The thing is that clubs go in cycles.
You could argue about HAC being in 3rd Div this year. They won the 2nd div 1st grade title last year. However their lower grades struggled in Div 2.
I wonder if we are getting to the point where maybe 1st grade should be graded and then the rest of the club nominates for a division? Using HAC as an example, maybe their 1st grade should be playing against 2nd Div ranked 1st grade sides but the rest of their teams are in 3rd division? Makes logistics tough but just a thought.
There have been plenty of clubs that have a fantastic 1st grade side but the rest of their teams are so so.
If BOBs were pushed up a division next year and the 3rd grade team walk away next year then they could have 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade struggling to compete. What good does that do the club? I am sure the boys would much rather stay in Div 3 and be competitive especially if players leave after any success this year.
I really hope Blueys are competitive in Div 1 next year. As people have said Petersham and Waverley have been able to stay in the top grade for a few years now which is great. As I have said numerous times over the years maybe it is time to promote a few clubs to Div 1. As an example if you pushed Blueys and say Forest up into Div 1 and maybe make HH stay then you will have a few more clubs at a similar level. The problem when promoted is that you go up against clubs that have established teams and that makes life difficult.
It's a very interesting conversation. St Pats last year were hopeless in div 1 now have three teams playing GFs this Saturday. I know the playing group is effectively same, if anything they lost some of their stronger players. Hunters Hill off the top of my head had two teams in the GF last year and were convincing in their run to Div 1. But all indicators are they weren't up to div 1, but I have no doubts they will be near the top of div 2 in 2019. I have nothing but praise for Blue Mountains this year, 5 grades in finals and the top 3 grades in GFs they are deserving of a spot in Kentwell Cup and probably go in with the best season of recent times.
It does remain to be seen how Blue Mountains will compete with the big boys in Div 1. Using St Pats and Hunters Hill as a measuring stick they will probably struggle. Nothing compares to copping a flogging from Mosman across the grades and it will be on the cards next year. If they are to be competitive in Div 1 they will have to get better, do they have it in them, I have no idea. One thing that may assist Blue Mountains in their longevity in Div 1 is that Balmain have been teetering on the edge for a few years and have had fuck all of a colts team for 4 years so are playing a grade short. Same goes for Waverley if they can't sort out their colts problems. Or I could be completely wrong and they follow in the foot steps of Petersham who toughed out some shit years in Div 1 before becoming a powerhouse.