This year's SG Ball team didn't "suck" - SG Ball is a tough competition and is a massive step up from Harold Matts. The quality of player across the SG Ball comp is higher overall given the greater focus on the technical elements of the game. This is compared to Harold Matts where, in a lot of cases, size / physicality is often sufficient for success in the grade - this doesn't mean that is all that is required, and our young players are being coached very well by TJ and the team to develop the finer points of the game, but at SG Ball level, most players are well versed in those technical elements. Our development pathways are still developing, and we're putting together the pieces of that puzzle across all grades. Next year's SG Ball side (and the player's from this year's side) will be better off due to the adversity faced this season.
Our 2025 SG Ball team also had a number of injuries (not an excuse for results, but a reality) - including injuries to key Harold Matts players from last year, such as
Jack Thompson and
Lennox Tuiloma.
In terms of the first part of your question, not all Harold Matts (17s) kids from one year will play SG Ball (19s) next year. Each squad will have some kids who are a year younger so that they will play two years in the grade - for example,
Tyson Hansen played a second year of Harold Matts this year and Hiraka the same in SG Ball. This helps to build some consistency and avoid a complete squad turnover year to year. Of this year's crop of Harold Matts, some will stay on (not sure which are 16s), some will make the SG Ball squad, some (hopefully not many) will take opportunities at other clubs and the rest will play club footy in 2026 with a view to being selected in the SG Ball squad for 2027.
