Can the lack of posts on this forum topic be an indicator into the lack of interest in the National league in general this year (particulary the last few weeks)?? I know I have lost interest and havent really been following it closely. I know for a fact and I think you can see in some performances that the players have lost interest and have said the season is too long.
I think it also has to do with no playoff semis and final. That keeps everything close up until the final round. Right now, and for the last few weeks it seems, we already know who the top two will be. So majority of the league are playing dead rubbers to avoid wooden spoon. It does feel odd that in say the English PL I would never ever dream of it having a playoff system however really want it for the NZ NL.
In terms of support, it just doesn’t feel right supporting one of the Canterbury based teams in Cash Tech or CHCH United. Having played against them all year in the SIL you now are expected to cheer them on – it just feel strange. I personally much preferred getting behind the region and supporting Canterbury United play other regions. A format, that NZ seems to have been built on with top level Cricket, Rugby, netball etc. all being regional franchises rather than club based.
Probably getting off topic here and into a whole different can or worms (old or new NL format), but I definitely preferred the franchise format. It was always fun to cheer on a teammate that made it to the Dragons – rather now player loyalties are tested between staying to their colors or transferring to two sides if they want to play NL.
What are you others seeing at games in terms of support, more or less engagement that years previous to 2021?
Sorry for the long and wounded post!