August 26, 2007
Southern Leagues 24-26th August
Tilford Zebras 0 v New Town Eagles 0
Congrats to Zebras on the 2007 Premiership
Reserves: Zebras 8 v Eagles 2
19s: Zebras 1 v Eagles 4
Kingborough Lions 0 v Clarence United 1
Cannamella (pen)
Reserves: Kingborough 2 v Clarence 3
19s: Kingborough 1 v Clarence 1
Taroona 3 v Metro Claremont 1
Cox Dawes
Gates
Lawler (og)
Reserves: Taroona 1 v Metro 1
19s: Taroona 2 v Metro 1
Hobart Olympic 2 v Glenorchy Knights 1
Bulis Cairns
Backhaus
Reserves: Olympic 1 v Knights 1
19s: Olympic 1 v Knights 2
University 0 v South Hobart 5
Beecroft 3 (incl. 2 pens)
Cooper
Gordon
Reserves: University 1 v South Hobart 1
19s: University 1 v South Hobart 1
| Played | Won | Draw | Lost | For | Against | Points | |
| Zebras | 18 | 13 | 4 | 1 | 59 | 17 | 43 |
| South | 18 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 47 | 13 | 42 |
| Olympic | 18 | 11 | 3 | 4 | 39 | 20 | 36 |
| Clarence | 18 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 33 | 26 | 34 |
| Knights | 18 | 7 | 3 | 8 | 32 | 38 | 24 |
| Kingborough | 18 | 6 | 3 | 9 | 25 | 31 | 21 |
| University | 17 | 4 | 3 | 10 | 25 | 38 | 15* |
| Taroona | 18 | 4 | 2 | 12 | 19 | 47 | 14 |
| Eagles | 18 | 2 | 6 | 10 | 14 | 33 | 12 |
| Metro | 17 | 1 | 5 | 11 | 21 | 51 | 8* |
Saturday 1st September 2007 (replay of abandoned match)
University v Metro Claremont Olinda Grove
Division 1
Pless Preview
Kingston Cannons 3 v Christian United 0
BeachSide 3 v Northern Suburbs DOSA 2
South Hobart 3 v Hobart United 2
Nelson Eastern Suburbs 2 v Kingborough Lions 2
Congrats to Beachside on winning the Div.1 title and earning the playoff against Metro for promotion to the Southern Premier League
This weekend’s round of matches sees the 2007 season roster draw to it’s close, barring the match that must be replayed between Metro & University next Saturday. It only seems a few short weeks since we anticipated the season’s commencement but on the other hand the end can’t come quick enough.
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So the final weekend kicks off with the Friday night game at KGV between Zebras & Eagles. This match is a very important match for two reasons. South Hobart still have a mathematical chance of taking out the premiership (despite Blackjack already declaring Zebras the Premiers – now wouldn’t that be embarrassing if South took that one out!!) so Zebras will want to put paid to any chance and can do so with a draw. Eagles on the other hand, could be playing for the Premier League future, so any points here could only help to alleviate their sense of dread. The actual result of the match could depend on which team Nick Lapolla puts out on the park. I noticed BP has followed Blackjack’s lead and has declared the premiership to be Zebras. Logical, brave or maybe premature on the part of Mr Pullen?? On paper Eagles stand no chance so Zebras will have no problem securing their point and the ‘official’ 2007 Premiership and with this scenario I think Eagles are going to be required to leave their chances for SPL survival in the hands of others. Not a very satisfactory way of saving grace.
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On Saturday Kingborough clash with traditional Eastern Shore rivals Clarence at Lightwood Park. It used to be that Lightwood Park was a bastion for the Lions. Any team that took points away from Kingborough knew they had been in a battle but if you look at the results down there this year Kingborough don’t have a ‘home ground’ advantage, in fact Kingborough have only secured seven points at Lightwood Park this year and six of those were against the bottom two teams (Taroona & Eagles). This match has nothing but pride riding on the result. Clarence can go to third place but only if Olympic lose (possibility against Knights maybe?? Nah…). Kingborough can go to fifth with a 6-0+ win and Knights lose. Is there anything to be gained by either team REALLY?? Time to blood new players and give some of those kids a shot. Clarence did this last week but Lions seem to be a bit short on players due their commitments to Div.1 as well as reserves in both divisions. Result = dour draw or a Clarence toweling depending on which teams enter the park!!
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Game of the Round – Metro v Taroona. I wouldn’t miss this one for quids. The football may not be pretty but there is everything to play for and the guts and glory phrases will be trundled out and used with great gusto. If Taroona can take this one they will ensure their survival in the Premier League for 2008, even a point may be sufficient if Eagles loose to Zebras on Friday night. Metro will need to play out of their skins and can’t afford to hold anything back. They must win and if that means playing 3-4 up front then that’s what they need to do. It doesn’t matter how many Taroona score, Metro must score one more. So the game plan should be simple. I believe Taroona can win this match as long as they remain committed to achieving a result rather than getting involved in any shenanigans and the likes of Billy Gasparinatos, Marcus Atkinson & Co. can bathe themselves in glory if they can manage to lead by example.
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University has lost the plot or rather don’t have the players to create a plot. The squad has been ravaged by injury which has shown a severe lack of depth to the club. Their chances in this match would be just about zero and this has only be exacerbated with the absence of Mark Rapley who has gone on a holiday but will also be retiring from Premier League football. In fact South may very well fancy their chances of getting the massive score (approx. 15) required to take the Premiership if Zebras stumble on the line and go down to Eagles on Friday night. I doubt South will make the effort considering they have hardly made an effort all season. I would even go as far as saying South must be horribly disappointed with their efforts this year. Second place is a failure with the team they have. No doubt Brian will think I’m being hard or unfair but seriously, look at the players and depth of talent they have. Second place is just not good enough.
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Olympic & Knights will be a bit of a yawn. Kosta Grillas will be missing after his petulant dummy spit and send off while Knights will struggle to put a competitive team on the park (last week’s team certainly wasn’t). Rumours abound that Knights have had as few as half a dozen senior players at training with the numbers being made up from their u19 squad. My ’spies’ at the Olympic/Lions match claimed Olympic looked anything but a team running third on the table. In fact I believe Kingborough were unfortunate not to take maximum points when Warren Iles had been adjudged to have been offside when apparently he wasn’t (we’ll check the footage tonight on Aurora). The fact remains Olympic are not consistent enough to be a genuine title contenders, while Knights just rolled over and no longer wanted to seriously compete once it was apparent they had lost their title. Maybe it is harder to stay on top than it is getting there. All this dissatisfaction will lead to some major off season movements at the Knights with players already rumored to be deserting the sinking ship.
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Next weekend Uni & Metro will meet again in their rematch following a major timing mishap on behalf of the appointed referee. Metro can win this match as long as they can put a full team on the park and aren’t depleted because of injury and/or suspension.
Comment by Blackjack — August 23, 2007 @ 5:36 pm
What players from the Knights are rumored to be leaving the club? And what clubs are they going to?
Knights will win against olympic 2-1.
Comment by LAZER — August 23, 2007 @ 8:55 pm
Eagles will draw with Zebras - they have more to play for.
Metro will defeat taroona - at least a 2 goal margin.
Nothing riding on other games, but South comfortably over Uni, and Clarence youth easily over Lions, and knights to upset farrells last game as coach of olympic.
Comment by sj — August 23, 2007 @ 11:25 pm
SJ, do you know something about Farrel Shaw that you may want to share or are you just starting rumours? Is it silly soccer season already?
In that case who is getting the Knights job? Krambousanos perhaps?
Or will he make a desperate plea to take over from Farrel?
Comment by Juice — August 24, 2007 @ 8:31 am
Logical? Brave? Premature? Shite that’s some of the most complementary words I’ve had thrown at me for a long time, I was born early so the prem bit is right… If I was a betting man I would say my statement earlier was simply on the money, but will be cemented in concrete tonight. Good luck to all the other teams GO JUVE
Comment by bpullen — August 24, 2007 @ 1:30 pm
How long are we going to have to read about Clarence putting out a young team in their SPL games? Because you have young players in there does not make it interesting or ground breaking. Lets be honest there are not too many “old” teams around. Does this mean that Clarence players who were “old” simply gave up the ghost when the title aspirations were flattened? If so what are they doing now? It seems absurd to suggest that their team at the start of the year was “old” and is now significantly younger. Sure a few young guys in a team to see how they go, haven’t most teams been doing this all year? Now I know that Clarence are well aware that youth is the key to future success, why are the pundits so surprised when Clarence put out a young team?
