TOPIC:

There were some big defeats this week which suggest that all is not well with a few teams. Three of last years finalists TA's, Collegians and Whitfords are really struggling, with Collegians sitting 0&3 and on the bottom of the ladder.

The big movers have been Wesley and CBC last years B Grade Grand Finalists. 2013 could be the first time that the two promoted B Grade teams make the A Grade finals.

The smallest losing margin on Saturday was 51 points and the average losing margin for the round was 75 points! That has to be a record of some sort.

Uni 12.21 (93)
Trinity Aquinas 4.6 (30)

CBC 18.14 (122)
Collegians 6.9 (45)

North Beach 15.10 (100)
Mt Lawley 5.5 (35)

Maddington 5.3 (33)
Wesley Curtin 23.16 (154)

Whitford 9.8 (62)
Swan Ath 17.11 (113)

I thought Wesley would struggle in 2013 having lost 11 of last years B Grade Premiership side.

It really helps though when six players with serious WAFL experience walk into the club to fill the gaps.

Just walked in eh, yeh I believe that

Big day for my Swan Athletic on Saturday. Wins for All Grades including the E Graders.

Colts won by a point so well done to them and the new coach, young bloke seems to be going good with the teenagers.
Reserves win again and good side and got off to a good start for season.

League team i got to see most of and they dominated whitfords who look like they will battle this season. First time I have seen the wine country lads play hard and hope this will bring more wins soon.

Incredible round of footy.

Great to see the teams up from B Grade doing so well. With the way the two teams demoted to B Grade are going so far I guess it shows the gap between grades is getting a lot smaller.

I have no doubt that the gap between the top couple in B grade are not far off the bottom 4 in A Grade. Especially from season to season as it loooks like we are seeing greater number of changes (looking at the team lists each week this year so far for familiar names). My experience is moving from B to A grade retains players and attracts new ones.

Also the management of the top few B Grade clubs is typically pretty sound as the 2 up 2 down rules mean those clubs either have considerable experience in A Grade and they know what it takes (North Freo, Wembley etc), with those who are promoted (WC and CBC) in the same boat. Maddo have done well to stay in A Grade while they learn the management side of what it takes. They are to be commended.

I'm not sure that I agree Cork. Wesley Curtin's team includes the following new faces that never played a part in last years Premiership side. Hamersley Carine was never able to make the transition to A Grade, winning one game from memory each time they were promoted.

Triplett (Peel 35)
Stanford (SF 3)
Davidson (Subi 36)
Leeson (Perth 30)
Coughlan (Richmond)
Cooper (SF 21)
Fielding (SF 15)

Wesley are a powerhouse this year. They have clearly adopted a policy to recruit players to give themselves every chance of knocking off University. A bit like Mt Lawley 2 years ago.

CBC have a few new faces but nothing like WC.

North Beach are probably the only side capable of taking it up to Uni and Wesley. It looks like being the most uneven season for many years.

Al,

I think if we are not on the same page we are in the same chapter or at least reading from the same book. As I said, and let's use WC as an example, moving to A Grade helps retain and attract new players. Now attracting 7 players of the ilk aforementioned is impressive and I don't disagree with your view they will be contenders (I think the SF boys played in the SW league last year?).

With HC my question is have there been issues at a committee/coaching level as to why they haven't made that leap?

NB will be interesting this year. I will keenly follow how they develop under the new coach. Still a lot of new blood through the side I saw.

Just about every year over the last 10 or so years at least one of the promoted teams has made the 5 in A grade the next year. I am sure both promoted sides made the 5 a few years ago so really the gap has never been that big.

Al, with regards to those players mentioned

Coughlan - former Wesley kid who played last year but was injured during the finals
Stanford - played in the premiership last year
Cooper - has returned from travel last year but has won an association medal for WC
Leeson - on loan from Perth FC (as far as I'm aware??)

That only really leaves 3 new recruits to the club which helps to offset the half dozen or so from last year's premiership side not playing this year

Nonetheless, this week is a big day for Wesley as not only will they go up against perrenial powerhouse Nth Beach in what should be a great game but it is also the club's annual Pink Tiger Day

Having started this fantastic initiative 2 years ago and raising over $40,000 for the Jane McGrath Foundation already, Wesley are looking to continue on this year in the hopes of securing another sizeable figure for donation. For any neutral bystanders wishing to support this cause go to

mcgrathfoundation.gofundraise.com.au/page/pinktigerday