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As a SD fan I must admit to feeling genuinely disturbed by the PFC performance on the weekend. I'm not here to club bash and admit to not understanding the real reasons behind the struggles of the Demons over the past 30yrs. What is obvious and clear though is that whatever balances regarding zones etc that the comp has in place to try to keep things competitive are not working for this club and need to be reconsidered by those in charge of WAFL footy. I fear no changes get made simply because the powers that be do want significant failure at least at one club to allow for their merger dream. To only have played in 2 finals series in 35 odd years and for the status quo to be maintained is a blight on the management of this comp. Demographics have changed in this city significantly in this time and I can only imagine so has the footballing hatcheries. Some will say it is club culture or board mistakes but from an outsider looking in it appears that the bigger issue is getting enough talent to the club. It needs serious looking at because the side I saw on the weekend did not resemble WAFL quality. I really hope Earl can turn it around for the club over the next few years and give Perth diehards some long awaited success but it is hard to see where any significant changes, board included, are going to change things if the talent from the zones isn't coming through. It is only a fair comp if the zones are producing equally for all clubs over time and maybe it's time for review, especially when considering the alignment impacts on the comp. 35yrs of basically the same story suggests the junior zones of the PFC need some extra help and attention if they are not producing. This is a football issue and not just a PFC issue and deserves special attention from the WAFC. They are employed after all to act in the best interests of football within this entire state. In the mean time good luck to all involved at the Perth FC and to the diehards whose passion does not go unnoticed. I hope you find success and finals footy sooner rather than later. The comp will be all the better for it.

Good post DW.
I think that the zoning is only part of the problem.
Yes there may be deficiencies but I also think that the ability to identify & develop the talent is also lacking.
We have had some great talent come through the Colts system over the years and the transition paths have either been blocked by plodders or recruits that have not lived up to expectation. Thus they have never received the opportunity to advance.
There is another problem, our recruiting.
We have over the years recruited this player and that player from all over the place, and they have been serviceable at best. Some of recruiting that has cost points are disgraceful. Nick Kane for instance a 10 point player and serviceable at best. Good bloke and good clubman but they don't win you games.
10 point players need to be game changers.
Our man management skills are diabolical.
I could go on and on.
Our management skills, the time taken to appoint a coach because someone went and told the unsuccessful applicants they weren't required before telling the successful applicant and he accepting the job.
It is not a simple problem but a very complex one.
The Club has needed an overhaul for many years, alas there is no-one capable and willing to do the job.