If you listen to Knights they are suddenly very upbeat and positive (and glad I assume) to have some young players coming through.
Comment by charlie white — August 24, 2007 @ 1:31 pm
Mr Pullen making statement about being ‘premature’ could possibly lead me to make further claims along these lines but as I might regret these (and so might you), I’ll choose to say nothing. Just read what you have written carefully before submitting next time!!!
Comment by Blackjack — August 24, 2007 @ 1:46 pm
Taroona v Metro will be a cracker! Can’t wait to hear the Hangover Hill boys! Any tips for who will win the half time stubby throwing???
Comment by overme — August 24, 2007 @ 2:06 pm
I do believe Browny has a reservation on youth Charlie. In fact he’s got the only young players in Southern Tasmania (if what you read is true). The Clarence Academy this and the Clarence Academy that, and the truth be known it’s a ’stolen generation’ (a rehashed state squad minus one or two players). The youth project mustn’t be too hot though as there are strong rumours Mr Brown has already approached a couple of the disgruntled Knights players. That should boost the average age up. There are also voice of discontent in the way the academy is being run too. Clarence will be doing well to hold down the more ambitious of the youngsters for next year.
Comment by 12th Man — August 24, 2007 @ 2:30 pm
Over the last few weeks Taroona has had a 16 year old, three 17year olds, and at least two to three eighteen year olds in their senior starting side. The sixteen year old and seventeen year olds started together at Taroona as U13 players. South Hobart have helped drive Central Region for years as a way of bringing talented young players into their club. Hats off the Clarence for making an effort to attract and develop young players but I too am getting a bit tired of reading about it as if its something extraordinary. Like 12th man, I’ll be interested to see how much loyalty Clarence will be able to develop.
Comment by ynwa — August 24, 2007 @ 2:57 pm
Having 15-18 year old players in a senior squad is nothing original any more, it’s almost the norm. Knights have been an exception up until recently when they have seen the writing on the wall with an aging squad.
The Clarence academy is new for them but the idea of an academy is anything but original. Nothing wrong with feeling proud of your achievements though.
Comment by Blackjack — August 24, 2007 @ 3:35 pm
“HANGOVER HILL” Saturday arvo just can’t come quick enough for me…………..
Comment by Eleventy Seventy — August 24, 2007 @ 4:23 pm
they will indeed being do well to hang on to them all - there are currently 10 players in the 15-16 age bracket who have played under 19’s most of thel year spread out amongst the reserves and seniors for the last couple of weeks of the season, giving them a little taste of the higher leagues and showing these players they have a future at the club. With a high level of talent (30+ to training for Senior/Reserves in the last few weeks of the year with no finals) you are always going to lose a few who have may not get a game but will else. This is just a fact of football in Tasmania.
Comment by D Train — August 24, 2007 @ 4:25 pm
Is jelousy to strong a word to use? I dont think so!!!
Comment by one eyed — August 24, 2007 @ 6:12 pm
Charlie, couldn’t agree more. I coud say come out to Metro and except for 1-2 blokes in the seniors, have a look at teh kids in our side. But, were no different than most other sides with one or tw exceptions who may find things extremely difficult in the next few years given their lack of interest before this year in putting in a decent youth structure.
As for the Clarence Academy side what is so different about it ? How much does it cost to be a member of that academy and what extra do you get for your money.
If I recall correctly Metro under 15 side who if they win tomorrow win the title, beat the Clarence Academy side 7 - 1 earlier this year. Not jealousy just a fact of life and, a couple of simple quesions that shouldn’t be too hard to answer.
What happened to Zebras to night. Were they fair dinkum or not ?
Comment by metbrigade — August 24, 2007 @ 10:55 pm
Zebras 0 Eagles 0
Told you so!!
Eagles were certainly well worth a point.
Comment by sj — August 25, 2007 @ 1:37 am
how interesting to see a nil all draw…. avoid relegation, and win the title.
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Comment by dg — August 25, 2007 @ 9:06 am
bj …. i hear what you say !
just hope that the punters aren’t suggesting match fixing allegations ??
WOWSERS ….. brave man to imply such a thing wouldn’t you think ?
Comment by shags — August 25, 2007 @ 9:55 am
dg / Blackjack
Eagles have 12 points, and a better goal difference than both Taroona and Metro. It isnt possible for BOTH Metro and Taroona to finish above Eagles.
Comment by sj — August 25, 2007 @ 10:03 am
BJ
“most have flogged” ???
Last 11 games Eagles have scored 10 goals for, with 13 against in a 2 wins, 6 draws and 3 losses (biggest by 2 goals) finish. - or are facts not relevant?
Comment by sj — August 25, 2007 @ 10:17 am
BJ - really
Aggregate scores not relevant - the second half of the season eagles have been difficult to beat. So it should not have been any surprise that last nights game was a draw. Having said that though, both sides did have clear cut opportunities to score - with eagles probably having more than Zebras - but will wait for walters stats to confirm.
Comment by sj — August 25, 2007 @ 11:04 am
Rumor has it that this week end will see an end to the playing career of a fairly colorful character in our sport. I speak of Clarence’s JABBA. Apparently ongoing injury issues are taking their toll on him and he feels it is time to hang up the boots.
For all of his antics and the running commentary you get from him during every game he has often brought a smile to those around him and has served his club well over a lot of years, sticking with the constant big losses and consistently turning down offers to move clubs when this might have led to championship medallions.
I assume he will still be around the game and certainly, if he is, you will hear him.
Comment by A Whisper — August 25, 2007 @ 11:27 am
Spot on DG
5 all one week, nil all the next and still people complain - what is a good game? Ive enjoyed the goal feast between Knights and Mets and the last 2 NTE games. agree goal mouth action was limited last night but watching Pitchy horizontal to the crossbar does keep the heart in ones mouth.
Were the Zebras TANKING last night I hope not. Maybe once the Bret and the rest of the Zebras wake up fron celebrating they can reply?
BJ can you do the math on how NTE are not safe from relegation pray tell as I cant work it out unless Roona and Mets have a joker to play or its double points day???????
You might as well give Mets the points for next week as Uni will probably do a no show or play a div 2 side as the care factor seems to be missing, so its all up to Roona and Mets today to decide there own futures.
Id say ……Oops gotta go no time, have to watch the under 19s play zebras
Comment by CLUTCH NTE — August 25, 2007 @ 11:31 am
BJ
This discussion started out because of the assertion that the draw was, in some peoples minds, a surprise. I merely pointed out that given their previous 10 matches - where the most they conceded was 2 goals- and 5 of the ten were draws- incl agst south hobart - that no-one should have been surprised that the outcome was a draw.
Even on your aggregates listing only 3 sides have a greater than two goal margin - hardly qualifying as ‘flogged’, dusted up, or ‘fairly convincing’ over two games, and 3 out of 9 isnt most.
Comment by sj — August 25, 2007 @ 11:47 am
I’m awake, well most have not slept….. Questions re the draw last night? Sorry to the spectators can’t imagine it was a good game to watch… Eagles came out with a lot of desire and a solid game plan which they stuck to. I felt we were a bit flat and never managed to put the ball on the deck and control the flow of the game… Simple as that, but at the end of the day a draw sorted it and to be honest I personally believe eagles have been the third hardest team we have played this year, mainly due to the match ups… Again congrads to Falzon and Freddie who played their last senior games last night two sensational blokes and careers… Bring on Somerset……
Go Juve
Comment by bpullen — August 25, 2007 @ 12:29 pm
A good game to watch with the relegation on hand with Metro and Ronna. The Metro boys came out fighting with number 13 up front a stand out in the first half. Not sure of his name, but he was in everything that mattered and gave his 110%.
