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La Hincha wrote: Mate, my old man reckons the WAFC are trying to kill off the WAFL to save money and turn colts into a tac cup type thing. That's why I was strong about stand alone AFL clubs in the WAFL not getting a zone or a colts side.

I think your father is on the money there.

The fault I see in this is the complete lack of value they see in mature aged recruits. The colts system in the WAFL is working perfectly well as it is. Its not like the competition is being held back in any way. It produces "talent" and I will say talent instead of footballers. Simply because many of these kids don't end up cutting it because they have not been exposed to playing against men.

The value of playing LEAGUE FOOTBALL AT WAFL LEVEL can be explained better by players like Daniel Rich, Matt Priddis, Nick Kommer and I guess a Ben Cousins. All of whom became ready to go AFL players. Playing against men advanced their development in a way playing against under 19's could never do. I watched a ex-South Fremantle LEAGUE player Jones running around on TV against the Eagles on Saturday. Another player who was drafted after playing a few years at League level. He too a much better player for it.

The authorities can keep under-estimating this format at their peril. Once again we have a system that produces (Does Buddy Franklin ring a bell) on both fronts, so why the endless talk of chopping one to boost the other. Both the Colts and League levels are crucial & have their value to the different age groups.

I should also add James Podsiadly a great story too. Mature age. He is tapering now, but a great story of persistence. Could have been lost if not for mature aged football comps.

jardine wrote: well done LaHincha.

I was surprised when in round 1 the TV commentators said it was a good crowd (Peel v EP). I thought they were being sarcastic. I counted about 11 people on the outer from the coverage. The WP v CL game likewise, would have barely scraped 1000 and the SD V Peel game maybe less. I don't really believe some of the figures they say. To me these are scratch match crowds and we should be lifting our standards, not giving justification to poor turn-outs.

The bottom line is people have had enough. Its a shame but I honestly think most traditional supporters are so disillusioned now, the damage will be unrepairable. Hope Im wrong but I doubt it.

The first game for us v Perth was pretty healthy - well sort off - around 2500, a few years ago we would get 3000 east for a Friday night game.

Anyway the next week - fark it was a massive drop, about 1000.