05-02-2019, 11:37 PM
VFL teams loaded with AFL players aren't coached specifically to win VFL games, they are developing systems, if it so happens they get the systems right then at VFL level they win as a consequence not because of opposition analysis.
I've had long post game discussions with Ex.AFL coaches now coaching in the VAFA about this very subject. The NBs will always suffer while our primary goal is developing AFL youth, as our AFL list matures the NBs will benefit. In the VFL kids will always be played out of position or with specific tasks and agendas taking priority over defeating an opponent.
People point to the Handbaggers VFL to counter this argument, but they are very different and their success and failure works both ways. Because of location and coincidence with a TAC Cup squad they are effectively an academy type setup. They have coherence across three or four levels with almost no local competing interests, yet they still seem to underperform at VFL level which supports the development hypothesis.
It's no point bagging Carlton/NBs, when you see the only really successful AFL hosted teams are Geelong and Box Hill which have won just three flags in a decade! The rest go to affiliates or stand-alones.
I've had long post game discussions with Ex.AFL coaches now coaching in the VAFA about this very subject. The NBs will always suffer while our primary goal is developing AFL youth, as our AFL list matures the NBs will benefit. In the VFL kids will always be played out of position or with specific tasks and agendas taking priority over defeating an opponent.
People point to the Handbaggers VFL to counter this argument, but they are very different and their success and failure works both ways. Because of location and coincidence with a TAC Cup squad they are effectively an academy type setup. They have coherence across three or four levels with almost no local competing interests, yet they still seem to underperform at VFL level which supports the development hypothesis.
It's no point bagging Carlton/NBs, when you see the only really successful AFL hosted teams are Geelong and Box Hill which have won just three flags in a decade! The rest go to affiliates or stand-alones.
"Ruck, ruck, ruck, ruck ....... Ruck, ruck, ruck, ruck"