The second half was nearly all Taroona with 3 goals before the whistle. Two negative issues which I’d like to comment on. The ref again was inconsistent with his calls which did ruin the game for me somewhat. It’s been a constant problem all year around and something needs to be done for next season. Today I was a spectator with no allegiants to either club, however it was double standards from were we were sitting.
Taroona had good support as did Metro with the Hill being at their best behavior. Maybe they were too hungry to make noises as the Kiosk ran out of all food before the Premier Game started, not a pie in sight. This is not the first time this has happened and should the committee want to change this, I’d be happy to run the Kiosk for next season.
It isn’t a day out without a snag or a pie at the football, to most people anyway.
Comment by Boots — August 25, 2007 @ 5:44 pm
Well Done to the taroona Boys today, can have a nice off long off season and get ready for next year. Unlucky Metro, probably should have been up 2-0 at half time, and also would like to state that I think Terry Kent was pretty hard done by to get sent off today. I know i will be cheering for Metro in the play off game in a fortnight, the competition cant afford to lose Metro as it brings football to the outer suburbs, what would happen to the likes of the Kent’s, Mckeown’s and Dawes if we lose them? Also what about the other youth out that way? Div 1 sides cant field a 19’s team… Metro has come along way this year and the players and supports, committee should be congratulated for their efforts… I would hate to see them go down…
From a personal point of view I would like to thank Brian Roberts for his advice before the game, i was very nervous and the couple of calming words he offered were appreciated…
Boots you are more then welcome to help us run the canteen, but as long as your son comes and plays for a decent club as well…lol
Comment by Mike McKenna — August 25, 2007 @ 6:21 pm
Beachside 3 DOSA 2
Half time 1 0
Comment by Steve Pitchford — August 25, 2007 @ 6:44 pm
Beachside 3-2 DOSA Northern Suburbs.
Derek Story scored in his last ever match and Jacob Kavanagh equalised with a great volley. The deciding goal came from a deflection off a free kick which was about 19 yards out. Think it was 3-2 missed last five minutes of the game so DOSA could of equalised. Pretty poor refereeing.
Comment by steven hawkings football boots — August 25, 2007 @ 7:03 pm
Well done Roona. A tough season but you can all hold your heads up high. Onwards and upwards. Metro supporters were great today - hearts go out to them but they can rest assured their team and their hill did them proud. Hangover hill still got the points though
It’s hard to imagine beachside doing metro so looks like next seasons line up will be same as 07.
Comment by ynwa2 — August 25, 2007 @ 7:11 pm
Congratz to ‘Roona….first year in and held their heads up well. Metro and Beachside good luck with the play offs
Comment by GJ — August 25, 2007 @ 9:55 pm
someone say it was imposible for taroona or metro to finish above new town eagles?
to me metro has to come up with something really good after waching this game cose if bside win that game will be on speed and they have it. and mike Mckenna DOSA and HUFC had an U/19
it was dificult but not imposible. just be happy with you win
Comment by pixel36 — August 25, 2007 @ 10:52 pm
Pixel36, you probably need to go and read my post again… My understanding is that Div 1 clubs dont have under 19’s teams?? Am i right? I was just saying it would be a shame for metro to go down becausewe would lose the talent from that region… Think before you post please!!
Comment by Mike McKenna — August 25, 2007 @ 11:53 pm
MIKE that is the point you making it sound div/1 are completed useless may be that is not your intension but that is what it sound like and yes there are div 1 clubs working on u/19
BJ you may not agreed with me but the way metro play that game againt Taroona a im not convince they can do better againt bside firth half was good but secound half they where wall waching and the las 20 minuted they give as one then to get red card out of frustrastion.sorry is my opinion. by the way i am neutral have not preference just talking football. wish luck to any of them
Comment by pixel36 — August 26, 2007 @ 9:12 am
Thank you Mike.
Are we not back where we started 12 to 18 months ago ?
Where do the u/19 of a relegated Club go.
The Premier Clubs are hoist by their own petard as it was due to their complaints that ‘Non League ‘ u/19 were excluded from the equation.
A consequence of our little boxes preoccupation.
Keith was at the game . Taroona now join the ranks of those who have won the playoff series and stayed up.( I can not recall the others but Clarence was one of them.)
Congratulations to Taroona .
Comment by Brian Roberts — August 26, 2007 @ 9:14 am
I do recall that beachside had un U19 side last year until the presidents of the premier league clubs voted both them and the state U15’s out of the competition… funny as those two teams were in the top 4.
Comment by dg — August 26, 2007 @ 10:06 am
I forgot to ask , who cleans up Hangover Hill?
Comment by Brian Roberts — August 26, 2007 @ 10:20 am
The clarence and lions match was a total fizzer as predicted by blackjack. Clarence were lucky to get away with all three points though. Lions couldn’t put the ball in the net but probably didn’t deserve a win though.
Question. Why was Kim Barker running the middle in reserves and Sean Collins the middle in seniors? Refereeing allocation is very questionable. I don’t want to cross the line but really. There must be some real questions being asked about the competence of some referees to be in charge of a senior game.
I hope edo and hughesy have kissed and made up. silly boys.
Comment by 12th man — August 26, 2007 @ 10:45 am
Well, I think Metro dropped their heads after a strong start to the second half, after missing a good chance upfront. The game was turned on it’s head but that’s football. To say that Metro are going to struggle against Beachside after watching one half of football is nonsense and shows complete ignorance of the gulf between Div1 and SPL clubs. Needless to say the play-off will decide who deserves to be in the SPL based on 180 minutes of football - so instead of speculating on this blogg site I think people whould support the game and come and watch both legs of the play off.
Comment by The_lads_got_talent — August 26, 2007 @ 11:08 am
12th man
Kim Barker is reffing prem lge on Sunday. His appearance in reserves was probably to cover a late withdrawal.
Comment by sj — August 26, 2007 @ 11:11 am
The lads got talent… Is completely right. Lets make sure we go out and watch these play off matches, because the atmosphere at the game was fantastic from both sets of supporters. As a player you couldnt here anything on the pitch..
Comment by Mike McKenna — August 26, 2007 @ 12:10 pm
firstly id like to start by congratulating Mike McKenna and the ‘Roona’ boys for a well fought and tough match and also on keeping clear of the drop zone so well done to you guys!
id also like to apologise to our fans for a poor effort in the second half by me! i started off having a cracking game in the first half, then i took the knock to the head and couldnt seem to focus so just wanted to get that out of the way.
thirdly id like to wish beachside luck and that it more than likely wont be an easy win as some on the blog site think but we have nothing to lose so we’ll be going at it with all guns blazing!
i also wanna thank everyone of our fans for the year as youve really kept us going and motivated for the second half of the season, and the food back at the club is always a bonus =P
as to everyone else, we’ll be seeing you again next year!!
aaron #13
Comment by Aaron Marney — August 26, 2007 @ 12:17 pm
Brian - Being one of the metro supporters on the hill you may have noticed that after the game we also cleaned it as there is a bin or two up there. I would imagine the ‘roona’ boys would have done the same. Well done to the Taroona boys, great hard fought game! The atmosphere on the hill from both teams was also great.
Im pretty sure our boys will come through with the goods against beachside but as always its 11 on 11.
As for the refereeing again i would like to blah, blah, blah. Inconsistent…blah, blah, blah…silly free kicks…blah, etc. We know, it’s the same EVERY week and also at most grounds. (Sorry metbrigade, nothing personal) BJ
Comment by metbrigade — August 26, 2007 @ 1:29 pm
Good game at the Athletic centre with Olympic coming out on top. The game was dominated by Olympic for most of the time and should have had 3 or 4 more goals at the whistle. The Knights boys lacked the hunger and skill sets they showed last year or maybe they felt there was nothing to play for which could be fixed by the play offs which everyone I’ve spoken to agree with.
Thank you to all the players and officials from all clubs which have entertained me this season and I will certainly miss the games over the next 6 months or so.
Maybe some of the refs can study the rule book a bit more or just look in the dictionary on the meaning of consistency. Not having a go here, but we all know that the reffing needs to sharpen or just be of a consistent nature on both sides of the park.
The ref who officiated the reserve game between Olympic and the Knights had a flawless game which means there are people who understand the concept of a player’s game and a refs game. Kim in the senior game did his usual professional best and no complaints there either.
