Shouldn't they just raise the number of games for the Lions players to qualify from 3 to say 8? The Lions also had a relatively low injury count during the year that contributed to the making the reserves a stable side.
Also, Southport has dominated the last 10 years or more so what's the difference now with a few more better teams. Is it possible for the other teams to improve?
unless it's a side with AFL level income they just cannot hope to compete if an AFL side throws up 18 players. AFL sides start in mid oct - early nov with gameplanning, 10 - 15 fitness sessions a week, nutrition etc along with in house doctors, physios, shrinks, dieticians, massage, food, gym, rehab facilities etc etc.
NEAFL side, even the most financial. start after xmas - mid Jan, a max of 5 sessions a week if they can fit it in around work, kids, WAGS. got a niggle, keep going, need a doctor wait with everyone else. Need physio, there might be a team preferred phyiso who might be able to get you in if you can get off work to see them. Massage, yellow pages for you. Rehab from injury, AFL team = hyperbaric chambers, ice baths, acupuncture etc NEAFL side, umm yeah do what you can to take it easy.
and it shows. the lions could run faster, for longer, with bigger bodies. once it got to the point where there was some fatigue, the lions had it wrapped up.