MURMURINGS of discontent among some EDFL clubs recently developed into open discussion at a league delegates meeting, with several demanding that the league executive start looking at the future development of football across the district.
Word from clubs in the West Gippsland sector of the EDFL suggests that discussions became ‘quite robust’ at the meeting, with the so-called ‘hills clubs’ seemingly happy with their lot, in contrast to those closer to rival Alberton and Casey Cardinia competitions.
Among the points raised was the introduction of a Player Points System similar to that operating in the Casey Cardinia League, together with the possibility of the addition of clubs and restructure of the league into divisions. While debate was effectively gagged after a short time, serious discussion continues across the EDFL fraternity.
Also, with the recent announcement of the probable movement of PHILLIP ISLAND and WONTHAGGI from the Alberton League, together with the imminent demise of GARFIELD in the WGLFL, the formation of a separate EDFL south-western division looks more than feasible. Stay tuned for more on this one.
TERRIBLE news at LANG LANG with youngster Dean Brown set to miss the entire 2009 football season after suffering serious internal injuries, including a lacerated liver and a punctured lung, in a recent car accident.
Since making his senior debut in 2005, at the age of 15, the exciting blond-haired wingman has been one of the Tigers’ most consistent players.
His run, carry, delivery and ability to direct play through the midfield has played a big role in Lang Lang’s resurgence that saw them play in last season’s grand final.
The Tigers are planning a function in coming weeks to help with ‘Deanos’ rehabilitation costs and all wish him a speedy recovery.
THERE was precious little to cheer about for COLLINGWOOD supporters in last Friday’s NAB Cup grand final against GEELONG. However, there were a few consolation smiles at the Rowley Allen Reserve afterwards.
Former KEYSBOROUGH junior and regular visitor to his old club Chris Bryan was the only player to slot a super-goal on the night, thereby earning $1000 for the Burra, courtesy of the major sponsor. In more good news for the club, hard-at-it centre half-forward Greg Walker has been cleared back to the Burra after an unhappy year with Peninsula League club CHELSEA.
GARFIELD’s dire situation is not being ignored by the powers that be with VCFL Eastern Victoria area manager Ben O’Brien keeping close scrutiny on the Stars’ desperate bid to recruit enough players to field two sides in the WGLFL this year.
Word from inside Beswick Street suggests that recent publicity has sparked plenty of positive noises from supporters, but precious few players so far.
Of interest was the opinion of one Casey Cardinia League mover and shaker on the weekend, who suggested that should the Stars shut up shop for 2009, most of its senior players would likely have to play with other WGLFL or EDFL clubs, because of the MPNFL’s restrictive Player Points System.
Senior WGLFL players attract four points each and many CCL sides are already close to the limit.
FORMER DOVETON and TOORADIN coach Tom Hallinan has apparently been on the lookout for the NAR NAR GOON stool-pigeon who was responsible for the recent sledge in Footy Shorts after he collected a netball goal post with his forehead at training.
At Saturday night’s ‘team bonding’ session Hallinan’s dobber confessed and took his medicine.
Goon teenager Brodie Howe was the culprit and, fortunately for him, Tommy saw the funny side of it and let him off with a clip behind the ear.
“It wasn’t the fact that it got in the paper,” chuckled the Goon’s star recruit. “It was the fact that he said I hit the deck afterwards.
“That bit was not true and I just warned him to get his story right if he’s going to talk out of school. But don’t worry, he’ll get his – it’s a long season!”
DEVON MEADOWS teenager and 2008 Pakenham Gazette Young Gun Stefan Baumgartner has achieved step one in his goal to play at the top level by making this year’s final DANDENONG STINGRAYS’ list.
Baumgartner was cut from the TAC Cup side at the last minute last year due to what he was told was an unsatisfactory skin-fold and, rather than sulk, the talented midfielder played an outstanding season of senior football in the Casey Cardinia League, putting his name back up for selection.
Baumgartner’s fitness nor dedication cannot be questioned and he joins another highly skilled Casey Cardinia League hopeful in Madison Andrews from BERWICK at the Stingrays this season.
WITH the loss of Dean Brown, LANG LANG now looks to be well down on personnel from last year. Star ruckman Dale Robinson has moved back to BERWICK and utility Luke Franklin, ruck-rover Blake Batt and former GIPPSLAND POWER ruckman Sam Cole have all moved interstate.
To compound their woes, club stalwart Brad Michie has retired, defender Seamus Scanlon is unavailable and veteran rover John Thwaites is likely to be sidelined with a long-term wrist injury.
On the upside, the Tigers played their first practice match on Friday night and, while they went down by a point to TARWIN LOWER, there were plenty of encouraging signs with good performances from 18-year-old on-baller Ricky Caddell, tall forward Chris McCurdy and former Berwick forward David Williams.
Newcomer Luke Muirhead, a tall forward who played junior football at Berwick and senior football atMOOROOLBARK, caught the eye in front of the big sticks and should be a handy acquisition.
Lang Lang will meet NAR NAR GOON at home this Saturday and will then host PEARCEDALE on Saturday, 28 March.
THERE is finally some good news for HAMPTON PARK followers with tough midfielder Linden Fredericks doing an about-face and returning to the Booth Reserve, after flirting with a move to PEARCEDALE.
A Panthers’ source confirmed that Fredericks had informed the club that he would not be applying for a clearance and that he would be staying with his brothers Brendan and Sheldon at the Redbacks’ nest.
NAR NAR GOON will host its season launch at the club this Sunday, 22 March, with something for everyone on offer.
The day will start with junior registration at 10.30am until noon, followed by lunch and an afternoon of entertainment in preparation for the 2009 season.
Highlights will include an address by special guest former ESSENDON star Terry Daniher and an interview with favourite son Lachlan Hansen as he embarks on his third season with NORTH MELBOURNE.
LONGWARRY has been pleasantly surprised by the return of midfielders Royce and Ray Ablett over summer.
Both Ablett’s were signed before 2008 from BUNYIP, but were barely sighted around the club last year.
However since Christmas both have attended training on a regular basis and should they keep up the commitment, the Crows will have the equivalent of two new recruits.
Former GARFIELD goalsneak Beau Runnalls, who played football interstate with BURLEIGH HEADS last season, has also signed with Longwarry and should provide a good foil for new BERWICK recruit George Gorozidis.
The Crows intend to play a six-quarter practice match against GARFIELD this Saturday starting at 12.30pm at Longwarry.
STAR CATANI recruits Shaun Pickering from GARFIELD and Fiatupu Too Too from NYORA impressed in their first practice match in a navy-blue jumper against KORUMBURRA on Saturday.
Fringe dwellers, Vince Meehl, Phil Strahan and Tom Grant all staked their claim for more senior football this season, while key defender Nathan Ruskin, not always noted for his pre-season application, also played with plenty of enthusiasm.
On the downside, classy midfielder and reserves coach Josh Tymensen is carrying a groin injury and is doubtful to play at all this year.
The Blues will host a practice match this Saturday against DROUIN.