Comment by Boots — August 26, 2007 @ 6:37 pm
I was at the Nelson-Kingborough game at North Warrane today - and I spoke to a couple of junior (u-11, 12) coaches that had approached Nelson to see what they had to offer for kids entering U-13s next year.
One coach had approached a few clubs in the area, including Clarence and Nelson. Clarence did not reply (one can only assume that they are not interested), however Nelson was enthusiastic, and sent senior players and coaches to run a clinic for the kids in an u-12 team. This really impressed me.
It seems that Clarence have become complacent in that they think all children from their area are always going to be coming to Clarence.
If they don’t pull their fingers out, they’re going to be left behind.
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Anyway…what was Cannamela’s penalty for yesterday? Didn’t get to see it.
Regarding the Clarence academy - yes it is tiring to see the same ‘young side’ thing get pulled out every weekend. However, there is some merit behind the idea of having young sides now. In 2-3 years time the Phoenix will have their day, hopefully, and these years of rebuilding will pay off.
However, I’m talking about the young sides in general. The Academy is a different matter. This year, it can be said, it has been a success…teams all did very well. However, the truth remains that it is mostly an ex-state squad and Clarence will do well if they can hold on to these players, and all power to them if they can.
It will be interesting to see what happens next year as it seems like the 2007 u-16 and u-15 academy players, plus anyone else who wants to try out, will be competing for a spot in their u-19 team. The under 19 team will be chosen from anyone 16-19 next year, I’m told.
Comment by redandblack — August 26, 2007 @ 7:02 pm
the lad got talent - did you say metro drop their head’s do they do that at every game? the soccer community always talk football there is no place for speculation or ignorance but feedom of opinion that is what make fottball so exciting
never take fottball comment personal
Comment by pixel36 — August 26, 2007 @ 7:44 pm
congrats to Zebras on winning the title
Job well done by south ….. started to convert more chances in the second half of the year.
South always play good football …..just need to be a little more direct in their approach one would think
…….possibly the best team on paper ……but as we all know its the results that count the most.
Look forward to seeing what happens in 2008
nice job BJ !!
Comment by shags — August 26, 2007 @ 9:03 pm
Well done to Taroona on Saturday, but no matter how much I may have been shouting “If Metro’s being relegated clap your hands,” I really want to see them show Beachside why they’re a Premier side.
Comment by Rex — August 26, 2007 @ 9:40 pm
I can only echo the comments made by several people regarding the atmosphere at the Metro v Taroona game. It was fairly obvious that the game was being played by 2 sides that had everything to loose. Was the standard of football high ? Don’t know ! Other than the dissapointment for Metro at the end, was it a great game to watch ? I think so. Congratulations to Taroona, they deserve everything they have achieved.
Congratulations also to the “Roona Boys” on “Hangover Hill’, and, our own extremely loyal supporters. I don’t recall being at a game when the level of crowd involvement has been so high. I’m sure our players wouldn’t have admitted it straight after the game, but, I know that they enjoyed the atmosphere created by 2 very passionate taems of supporters. Good to see the Metbrigade give the ‘Roona Boy’s on’ the hill a clap after the game in appreciation of their performance.
We look forward to catching up with them again next year.
Comment by Greg Saunders — August 27, 2007 @ 6:46 am
If A whisper is on the money and Jabba has hung up the boots perhaps he could riffle through dads wardrobe and find the whistle.
With so few talented young referees around guys like Jabba would be great for the game…colourful knowledgeable and still able to keep up with play..Doubt I have ever seen the young man play the game without telling a referee how he should have done the job.
Jabba now is the time for you to step up to the plate..within two years you could replace the fast ageing current team and at the same time lead a new generation forward.
If not good luck in the retirement and hope you are not lost to the game.
Comment by interested spectator — August 27, 2007 @ 7:54 am
Clarence v Kingo was pretty much a non-event - the highlight of the game was the tantrum thrown by a fellow blogger ha ha hilarious!
Comment by D Train — August 27, 2007 @ 9:48 am
Just came on line and started reading through the interesting comments re the Clarence Academy U19 team.
Firstly it would be nice that the team is congratulated on winning the U19 comp. and everyone should remember this is an all U16 side or younger.
Secondly, yes it is not new to play young players in the seniors or reserves however at the weekend against Kingborough, Clarence played six U16 boys and the week before I understand eight played between the reserves and the seniors. In reality, I bet no other club has done that over the last couple of weeks.
The other thing is why are people bagging the academy at Clarence, it’s what these kids needed, and only Clarence offered this sort of structure to these boys. The parents were prepared to pay for a committed program which was on developing these guys to play at senior level and guess what it’s worked!
Has for the stolen generation, what a load of rubbish, all except two of the boys in the Clarence U19’s live on the easternshore and have played all their junior careers on the easternshore.
Good on Browny for his youth policy and for debuting so many of these 15 year olds in the seniors. I am sure he will have their respect for many years to come and Clarence United will reap the rewards.
Comment by cjk — August 27, 2007 @ 10:26 am
That’s right disappointing would have been interesting to hear his response. Disgraceful behaviour in front of young children and ultimately he came out looking like a Goose!
Comment by D Train — August 27, 2007 @ 11:21 am
On the Contrary BJ i would have loved to hear it - anyway im sure it happens everywhere just bringing to light what i witnessed on the weekend - Hilarious stuff!
Comment by D Train — August 27, 2007 @ 11:45 am
is the uni v metro game still proceeding? no result is going to change either side’s ladder position.
Comment by zio — August 27, 2007 @ 12:11 pm
Jabba’s dad says he will definitely give Jabba a whistle and remind him that he would have to stop talking in order to blow it. Dad tried to come back to refereeing this year too but the old legs won the argument. Personally I would like to see jabba coaching now. He has a great rapore
with players, especially younger ones, and a good knowledge of the game.
Comment by GJ — August 27, 2007 @ 12:29 pm
BJ,
Just underline were I mentioned original in my text please. That’s your word not mine.
No that came from others (presumably Clarence supporters) either directly or implied.
To clarify my comments, Clarence was proactive early with their academy program. It was well presented by accedited coaches to players and parents and training times and dates were set for early January unlike other so called club programs.
The talented kids that are coming through now are looking for what clubs can offer and unless clubs get their act together, these Kids will go to the best program on offer. Fact of life regardless to what is said on this site!!
Not true…many clubs’ programmes have been run continuously for 2-3 years (some even longer). Clarence’s programme is not original, that’s what people are trying to tell you. Maybe that’s the difference, Clarence is running their club for the talented kids. So what happens to the kids who just enjoy having a kick with their mates and aren’t ’superstars’?? Are they left by the wayside? Can they be catered to and still feel valued as a club member??
Sorry cjk you are sounding like a parent of a so called superstar who believes the game should be the benefit of your kid and his mates. It’s a lot more complicated than that. Listen to the voices from within your own club or it will be to your downfall. BJ
Comment by cjk — August 27, 2007 @ 12:41 pm
I know the Taroona v Metro game has been done to death already, but I am still buzzing and had to add my two bobs worth. The Hangover Hill crowd and Metro boys should be congratulated on creating an incredible atmosphere, great stuff and in good spirit despite the obvious importance of the game to both sides. Taroona had six players in the starting line up aged 19 or younger, and only Billy G didn’t play his junior football at the club, so certainly not taking anything away from what Clarence are doing but there are a few of us developing young players. The young guy up front for Metro had a blinder as well, particularly in the first half. Finally, it hasn’t been mentioned yet but Jules Timmins turned the game around when he came on, his pass to set up Coxy for the equaliser was sublime and he caused havoc every time he touched the ball.
Comment by Barninho — August 27, 2007 @ 12:54 pm
BJ,
As you seem to know so much about other clubs youth programs and obviously so little about Clarences, I suggest you arrange a visit to see what happens and who is playing for the academy and get your facts right before making personal insults.
Comment by cjk — August 27, 2007 @ 1:18 pm
A personal note / opinion
cjk - Of the Clarence U19’s I know for a fact that 2 players were at South prior to the State U14(names withheld but I can provide them). Also Newtown lost 1. Both of these clubs are based on the western shore. I have a feeling there was another also but may stand corrected.
