The CL format idea is there because this is Australian football. If we're not shooting ourselves in the foot, we should at least bloody well look like we might.

really hope we get 16 from the get go so we can have p and r quickly

That means absolutely nothing, Con.

If it ends up a CL format that will create little better than a 3rd tier comp, you're very unlikely to get P&R until a proper NST is developed, and then some more.

I'm glad you're here, because it always means progress is being made and we're building something.

I'm confident that we will (on the point of 16). The hurdle I'm expecting the large cull to occur is at the actual review after submission. Clubs had well over 5 years to ingest this stuff before applying. So far, most of the clubs to drop out have been those who didn't appear to be all that active in the initial discussion phases some years ago. The clubs that have already announced their application on the other hand..... they've been active at the start of AAFC, talk of "the championship" and generally been smarting for 20 years that they got dropped to state leagues and plotting their way back ever since.

I think we'll have more applications than final teams in the league that's for sure.

P/R quickly I don't think so. I don't think that's a bad thing either, the more important thing is a roadmap and clear actions and milestones along the way.

That's good. I'm happy to see some people here excited, although nothing has happened yet despite 6 years in the planning.

any updates on marconi?

also who are the 5-6 rumoured clubs?

Accountants? The first thing they will do is risk assessment. 

Six teams have since announced their bids – at time of writing – including three from Victoria and two from New South Wales: NPLM VIC premiers Avondale FC, NPLM NSW premiers APIA Leichhardt, South Melbourne and Preston Lions, as well as Sydney Olympic and Sydney United.

https://keepup.com.au/news/national-second-tier-football-australia-news-update-npl-a-leagues/

https://twitter.com/joeylynchy/status/1696389214114586705
"Syd Olympic, SU58, APIA, Preston, South, and Avondale have all posted about their NST RFP applications. Marconi posted but then deleted.Wollongong Wolves told the Illawarra Mercury.Sunshine Coast posted FA’s release on their Facebook page, I’m guessing that’s a sign?"

Also:

Olympic FC (Brisbane) have withdrawn due to $$/risk (on their FB page)

Sunshine coast have definitely applied:

FB

"Sunshine Coast FC Fire can confirm that we have uploaded all of our material to the ‘Data Room’ as part of the RFP process to Football Australia for the next phase of the National Second Tier.We are not permitted to make any further statements because we are bound by a ‘Confidentiality Deed’.We await Football Australia's response to our submission as they work through the evaluation process.#MadeInTheSunshineCoast #TheFireWay"

Not to you it doesnt I agree Paulie. Hope your not too lonely over in plastic land soon :)

weird one, why even bother with generating the image and posting only to take down???? 

Plenty has happened in the past 5 years unlike a certain promised Aleague stadium Paulie..... 

Apparently GK Knights have withdrawn also.

Happy to hear that, but the brutal reality is that none of them except South Melbourne have a hope in hell of the building anything near the support necessary today exist on a professional footing. 

Quite possibly but its soooo much fun baiting the racists :) hahahahahahaha 

Pre-season in March? wut?

The comp started in Feb in NSW this year

confirmed submissions NST,
APIA Leichhardt
Avondale FC
Marconi Stallions
Preston Lions
South Melbourne
Sunshine Coast FC
Sydney Olympic
Sydney United
Wollongong Wolves

withdrawn from NST,
Gold Coast Knights
Gold Coast United
Olympic FC

no official announcement from the following 14 clubs,
Adelaide City
Brisbane City
Brisbane United (Wynnum Wolves, Brisbane Strikers, Virginia United)
Brunswick Juventus
Canberra Croatia
Football South Australia
Fraser Park
Green Gully Cavaliers
Gungahlin United
Heidelberg United
Melbourne Knights
Rockdale Illinden
South Hobart
Sutherland Sharks

source - Neal Symons (NPL VIC match commentator).

Melbourne Knights have also applied as per their FB post.

South melbourne is an open shut case to enter straight in, of the remaining teams, I just want heidelberg and preston to get in from Vic. 

Sorry, maybe not clear.. I meant to say pre-season training for the clubs FOR a March start would normally start around September October anyway.... 

Im not sure the Bergers can raise the funds... hope they do though.. Preston is another lock and Im pretty sure the Knighst also.... 

Avondale have the moneybags backer but NOTHING else and Im surprised that Brunswick havent announced anything yet. I was assured they had some serious money behind this thing... 

So far 10 x clubs announced, 9 if MArconi really have withdrawn????

Of the rest I would expect/hope to hear announcements from:

Adelaide City
Brisbane City
Brisbane United (Wynnum Wolves, Brisbane Strikers, Virginia United)
Football South Australia
South Hobart
Sutherland Sharks

3 of the 4 semi finalsists of this years NPLVIC may not be in the comp next year..... crazy to think.

I'm surprised Rabieh Krayem has been very quiet, he's been very front foot and claimed the start up cash was already locked in when they did the EOI

With Avondale or Brunswick it's hard to see them getting the fans....Brunswick have fractured clubs and animosity after the split so not like the now Zebras will support them. But I guess just a low risk, with money will talk? I cannot see the Knights getting past the accountants risk assessment at all. 

Why not mate? I would say they have a very strong financial equity position just from the value of the land they are on. Just like days of old they will become the Melbourne/Victorian Croatian community's "main" national club and memberships and money can start rolling in again....  These clubs just need to attract 3,000- 5,000 crowds to home games and they will be OK in my thinking...  Dont forget the Knights have been garbage on the pitch for almost 20 years now, In fact if they get to the GF I think this may be their first final in the NPL era.. If its a South v Knights GF like most of us are hoping the turnout will be 7,000 - 10,000 easily .... great way to cap off the "end of an era" for both of these clubs and a good kickoff for better days to come..... 

Obviously a well-run, well-supported and hugely successful club over time who have contributed massively to Aus football. But things like that recent investigative piece by The Age - will work against them. Why would the accountant types take the risk in their eyes? Even a sniff of risk of bad press and they won't bother.  TBH, I reckon MV would be pushing sh1t up a hill to get in if they were an NPL club applying now.