It seems like these back and forth arguments are becoming repetitive. Shane’s assessment is on the mark. The AFL is not going to fund a national reserves competition any time this century. The two AFL clubs are obviously not willing to return to the days of dispersed squads.
That puts the problem, if it truly is a problem, firmly in the hands of the WAFL. They have to develop a system that's fair to all of the part-timers who make up the bulk of WAFL footy players, but they also have to make the system work efficiently for the two professional AFL clubs, who continue to pay handsomely for the privilege of competing in the local competition.
The choices are stark - nobble the alignment clubs with one-eyed rule changes, to give the part-timers a fair go, or maintain the rage, but take the money, and come to some sort of understanding that, come finals time, either or both of the alignment clubs will perform strongly, because they can, and they want their players to succeed, at all levels.
Winners are grinners. Go Peel!