It will be interesting to see where this years FFT graduates go - hopefully back to the clubs that gave them their coaching initially to get them into the state squads.
Most southern clubs have bought on their young players into reserve and senior comps. Simply look at team sheets.
Can anyone confirm what the cost of “The Acadamy” was?
Comment by Peter Pearce — August 27, 2007 @ 2:09 pm
Congrats to Greg McVeigh. This guy has stepped in and delivered the goods for the second year running, and has now not only got Taroona up to Premier League, but kept us there for next season.
Well done!
Comment by overme — August 27, 2007 @ 2:11 pm
Sorry that last post of mine should refer to State U15 not 14
Comment by Peter Pearce — August 27, 2007 @ 2:34 pm
On the same note as barninho, it should be mentioned that crowd favourite Alex ‘Bana’ Edwards made his first Premier League appearance as a substitute lat in the piece. Even if he failed to score, the Hill still loved him.
Comment by KP — August 27, 2007 @ 3:07 pm
Seeming as the Clarence Academy is creating a lot of talk, would anyone like an insight from a player? haha just putting it out there
Comment by Pumbi — August 27, 2007 @ 3:41 pm
KP, I believe Bana will be in action at 12.30pm this Saturday in the postponed Premier Reserve game against Uni, desperately seeking the 5 goals needed to become the league’s leading goalscorer. Let’s hope missing out on playing Ressies last weekend due to his unfortunate senior selection hasn’t delivered a fatal blow to his dreams of achieving individual glory
Hangover Hill will be rocking anyway as the Senior boys look forward to turning the tables and heckling the Ressies for once, while celebrating Jacko’s seventeenth birthday.
And I’d like to second the congratulations to Greg, a great coach and a top bloke as well.
Comment by Barninho — August 27, 2007 @ 3:43 pm
Peter Pearce,
I believe there are two boys from South and one from NTE which were in the state U15 team last year.
My understanding is the two boys from South went to training at South and did’nt like what they saw and decided to move and the NTE boy, I am not sure of his reasons however he dicided to move as well.
They were not as BJ would like everyone to believe, hogtied and help down until they signed up with Clarence.
Comment by cjk — August 27, 2007 @ 3:49 pm
I think Pumbi himself would be well qualified to talk about the Clarence Academy side…and I’d like to hear what he’s got to say - no doubt he can shed some light on the subject.
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From memory (and please don’t quote me on this) the cost of playing for the academy was somewhere in the vicinity of $600-850. This is a lot of money, however, for those who are serious about their soccer development, it seems like a good investment. My concern here would be for those non-state players who aren’t at the same level, but still part of the side. One of these players, specifically, has been lucky to get 20-25 minutes of game time most matches. He is an extremely dedicated soccer player and will get better for this experience of playing with such skillful players, yet paying this much money for so little game time doesn’t seem right to me. It’s up to the individual, I suppose.
Cjk, as the manager of the team, no doubt you have some insights to do with the team that we all don’t. However, as BJ says, what about those kids that aren’t superstars? Some CUFC juniors aren’t happy about this arrangement and what it holds for them in the future.
However, you do say that Clarence, more specifically Browny, is doing the right thing for these kids, and he/they are. However, CUFC needs to look at the players who have been with CUFC all the way through as well, who now have a disrupted pathway into senior football. All this aside, hopefully this Academy will reap rewards for the REDS in the future…and we can win some silverware.
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GJ - I’m sure dad can do some more convincing. Jabba would be a great asset to the referee ranks, as players like him often make the best referees, and I’d play with father or son refereeing any day.
Comment by redandblack — August 27, 2007 @ 5:48 pm
must confess to being so surprised by all the who ha about Clarences academy..For more years than I can remember players have chosen
to go with their mates or where they fancied their best chances of being with the winners were.
If any club were to be in the best position to talk about players going elsewhere it would be Metro and lately I have not heard them as a part of this debate…
Without going back to far ( and I am sure BJ will recollect ) the comment was passed that if Metro had held onto its star juniors of 5 to 10 years back they would easily have won more than one title.
As for the cost of the academy if parents and or players think its value for money to fork out several hundred dollars to be part of an under 16 squad that wins the under 19 competition beating primarily fellow under 16 and 17 players good luck to them.
Perhaps the only surprise is that last years under 15 state team
(allegedly the core of the academy) which almost won the under 19 league in 2006 did not run away with the title by more points in 2007.
Winners are grinners and they can righfully have a smile on their face
lets hope its an academy player voted as best in the league and further lets hope those that have graduated in 2007 seek a real challenge in 2008 playing premier league week in and week out either with Clarence or with one of the 5 clubs who will be working flat out to stay in the 2009 PL……Doubt I need to name them..
Comment by interested spectator — August 27, 2007 @ 6:02 pm
thankyou redandblack, a request finally! This is my first year at Clarence, after playing for South Hobart for 2 years before my state team selection last year. As Peter Pearce stated, i am one of the two who switched. I might just clear this one up, as at the time i got the feeling South weren’t particularly happy. I have great respect for South Hobart and what they have done for me. Before state, my football was pretty basic, i was a sweeper who basically cleared the ball the majority of the time. After state, i was a different player all together, learning to play the ball on the deck as much as possible and so forth. I went to South Hobart pre season training first. I liked it enough but there were a few factors for my reason to go to Clarence. Clarence were offering a state - like program, with a highly accreditated coach, and my interests were to keep improving as a footballer as much as possible. CJK was right, most of the ex state players were looking at what clubs were offering, and i don’t believe that is a sign of arrogance, more of a sign of their willingness to improve.
The Clarence Academy side is predominately ex state players, but there about 6-7 that aren’t. I would say that all of them have at least played 70% of game time. With players going up to reserves and seniors regularly, there is plenty of game time for all. And i have seen the remarkable improvement of some of these players. These 6 or 7 were dedicated and committed to become better soccer players and have succeeded, and if they stay committed trust me they will be rewarded, whether it be reserves or seniors. If this academy hadn’t of happened. I think i should wrap it up, I’ve written far too much. I hope this has been insightful. I have wrote it quite quickly so please ask me if you don’t understand anything
Comment by Pumbi — August 27, 2007 @ 6:27 pm
redandblack,
I can only speak for the U16 academy side which played in the U19 comp. and there are five or six boys in the team that are not state players. Some are the same age and some are younger however they are great kids and I feel that the experience of playing with the state boys would have done them no harm at all.
I am not aware of any of them only getting 20-25minutes per game as there were always players going up to play reserves and seniors and at times the U19’s were almost short of players. The rotation of players was well handled by Edo and I would be surprised if anyone only received 20-25minutes per game.
I feel the non state boys would have benefited greatly playing with the other boys however,I feel they will need more time before they are ready to move on up to senior level. Keep in mind that the State players played U19’s last season, so they should be more ready to move up to the next level.
As far as these kids being with CUFC all the way through, so have alot of the state players. The only reason they were not playing for the club is that they were playing in the comp under FFT, they have been registered with CUFC and now they are back and playing which is great.
And just for the record, I don’t think any of the boys think they are Superstars, good players and great kids but not Superstars yet!!
Comment by cjk — August 27, 2007 @ 6:53 pm
Exactly right Cjk…they aren’t superstars. They’re very good players and they deserve any accolades they get. I also understand that most of these ex-state players have been with CUFC before and CUFC’s done well to entice them back.
Personally, I’d like to hear from some of the non-state players to get their views, but if what you and Pumbi say is correct, then the club has done well to cater for the needs of all of them. I have heard different things, but from experience on this blog, for example…you can’t believe everything you read :-).
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Pumbi, you’ve done well mate. What you’ve said has been very insightful. I just have a question for you - do you see all the players from the academy continuing at CUFC next year and beyond? I imagine that you’re all happy with the way it’s worked out?
Comment by redandblack — August 27, 2007 @ 7:25 pm
congrat zebras i knew you would win the title never doubted you all season.
As for metro v beachside I really do hope that beachside get up over metro for a club that has a rather large financial baking it just goes to show that money dose not always bring success.
