Snort
Nev Cottrell (35)
To all GPS and CAS supporters,
I just happened to see that the annual Rep game between these two associations is June 10, so not far off!
That means the CAS will have had 2 comp rounds and the GPS 1 comp round.
I know this happens every year, but in the good old days, it happened after the last comp game was played, I assume many can remember this occurence!
So whilst players have had a number of games under their belt, eg the cross association games etc, you wouldn't imagine selectors having been at many/any of these games, or necessarily the best games to be at, which makes me think these Rep teams are chosen way too early. I know politics always prevails as to who is already selected, even before strapping on a boot, but wow, to me this does not give all boys an equal opportunity to press for selection, and is way too early in the season.
This has been the process in recent years but can anyone explain why?
Keen for other peoples views!
By the way, we all enjoy defeating the other foe in these match-ups, but I would still much rather win my association!
Agree, WLF, but I think this is a consequence of the four-term school year and the need to play the Schools championship in the mid-year break. I doubt it can be changed. Nor does there seem to be a great will to change it: I agree with Rod's observation that the championships have now been devalued to an unfortunate extent.
I also think your last point is right. I remember a few years back, there was an Associated Schools side that needed (for the balance of the team) a player to play in a particular position. He argued that playing in another position would improve his chances of CAS selection. His coach told him: "Maybe. But no-one remembers who plays CAS. Everyone remembers who wins premierships."