TOPIC:

So haven't really seen much regarding the up and coming season for C2.
Thought I'd get something rolling as we are edging closer and closer to the start of the season.

We have two teams that faced relegation from C1 last year Ocean ridge and Bassendean, whilst two teams were promoted after having a great year in C3 finishing 1st and 2nd respectively.

So the rumour mill has been running and I have heard bits and pieces along the grapevine;
-Steven Dodd has come across back to his junior club after being involved with Kelmscot will that bring players from Kelmscot? Could it attract other players just from having a big name in the coaching ranks? Could just be the smokey of the comp.

-An ex Mt Lawley player has taken the reigns at CVSP rumour has it a few mates have joined him down there. They haven't had big numbers down at training but have some quality players joking them.

-Ridge has a all new look coaching panel and have had good numbers throughout pre-season. A few players have crossed from Quinn's which is interesting to see.

Also seen a few clearances to Warnbro and Bassendean...

So here are the following teams for the 2017 season.
Who are going to be the surprise packets this year?
Are the two new teams that have come up going to perform in a higher grade?
Also getting relegated from a higher grade doesn't always mean your going to have it easy!

Ocean Ridge
Bassendean
Gosnells
CVSP
Canningvale
High Wycombe
Warnbro
Lynwood Ferndale
Swan Valley
Nollamara

How many teams have colts this season as the last one was shit. Swan Valley had colts last season and assume they will again. Nollamara didn't have have they got numbers now?? And I'd assume ridge and basso would both have teams. have all coaching positions now been filled. Last I heard high Wycombe were looking for reserves and had a new league coach. Anyone from there able to shed light. Also Valley were still needing a reserve coach too. Good luck all sides hope numbers are starting to build as cricket winds up and afl starts

Great to see the chat building for the 2017 season.

Laurie Keene Colts (C2) was a debarkle last year with crap fixtures due to teams folding prior to the start of the season then more as the year went on.

CV definitely have had good numbers after a tough year trying to field a side.

They have brought the group below through with the coach and maintained a core from last years side so a great effort by all concerned.

Lynwood have appointed a new colts coach who has some good contacts so hopefully they get off the deck also with a good group.

Baso & Ridge have returned and had a full list of games played last year so hopefully they continue with numbers.

Swan Valley made finals in C3 Colts so hopefully they are on track again with a good list.

Gosnells had a big list last year and I expect the same again from them?

Warnbro were good last year

Canning Vic Park no side last year?

Nollamara no side last year?

For footies sake I hope the Colts get a full set of games fixtured for 2017?

Update with anything you know of?

I have my own thoughts on a possible scenario moving forward for Colts footy in the WAAFL?

1. If a club has more than one Colts side could players not selected to play be granted a permit only to another club to play locally? In a lower grade perhaps or a struggling club number wise?

Say a club has enough to fill 2 &1/2 teams or even 3 and loads of guys are missing out anyway? Do these guys go to D or E grade at their clubs?

I understand it would be great for them to play with their club in the other grades but whilst it is age based wouldn't this help the Colts comp in general?

2. One colts side per club?

I expect the clubs who have built these sides wont agree but I am only looking at scenarios on how we could fix the problem?

If you have ideas lets talk about it and get them on the table?

My 2 cents.

Over to you?

Some good ideas DK, the AFL pumps up Auskick participation numbers but no one talks about the drop off at 12 (Full oval and tackling) and them again at 17. The number of under 17's across the metro area is down massively on five years ago, this obviously has a trickle effect on colts! I certainly agree with one colts per club, especially if there are other clubs nearby, we will no doubt see colts aged players in E grade as they cant get a game in some clubs second colts side! Good luck (And good work) to those clubs but it doesn't do much for the competition.

Interesting idea on the colts. Could work but if the bigger clubs actually endorse it with the players that leave go back at senior level otherwise they'd say all there work at a junior level goes to waste. Ocean ridge look to have been on the recruiting train with their coach from Quinn's and also a few players. Has ridge kept the reserves coach from last season after winning the the flag? They for mine are the early front runners in both league and reserve. Gosnells would I suspect be up there too. Will be an interesting first half of the year.

Heard Gosnells have had a few walk, after the disqualification debacle from last year.

Piara Waters have picked a few of those up including my old mate BO

good thoughts Disco Knight and Dingo,
WAFC just published a report into retention issues. www.wafootball.com.au/news/11854/youth-f...all-a-focus-for-wafc
The link to the recommendations is in the article. Some food for thought especially around team size (15 per side - this was done for a while in a Junior District a few years ago at 15s level) and game times (maybe Saturday morning isn't the best time for Colts).
Clearly some co-operation between clubs is needed here as we all work together to keep the young lads playing.

Mcbob - you heard wrong.

Former Gosnells 3rds player Steven Woods has been appointed as PW's Reserves coach and a few 3rds went with him.

One Reserves player has applied to transfer.

Gosnells numbers for 2017 are good - and improving.

Birdman wrote: Mcbob - you heard wrong.

3rds player Steven Woods has been appointed as PW's Reserves coach and a few 3rds went with him.

One Reserves player applied to transfer.

Gosnells numbers for 2017 are good - and improving.

Yeah BO was never a great player and noone would miss him Except maybe the bar.

We will certainly miss him (and the others too), but have a number of 3rds players coming back after having a season off, and new players also.