"I think it’s time to look at the proper old Aussie clubs like South Melbourne and Marconi. "
Too late. Those guys are founder members of the Australian Championship aka National Second Division and they just want the A-League to die.
Too late. Those guys are founder members of the Australian Championship aka National Second Division and they just want the A-League to die.
Other clubs like Melbourne Knights (not in the original 8 team NSD) have been far more anti A League.
As long as eventually pro/rel is introduced, these clubs will want to be part of the ALM. APL wants to with time get a two tier ALM A1 & A2 setup, 10 teams in each, 20 teams in total. Plan is for that to happen slowly. Teams being invited up from the NSD, or maybe new franchise teams in places like Tasmania, Christchurch etc.
Canberra joins the 2025/26 season that's 14 teams. So it could be that 4-6 NSD clubs get invited into the A League over time, as they prove themselves strong financially, good fan bases, sponsors etc.
The NSD could just be 8 NSW & VIC teams when it launches next year. That ain't much more exciting than just being at NPL level. South Melbourne & it's fans will want to get into the A League.