Lambton, Bero, Jesmond and the Suns in the FFA Cup.
I saw some Suburbs boys huffing and puffing in the heat today. pity the sprinklers weren't on the top field as well.
Suns v New Lambton
Thirds 0-3
Ressies 0-2
Firsts 2-1
is there any teams in ZPL or lower that still need players in Newcastle / Macquarie region?
Have not played in a while and was interested in having a kick.
Any word on who's looking good this year. Mayfield and new lambton will be up there again
Suns will be contenders as long as they keep their cool.
Bero will be tough to.
Uni have had a few good trials.
Could be a good Zpl year with most teams competitive on their day.
Just giving my grade some love.
Trial game from last weeked..
Suns v Bero ZL1
First grade: Suns 10-1
Ressies: Suns 2-1
Thirds:7-0
Suns also have a trial game tonight in all three grades against Edgy at Edgy.
Season starts this weekend
how is everyone looking?
any major gains and losses from last year
Will be a few old nbn league blokes scattered around this year. Also some good young talent as well.
Anyone gonna have a shot at the ladder?
Bero
Uni
Mayfield
Dudley
Barnsley
Suburbs
New Lambton
Suns
Swansea
Cardiff
Interesting. There has been plenty of talk about Suns so far.
Ill think Mayfield will do it this year. They were great last season and i think will be better again.
Based purely on results ive heard and last seasons performances....
Mayfield
Suns
New Lambton
Bero
Barnsley
Dudley
Uni
Swansea
Suburbs
Cardiff
Cardiff last hey?
By that reasoning id love to take odds on us making the four.