They need to make the game actually mean something to the ABL players too - for the older ABL guys who would put up more of a fight, what is the incentive to play? How about some recognition from the CABL in a official capacity? Make it a team worth trying to make and an event worth participating in.
I understand Boti's point that the CABL All-Star 5 would have been more competitive, but they mostly comprise of imports and they are generally no longer in Australia four weeks after the GF.
Put together a squad full of locals and announce the team at half time of the CABL GF - use that opportunity to promote it.
A roster like the below surely would have provided a tougher challenge and they are all currently in Adelaide.
Matthews / Spud
Lycett / Webber
Klaeson / Phillips / Fieldes
Starling / Clausen
Truslove / Reid / Mottram
...Or what about the top four teams in the CABL play against the Sixers for one quarter each? Teams will already know plays etc. so no extra training or try outs are required and each team only needs 7 or 8 to run out a quarter. This will probably get more locals to come and watch their senior side try give it to the Sixers. The ten minute mini games might actually mean the results will be close!
If a Sixer played for one of those local teams (like Gibson for Forestville) then they would play for the CABL side. Can't you see Gibson busting his gut trying to beat his Sixer teammates with the Forestville boys? I feel like that would be something that would interest a heap of Forestville supporters.
I for one would love to see my local club have a crack at the Sixers, even if it is for only one quarter.
Make it free entry for all U18s wearing CABL or Sixers gear, $5 for adults.
At the end of each quarter, the oncoming CABL team's juniors who are at the game go into a raffle to win a family pass to the first Sixers game.
Have it on a Saturday afternoon at Wayville or Pasadena with additional seating stands. Sausage sizzle outside. Get sponsors to donate small door prizes. After the game there can be a free come and try coaching clinic with Joey, Mahersey and those Sixers who didn't play in the matches due to injury.
There you have it... a relatively cheap and effective way to reach Sixers fans and CABL club supporters whilst building some excitement for the upcoming season.
