THE Maroochydore Roos have failed in their bid for inclusion in next year's premier QAFL competition.
But if Roos president Craig Scrase was disappointed, he wasn't showing it.
In fact, Scrase applauded the QAFL's decision to reconstruct the state league, saying it will strengthen the Sunshine Coast competition.
Scrase said the new structure will boost community football on the Coast by renewing traditional rivalries from the '70s and '80s.
He said he expected the Coast league to return to the high standard of football of that time.
"Maroochydore was a very successful club during that period and the level of the competition was quite high," he said.
"There are a number of new clubs who have come into our competition and they will have to raise their standards another level to be able to compete."
Formerly part of the state league's Allied Pickford Cup, the Roos will now compete in the QFA northern division, effectively a second-tier competition.
Scrase said the constant travel of recent times had caused the Roos to distance themselves from their supporter base.
He said playing more games locally would provide an opportunity for Maroochydore to reconnect with their supporters.
"They haven't been able to travel with us, so this will allow us to generate that passion that comes with supporting your community," he said.
Scrase said the QAFL also highlighted distance as a major contributing factor in declining their application and were concerned at the financial ramifications.
He said the QAFL felt the QFA northern division provided an opportunity for Sunshine Coast clubs to consolidate in preparation for future QAFL bids.
"There is the pride of going into the state league, but at the same time there is absolutely no shame in remaining in the standard we are at and trying to raise the profile and raise the standard of the competitor clubs around us," he said.
"We can help Caloundra and Nambour get up to our standard and that's only going to be better for football.
"If our 22 are playing a stronger 22 from the neighbours, we are all going to be better footballers than if we are getting flogged by 100 points by some team out of the Gold Coast.
"The same goes if we are flogging someone by 100 points.
"No one gets to be better footballers that way."
The premier of the QFA northern division will have the opportunity to apply for promotion to the QAFL.
Scrase was awarded the 2013 south-east Queensland volunteer of the year.
QFA NORTHERN
Aspley 2, Caboolture, Caloundra, Kedron, Maroochydore, Mayne, Nambour, Noosa, Pine Rivers, Redcliffe.
Written by Anthony Brand for the Sunshine Coast Daily
http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/roos-looking-on-the-bright-side-of-revamp/2026744/
Last Modified on 20/09/2013 14:48