The trouble with football?

Well, I'll tell you.

Too many teams, too many players, too many of those players not up to league standard.

The talent pool has been drained dry and clubs are being forced to scrape the bottom of the barrel of that pool like a drowning man clutching at straws.

In the days of 12 teams there were less players per side, less players listed, ergo:

More players available of a higher standard.

Old timers have been telling us for ages that skill levels have slipped in the modern era, and I for one believe them. Sure, Johnny Just-Going might have a heart as big as a pie cart and put in for 100 minutes but if he's not up to snuff he shouldn't be on the paddock.

How many ordinary games have been seen this season already - and we're only at round six? by round sixteen folks'll be turning up to some games just for a jolly good kip... it'll be that boring!

And who's to blame?

That's right, the league.

The funniest bloke I ever met was a spot-welder...

The most achingly beautiful voice I've heard belonged to a vet nurse in the bush.

The real stars are out there walking amongst us, and that includes footyers.

It's up to the league to un-earth them, and un-earth them now!

How?

Spotters fees.

Come on Andrew!
The league makes more money than it knows how to shake a stick at...

Set up a toll free hotplayer hotline and peel off a lazy 50 for hot tips on hometown heroes who've got the goods.

If they make the grade, forward a further stipend to the caller. for every b.o.g., a little bit more. If they win the Brownlow, give 'em a car!!

We know the league wont return to the days of 12 teams but it can save face and the egg on it by initiating this simple system

For goodness sake league...

Improve the standard, raise the bar; and put a little bit back in the pocket of the folks who line your coffers.

It's not that hard.

I'm Billy and I'm boiling.