Adelaide rejects Nathan Bassett compromise on AFL reserves in SANFL
ADELAIDE is rejecting a compromise plan from Norwood to trial the Crows reserves in the SANFL next year in "dead-rubber games".
ADELAIDE is rejecting a compromise plan from Norwood to trial the Crows reserves in the SANFL next year in "dead-rubber games".
Redlegs coach Nathan Bassett is urging his club's board to propose the Adelaide reserves team play for no premiership points against the SANFL club carrying the bye in the program.
Norwood, which is steadfast in its opposition to AFL reserves teams in the SANFL league series, is prepared to push Bassett's plan for 2014. In that trial season, key issues - such as spectator interest, recruiting rules and licence fees - can be tested before a formal decision on the Crows reserves is made by the SANFL league directors.
But Adelaide chief executive Steven Trigg says the trial is unlikely to be treated seriously by SANFL clubs.
"I respect Nathan's thinking through this issue, but we are not considering anything other than the two options we have today - the SANFL league series or the amateur league next year," said Trigg. "And we have a clear preference to be in the SANFL.
"Those who would question why would we not trial it for one season, our concern is how serious would the SANFL clubs be if they are not playing for premiership points?
"We're being asked, quite rightly, to make sure we preserve the integrity of the SANFL league competition. We're being told to commit to placing a fully competitive team in the SANFL - and we are on board with that.
"But if we are playing the SANFL team with the bye - and for no premiership points - would the SANFL club be fully competitive or would it rest senior players?"
Trigg's concern for the competitive intent of an SANFL club playing an in-season trial game is proven by Norwood and Bassett's actions this year. The Redlegs rested senior players from a mid-week Foxtel Cup game against East Fremantle at AAMI Stadium to ensure it was prime for a SANFL game with premiership points.
Adelaide has until next Friday to win support from the SANFL clubs with the critical issue being recruiting rules for "top-up" players to cover injuries. The SA Football Commission's recommendation for the Crows to claim 18-22-year-olds from rival SANFL clubs was rescinded yesterday.
The Crows' final submission asks "the SANFL clubs and commission (to) advise us as to which model" for top-up players "is most appropriate".
At least six of the eight SANFL league directors must approve any change to the SANFL competition.
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