1
This format is not new. Been successful in a number of places. 2018 and 2019 will have lots of teething issues and a Premiergrade club ( say seeded 1 ) playing against Champ club ( say seeded 12) will be expected to post a big score in Round 1. However I believe Premiergrade club seeded 8 vs club seeded 12 will be a lot closer. There is now a clear pathway for any junior joining a club to stay with his mates and his club through to 1st grade. There is incentive for clubs losing 150 to nil in 2018 to perhaps halve that loss in 2019. Clubs ending up 9 - 16 and hence Division 2 in 2018 can aspire to progressing on their own merit to Division 1 in 2019.