Also re the clarence academy this whole concept has been around for a very long time or have you all forgotten about what Ken Morton did at the zebras where do you all think that browny and edo got the whole idea from they were both once Kens understudies nothing to brag about over there clarence I wonder how many of the academy boys will actually stay there as with most good players they want to play with and at good clubs and they tend to go where the premiership trophy goes you only need to see the influx of players to the knights when they won back to back and zebras before that there is not much loyalty anymore especially when you have coaches blowning up young egos just to get them to sign.
Comment by fan — August 27, 2007 @ 7:26 pm
In all good faith i like what clarence is doing with youth player but i think the question in it is the money and i think that is what everybody is questining is it worth that much
Comment by pixel36 — August 27, 2007 @ 7:31 pm
looks like the blog has recruited plenty of new bloggers. Most of the beachside club from the look of the voting in the poll.
Comment by sj — August 27, 2007 @ 7:40 pm
redandblack, i would say at this stage i wouldn’t see anyone moving clubs. The long time Clarence players are definetely sticking, and personally talking to the three that Peter Pearce mentioned, we are all very keen to stay. Thanks for the advice BJ, i think i made sense of it..
Comment by Pumbi — August 27, 2007 @ 9:31 pm
Clarence has had the foresight to run an academy this year,No it is not an original idea ,yes it does cost more than your normal rego for youth players,yes it is being run like a state program ( at about 1/3 the cost that FFT charge) Why at the end of the season has everyone decided to hoe the boots in ??? Congrats to Browny and Edo for a well run program that if you look at the ladders has been successful this year, it is better than souths efforts to turn the central region into their personal recruiting ground , how many titles has it got them??( this is a fact only south people dispute this)Youth has to be developed for the future of the game. Clarence wont be the only club to benefit from the academy they run, you can only play so many so it stands to reason that some of these players will play elsewhere to the benefit of the competition as a whole.I love this game and i love the difference of opinions that this blog brings but to attack a club that at least is trying to be proactive is sad, especially when it comes from club that dont seem to be interested in doing anything other than poaching players from the clubs that do make the effort to see past one season !!!! Well done ZEBRAS,Well done BEACHSIDE, LONG LIVE FOOTBALL
Comment by one eyed — August 27, 2007 @ 9:38 pm
I forgot to mention the one and only JABBA ,thanks for all the humerous moments, and there have been many,may you not be lost to our great game!!! (maybe assistant at the academy just to teach them not to get ahead of themselves) LOL long and hard, thanks BIG fella!!!
Comment by one eyed — August 27, 2007 @ 9:43 pm
What a proverbial crock I’ve been reading about CUFC’s “academy” for ages. Souths ran the same system for as long as I’ve been involved. SoccerTas did it too.
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Get a coach appointed to a state squad, get the parents believing their kid will be a great player, appoint a psychiatrist, too bad if parents aren’t well off.
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Steve Chetcuti - where are you?
Comment by the blues at midnight — August 27, 2007 @ 10:18 pm
It is interesting to look at the discussion about Clarence and cast your mind back 6 years when they were being beaten by 5-10 goals every time they stepped on the pitch, they had 8 teams, about 125 players and were broke, with Soccer Tas threatening to kick them out of the Premier League because of their financial position. A small group of dedicated people put in place a five year plan to change all that. Five years later the Club is in a far different position. I wonder how many of the negative comments today are coming from the same people that ridiculed the club 6 years ago as being hopeless. Clarence is not the first club to come back from the grave and neither will it be the last. Knights are probably feeling the strain a bit at the moment and will need a lot of work to get their feet under them again. Metro are struggling but have the right attitude, Kingborough have not had their best year. The big improver this year is probably Olympic.
The big challenge for Clarence is to maintain the impetus while controlling the growth. The club is 5 times the size it was 6 years ago and such exponential growth creates its own problems. I noted a comment here the other day where someone was talking about how tough it was to run a club with over 200 players. Clarence, Kingborough and I think South Hobart are running clubs with nearly 600 players.
To the parents and friends of players in these larger clubs I say please get in and give them a hand if you can. Everyone at Club level is a volunteer (with a few exceptions) so lets encourage more people to put their hand up and help.
Most importantly congratulations to ALL Club administrations. They all work hard for their clubs and get little or no thanks much of the time. FFT could certainly put more effort into assisting the club administrations with advice and training to make the game more professional.
Comment by GJ — August 27, 2007 @ 10:44 pm
Well hopefully somewhere amongst all the egos out there young players are being developed into better players - does it really matter who’s academy it is? The more focus on youth the better in the long run. Funny enough most “youth orientated” clubs generally miss out on their players due to the fact that better players migrate to stronger competitions. In the bigger picture I’m thinking AJAX, PSV and West Ham - for Tassie I’m thinking VIC Premier League. So all credit to clubs who do invest time in youth development as they are obviously doing it for selfless reasons.
In the bigger picture still, if you bothered to listen to Craig Foster’s weekly rants about youth systems, you’d probably know that if Fozzy’s right, we are way behind the leading football nations (France, Germany, Brazil) in terms of how we technically develop young players, with the young ollie-roos as a litmus test. Our players fall short in keeping possession and lack “build-up” essentially being able to play the ball confidently from the back and in midfield. All this stems from our “English” dominated culture which is about 50 years behind the times, dominated by “win at all costs” and generally trying to beat an opponent physically, rather than tactically/technically.
I think clubs should focus on the bigger questions of youth development instead of picking at each other’s small patch of grass, that way we might actually start to see some great Tasmanian players reach the highest level of competition nationally and internationally - which would really be something worth talking about (and be proud of!!)
Comment by The_lads_got_talent — August 27, 2007 @ 10:57 pm
Fan and others, excuse the blasphemy, but, Jesus Christ, where on earth did you get that idea about Metros rather large financial backing ?
Without giving away intimate details of the club, you would only have to read last years financial report to understand that the comment you made is completely bloody baseless. Could you please tell me where this “rather large financial backing” comes from ?
Your right, money does not always bring success, BUT, not having much of it won’t stop us from being successful either, despite the rot that someone has fed you, or you made up. Am happy to give you a one on one insight into our club, and, “how rich we are”.
You’ll find my contact details on the FFT website.
If you were trying to wind me or the club up, well done, you succeeded.
Comment by Greg Saunders — August 27, 2007 @ 11:11 pm
At the end of the day who cares where these players have come from? Clarence has done the right thing and enticed these players to the club with this academy and it has worked. Everyone is on here saying that its not the ‘original academy’ so what, it seems to be the only one working really well. I was coaching the Taroona under 19’s at the start of the year when we played Clarence and by the second round a couple of those under 19’s in the Clarence side where getting first grade experience.
Well done to Edwards, Browny and Clarence… Why would people get on this site and have a dig at them for what they achieving?
At the end of the day it doenst matter where your allegiance lies as long as this academy is offered and properly functional then it can only be good for the game in tassie for the youngsters…
Comment by Mike McKenna — August 28, 2007 @ 7:11 am
Clarence put up a great idea, their players embraced it and ahead it went. Well Done! Coming from a club that embraces the youth component and puts in a lot of work to encourage and teach it is a great thing to see. Youth development in its simplest form is putting a youth team on the pitch and letting them play, a degree of learning will occur, getting a good coach to take sessions and coach them on match day is just common sense if you want more of your youth players to play senior soccer. The issue is that it is relatively easy to play under 19s if you have some ability at say 15 years of age. The harder bit is not being given a taste of senior soccer, but earning a spot on merit, not simply age. Not saying that a taste is in any way a bad thing. The hard bit for all clubs that have a youth development pathway is where do the kids go when they are no longer kids, not all of any under 19 team will make seniors. I personally came from a team that was exactly the same as Clarence’s, now only 2 of us play, we had many state players and southern players. The problem is keeping the kids interested. At 15 that is relatively easy, at 18 it is harder. There would be a few players around who have come right through the ranks, not that many who still play at the one club.
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The problem that now exists for Clarence and others is where do they all play in the years to come? Also how do you keep 40 players happy if you only have seniors and reserves ( not a problem that is Clarence centric ) Oh and you still have the under 19s for that year? Other clubs who do nothing for youth development hope that they will move to them and this is the crux of the problem.
