Orange CYMS captain-coach Mick Sullivan would welcome the addition of Group 11 club Dubbo CYMS ahead of the 2017 Group 10 season, but has warned those making the decision of potential disaster in small town communities.
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A four-time premier league title winning coach, Sullivan says the addition of such a strong club would be a massive coup for Group 10 moving forward.
He is, however, aware such a transfer could severely dent the footballing culture in Group 11, which incorporates a host of one-team towns, namely defending premiers Forbes, Parkes, Nyngan, Narromine, Wellington and, as recently as 2015, Cobar.
The scenes after the Magpies 26-22 win over CYMS in this year’s Group 11 grand final are now etched into the competition’s folklore.
Sullivan says he understands the Fishies’ reasons for wanting a change – it has been reported the catalyst for CYMS wanting to move is to play in the same competition as sides from growing, major regional centres of Orange and Bathurst.
“That’s a valid reason and it’d be awesome for Group 10. I’d love to travel over and play at (Caltex Park),” Sullivan said.
“Geographically, the draw probably wouldn’t be too different considering how much travel they do anyway.
“And there’s probably not the same discrepancy in competition here week to week. If you win by 50 in Group 10 it’s a big win. So that might be what they’re interested in as well.
“But I can’t imagine what it would mean for Group 11. To lose such a big club would be tough for the comp.”
He said the potential shake-up in structure didn’t lend itself to one Western competition.
“I don’t think we’re at that point,” he said.
“I know a couple of Group 11 clubs might be struggling. You could have a second division but you don’t want those small towns losing their identity.
“Footy is a big part of those areas.”