2014 NEW FM League Thread

[JCBT]

I'd hope the decision was still some weeks off, playing surface can change dramatically within a few weeks and so can the top 4.

I think we can rule out Maitland, Valentine and Belswans due to being top 4 certainties.

Thornton and Toronto fighting for 4th currently, but Thorton is just not suited for many reasons....... parking, damn cricket pitch, no covered seating etc. Toronto I honestly don't know if they have access to the field that late in the year.

Leaves Cessnock, Singleton and West Wallsend.

Singelton I think is a no go just for distance from other clubs so maybe Cessnock or West Wallsend as the most likely, maybe it will be announced after next weeks meeting?

Cessnock's outer ground is far to small to host the Grand Final and West Wallsend's complex (while they have held it before) isn't up to scratch and with a very small group of volunteers it would be almost impossible for them to host it.

Why can't a side in the top 4 host it? Adamstown and Westy have both hosted the GF's while their first grade side was in it.

Maitland
Big club with plenty of support from Old Boys and a strong committee that would easily host GF, the complex is currently having improvements and from what I hear extra seating is going in, good size warm up area and plenty of parking on (outside of complex on parkland), plenty of outer ground area for club marquees etc and plenty of work has gone into making the playing surface the best it has been in recent memory. Only problem I can see is the Fed wanting a Newcastle based Grand Final venue.

Toronto
Much to my surprise the surface is still in very good shape and a very good viewing ground with plenty of outer ground area for club marquees etc but parking would be an issue and the old sheds are poor. Unsure about the size of the committee etc and ground sharing with the Scorpions could be a problem.

Valentine No issue with parking or size of club, plenty of outer ground area for club marquees etc but the only Issues I see is with the surface (cricket pitch) and the distance out of Newcastle.

Belswans
Surface and complex not up to it

Thornton
Complex not up to it

Singleton
Distance from Newy and complex not up to it

My opinion is that the Grand Final should go to a club in the NewFM and not a NPL club so I can only really see Maitland, Valentine or Toronto being given the Hosting rights although the Fed may try to give Westy a helping hand by throwing it their way to give them some extra cash which I don't agree with.