Comment by charlie white — August 28, 2007 @ 11:55 am
Full marks to Pumbi who put the case of the Clarence academy very well. Personally it would be disapointing if all the graduates stayed with Clarence which would make getting a game in seniors and reserves almost impossible for all but the very best.
While Browny has tried many of these young lads there are obviously others who have not yet made the senior ranks and from 2009 on under the new system If you are not playing PL and Reserves and you are 19+ your next stop will be Div 2 with the Clarence Spirit…Yes that great bunch of Old Boys who have played under the banner of Metro …PO Saints and possibly even taroona at one stage just proving that players will always play with their mates where they get the best deal.
Perhaps there is nothing new under the sun.
Comment by interested spectator — August 28, 2007 @ 12:18 pm
It is a wonder to me why Clarence as a club aren’t the best team in the competition. As the only major club on the Eastern Shore, they have a potential player base of 60 000+, from which you think you could put together a pretty decent first team. Just thinking of the likes of Taroona, Metro, Newtown etc who have much smaller areas to try to recruit players from (see any relation to league position?). Also, just wondering what actually makes the Clarence Academy an academy - is it just that they have a decent coach?
Comment by LE — August 28, 2007 @ 2:05 pm
The Clarence academy boys who were not ex-state players did just as well as the state boys they all still have a long way to go and as a regular spectator at their games I found it difficult to pick the difference between the ex-state players and non-state players. But as with all these ‘elite teams’ its not always the best players that make the team but rather the best players that could afford it. A lot of good players did not want to try out for state as they did not like the coach or the structure of the program. A lot of good players are saying no to state, in order for football to continue and strengthen in Tasmania and for us to stop being thrashed when we go inter-state we need to find a way to entice these players to play for these representive teams. Clarence has done it this year. However it should be said I’ve heard of a few Clarence players not knowing what their futures hold, the u/16 academy team of the team you all know as the u/19’s not knowing what will happen to them next year will they lose their spots to the age group below them etc. Another point that is interesting is whether or not you need to play in the academy teams to get a run in seniors and reserves? And how come only the ex-state players got a run in seniors and reserves? Especially when there was a number of weeks when the reserve squad was struggling to fill a bench.. Also where did Clarence’s u/19 team from last year and what about the players that are too old for the academy team? The academy team is a great program and has done well for Clarence this year but lets hope it doesn’t come at the cost of losing some of their youth.
Comment by hmmm — August 28, 2007 @ 3:26 pm
The Blog has exploded this week regarding the Clarence Academy Team everyone seems to have an opinion - Clarence has done a good Job establishing a healthy squad with great competition for spots that will continue into the next seasons. Obviously there aren’t going to be spots for everyone and you are going to lose some players along the way. LE where did you get the player base of 60,000+ from?? that’s nowhere near accurate what is there 150,000 people living in Hobart so you ae suggesting 40% live on the Eastern Shore and play Football and are in the correct age bracket? You may live somewhere doesn’t mean you are always going to play for the nearest club not in Hobart anyway as the travel times are short.
I think some people forget where Clarence was 5-6 years ago winning one game if they were lucky a year and bottom of all 3 divisions -you aren’t going to get a great first team overnight it take a lot of planning and strong structures to be in place which Clarence has worked very hard in obtaining with the introduction of a strong youth focus which many clubs have been avid supporters of in the past and present!
Comment by D Train — August 28, 2007 @ 4:24 pm
This post seems to have got lost from National Championships post some pages ago , Thought i would re post in another topic just to have an earlier question re raised and again try and push the boys going to Nationals …
Their is never an easy draw at Nationals and not knowing the quality of other states it appears that both teams have decent draws.
Would think the 15’s after their interstate tour in June and then a fair few of them attending the institute thing in Canberra in July would be well prepared especially after their performance in 2006.
As the kids don’t play clubs who are guys who we will be looking for to do well ?
What will happen to these guys after the Nationals do they go back to clubs in 08 or are they already spoken for at a club like last year with the Clarence Academy?
Comment by Oncesackedcoach — August 28, 2007 @ 5:31 pm
Last time i checked this thread was about the weekends results, not the bloody Clarence youth sustem.
Comment by Chalky — August 28, 2007 @ 5:49 pm
Glad you clarified that Greg. As a family with youth at Metro we were wondering about the “rather large financial backing”.
Comment by own_goal — August 28, 2007 @ 8:53 pm
As an ex Clarence u19 player of last year, and seeing a few commenters have questioned the whereabouts of the team of last year, I thought I’d fill in the gaps.
Although I myself would have been no longer eligible for u19’s this season, the options for last years players who were still eligible for this year were to head to training with the reserves or seniors squads, or fend for themselves.
interested spectator mentioned the Clarence Spirit before (who seem a good bunch of blokes, and are very competitive), but they are not the only Clarence team in the division 2 competition. Clarence Black consist of an all u19 side, except for 3 (slightly) older players, and we are coached by one of our players, who has only very recently turned 18. We came together only because of the determination of our acting coach to play soccer this year, and were given virtually no warning of any so called “academy”, or of any alternate options. To be perfectly honest i don’t think any of our players could name anyone in the current U19 side.
We definately aren’t a brilliant side, but i don’t think i’ve enjoyed a season of football more than this one, and i’m sure most of my teammates would agree.
Personally i think in principle the Academy is a good idea. It’s great to see good young players playing higher quality football earlier, and brilliant to see such high ladder positions from a club that until recently has struggled badly at Premier League level.
But there has definately been a communication problem at the club in keeping junior players. This has been inherent at the club the whole way through the junior system, but has come to the forefront now. It could be solved by simply sending a letter to every player from the previous season to attend a training session, or information session, or anything!
I understand the difficulty in informing everyone about everything all the time, but the club has a myspace now, surely they can at least send a letter next season? or even a quick phone call. In the future something like this could lose the faith of a huge amount of slightly less talented junior players, and could change the social aspect of the club extremely.
I assume Clarence isn’t the only club with this problem.
On an unrelated note, It’s sad to hear Jabba is hanging up the boots. we’ll all miss the completely inappropriate outside of the right boot free-kicks hitting the top corners.
Sorry for wasting everyone’s time, but i enjoyed getting this off my chest at least!
Comment by rjo — August 28, 2007 @ 10:58 pm
Greg and Own Goal,
Maybe Fan was talking about all those old blokes that sit in the corner of the clubrooms pumping money over the bar 4 days a week?
Comment by YBFC — August 29, 2007 @ 7:47 am
Pumbi - well done on a very frank and mature response. As an individual you are obviously maturing as your game is. For the record South have always and will support any player who choses to move to another club for their own personal reasons. Atkinson Gasparinatos and Brown who come quickly to mind who were realistically given greater opportunities than they may have had at South this year. All, like yourself have performed well. The issue I have is not with the ex state players themselves rather the system. At the beginning of last year we held an open meeting for parents players and club officials with FFT to discuss a number of issues in relation to full time squads. At that meeting, one of the issues raised was the return of players back to the originating club. FFT responded that they would “STRONGLY ENCOURAGE” and do everthing possible to have all players to return to their original club. Whilst I cannot say specifically what FFT said to each individual player, I PERSONALLY thought not enough was done to make sure players returned to their club. Again I do not know what communication took place individually between players and FFT and I can only express how it appeared to me. I am aware of restraint of trade issues which prevent players been “contracted” back to their original club, so bloggers please do not raise this. The issue was the fact that, from my perspective, that FFT did not honor their commitemnt at our meeting (whether by approaching clubs or the individual players). The season is now over and that is where this issue should remain. Hopefully there will not be a reoccurence next year. Again MY issue is not with the individual players. Well done Clarence U19 guys on a great season result.
Comment by Peter Pearce — August 29, 2007 @ 8:30 am
Aww Greg!…and I was about to hit you for a loan…lol
Comment by A Whisper — August 29, 2007 @ 8:51 am
Peter sadly FFT cant nor shouldnt have promised clubs they would try and return state rep players to their original clubs.Once a young player or an older one for that matter moves they form new relationships with team mates fellow club members etc and its not always possible to go back.
For countless years South has benefitted from this exact principle often fielding Central region under 12 teams in under 13 competition
or helping with Bega trips etc etc..
At the end of the day if you want to attract state players back to your club you have to offer them something they want.. obviously what they wanted this year was the academy and they voted with their feet.
The only question that remains is can you attract some of the Clarence graduates to your club or will Clarence need to field a third Div 2 team alonside the two Newtown eagles and two University teams ?
Comment by interested spectator — August 29, 2007 @ 1:58 pm
Interested Spectator - that exact problem will arise as the Div 2 comp will now be the next step below Prem Res and could quite possibly have better teams in it than div 1. By name it may be lower, but by standard it may be higher. KLUSC will have a team in div 2 , as I assume will SH, Zebras, Clarence, Uni, Eagle, Olympic, Taroona ?, Metro ? and maybe Knights (although this one may be doubtful).
Comment by charlie white — August 29, 2007 @ 2:57 pm
Interested Spectator
The questions you ask brings me back to the set up for 2009.
Once again if the SPL became one 12 (or so) team division (as is likely with the teams involved) with the structure as noted, this would open the door for the SPL Clubs and everyone else to play in the more “social” competition where there are not such requirements. Given this structure, why not have a number of under 19 divisions if there are players to play in them. Only the SPL Divisions need to be so structured. Food for thought.
Comment by A Whisper — August 29, 2007 @ 3:01 pm
It sounds like too many people are wanting to have their cake and eat it too.
Where would you place a number of U/19 divisions??
Comment by Blackjack — August 30, 2007 @ 1:18 am
The same place you have a number of U13/U14/U15/U16 and U17 Divisions I would imagine. But let me reverse the question BJ. What do you see happening to the larger and larger numbers of Juniors that will reach U19 age status (or the ability to play at that level) in the next few years and don’t make the 180 or so that will play in SPL teams if I am right about a one division 12 team competition.? If you were FFT how would you be planning a pathway to keep those players interested?
Comment by A Whisper — August 30, 2007 @ 7:54 am
AW, the only thing I need to impress upon you is the entire senior structure is about to undergo a formidable restructure - SPL being reduced to eight teams and then the Div.1 going to a three tiered structure. Div.1 clubs will need to obtain their U18-19 squads so they’ll be casting around for players. That will take-up a few players. But the structure needs to come right from U12 NOT just whacking in a few extra U19 comps. It needs a little more foresight and planning than that.
We have discussed this previously but I have cut and pasted an idea from a previous discussion. I welcome your input.
PREMIER YOUTH SUPER LEAGUE
This structure may best suit clubs to survive, provide pathways and move forward over the next 3-5 years;
Competition Format
We need to have a format that is structured – organised and where ever possible played at club grounds to ensure that players are part of the club – not teams just wearing a club shirt.
Therefore;
1. A premier league Youth team competition
2. Age groups - Boys 13-14-15-18 (it could even go up to U21)
3. Age group girls 15 (year 2 could expand to include 13)
4. Clubs be invited (obviously through FFT) to enter teams in this competition format as per suggested in year 1
5. MUST have teams in all age groups to compete (in year 1 it maybe 3 boys age groups 1 girl ie Boys 13-14-15, Girls 15)
6. Games would be played on Sundays (this would allow players who must participate for Schools on Saturdays to be available)
7. Games would start say 10.00am – 11.15am – 12.30pm -2.00pm.
8. Games on a home and away basis
9. Looking at numbers playing now it is believe you will get at least 6 but possibly 8 clubs who could fulfill these parameters
10. Could now – South Hobart- Kingborough- Clarence- Zebras- Eagles – Metro – Taroona (Metro- have 13/14/ girls team would need to recruit a boys 13 and Zebras have 13-14-15 boys would need to recruit girls 15)
11. Would not allow school teams to enter they can still play in Saturday comp and also club based Sunday comp (this would satisfy the club v school issue)
12. Clubs can and should be encouraged to field other teams in Saturday comps
13. No State – Regional rep teams in this league (in actual fact players should be released to play for their clubs – train with the reps one night, club on the other)
14. Clubs would be allowed to register 15 only in each age group and those 15 would not be allowed to play in Saturday club comp
15. Have a final series based on finishing positions 1 v 4 ; 2 v 3 to winners play off in Final
Advantages for clubs
1. Clubs now have a structured program leading into senior football
2. Players – parents are being brought into the club ethos thus allowing for those participants to be involved with the whole club not just 1 team ( as is current set up)
3. Teams playing at same ground same day creates a football family club atmosphere.
4. Allows clubs to generate funds through kiosk and sponsorship
5. A structured coaching set up came be brought in , individual team coaches plus head coach who sets up program oversees delivery
6. plus allows interaction between senior players and juniors .
Football Tasmania State Rep teams
Would encourage these squads to continue to train but rather than having them compete in rosters have Wednesday nights at KGV as the game time ie 14’s v Club 17’s
15’s v Club 19 ‘s on the same night.
Clubs would then be able to field proper 17 and 19 teams as these games could be used for training and match practice for players – my quick observation of the 19 comp in Hobart is a league filled with fair to good 15-16 year olds but all the better 17 plus are playing seniors – reserves – these players would be a much better challenge for the 15 boys and if clubs had to say commit for two Wednesday’s during the season I don’t believe this would be a major issue.
Comment by Blackjack — August 30, 2007 @ 10:16 am
Hmm…had forgotten to get back to this one and just spotted it. Actually BJ I don’t believe that you either need to or should “impress” anything on me. I respect your opinion and will voice my own and that is as it should be.
Secondly my original assessment, as stated quite clearly, was based on the premise that we only had enough clubs to fill one division of say 12 teams which would further restrict the opportunities for U19 players. If the one division scenario were to eventuate we would in actuality have two separate competitions with a Premier League structure and a Non Premier League (or social) structure going all the way to its own division one. My comment re the multiple U19 divisions was to suggest that the social competition structure might be set up so that U17 players progress into an U19 competition if the numbers warranted it. Therefore the current junior ranks would continue on with those selected for Premier League duties moving sideways.
I have not had the opportunity to fully digest the contents of your cut and paste but one thing strikes me initially. There has been some insinuation in these blogs that the Academy system has concentrated too much on the “elite ” end of the game. The proposal of a Junior Premier League does run the risk of setting up two junior structures where the chosen few get all the coaching and attention and the rest fall by the wayside and further could see the development of elitist club structures that ONLY want to cater for Premier League.
I would prefer to see a club structure with two arms providing a pathway for both the elite and the social which allows the “lesser lights” to receive some of the fall out from the elite approach and coaching programs at club level.
Whilst the current situation is that many of the younger players (16/17) are playing at senior level, it is logical to suggest that as they get older they will not automatically be replaced by 16/17 year olds. They are playing at that level because they are good players and many of them will hold their spots for at least the next ten years. This will make it more difficult for the younger players to force their way into the Premier League on a regular basis.
As you noted, a great deal of planning and foresight is required in this area and the suggestion you have put up here (I do not know if it was yours or someone else’s originally) is one for consideration.
Whilst this blog is a good commentary it is ridiculous to suggest that an exhaustive discussion could be held in this way. It would require leadership, assessment, brainstorming, analysis etc etc. Why does this always bring me back to FFT….
Finally BJ, the ‘Formidable restructure’ that you referred to in your opening remarks above is, as I alluded to, by no means certain. Even FFT in their advice stated that they would reconsider the situation if the scenario seemed unworkable. If at the start of year 2009 we have 8 teams in the SPL Div one and at least 6 in the SPL Div Two as proposed with the structure in place as mooted I will be the first one to say well done. However I somehow doubt that this will occur. At the moment you have the current 10 in the SPL plus Nelson, Beachside and Hobart and Christians as the only ones that MIGHT want to go to the trouble of putting the structure together. The more likely scenario is 12 teams, and that would certainly be better in one league…then we need a rethink. FFT could help this process by seeking expressions of interest for the 2009 structure which would at least give them some forewarning of what is to come. So far they have not shown that they are capable of thinking that far in advance.
Comment by A Whisper — September 7, 2007 @ 9:07 am
Also I just caught up with zio’s comment in another section of the blog (Academies go from substandard to ridiculous). Strangely this echoes what I have just said but on a much larger stage.
Comment by A Whisper — September 7, 2007 @ 9:12 am