Benalla & District

[hansie]

Help is needed

January 26 2007
Shepparton News

Swanpool and Bonny Doon Football Clubs have joined the chorus of executive voices imploring Victorian Country Football League to provide more assistance to the beleaguered Benalla District Football League in the wake of the demise of rival team Devenish.

As reported in The News on Wednesday the Barbers have withdrawn from the 2007 season citing player numbers, the drought and the inability to form a committee among reasons for the club's demise.

However, Swanpool secretary Lance Bradshaw believes a lack of forward thinking by the state's governing body is in part to blame for the decision undertaken by the 2005 premier.

"To keep our league alive we need the support of the VCFL," Bradshaw said yesterday.

"Part of remaining viable is to include a thirds competition.

"Three clubs had under18s ready to get up and running, but we didn't have the support of the VCFL on that, despite it being an important part of a 26-page submission that was made.

"We also thought when the Central Goulburn League folded that we might have got some of the teams from that competition, but instead they decided to send Thornton-Eildon south over the Black Spur."

Bonny Doon president and league vice-president Terry Dale, along with general manager John Ronke, concurs with Bradshaw in taking aim at the VCFL over the league's future.

"We've been trying to get juniors off the ground for about 10 years," Dale said.

"But as far as the VCFL is concerned it just won't happen.

"That means we've got to look at other options."

A special meeting has been convened for February 13 with the respective clubs' hierarchies expected to map out the way forward.

"Having juniors would give our clubs a future," Ronke said.

Eager to ensure long-term viability

January 26 2007
Shepparton News

The support of the five existing Benalla District Football League clubs is paramount according to Victorian Country Football League regional manager John O'Donohue.

Flying in the face of criticism the state's governing body has neglected Benalla District Football League, O'Donohue said he was looking forward to working to ensure the long-term viability of remaining teams.

"We've known of Devenish's predicament for a while and we know that a lot of smaller communities have been hit hard," he said.

"But the future of the league will be driven by the remaining clubs and there won't be any pressure for them to go anywhere.

"If the clubs are happy with a five-team competition we're happy to support that, but as we get closer to the start of the season we'll be looking more closely at things.

"As a football community we need to look at how we can work together."

O'Donohue has also rejected claims the VCFL has prevented the development of junior teams in the league.

"There were insufficient numbers of junior players available to warrant that decision," he said.

"The Benalla Junior Football League that currently exists in the region filters players into leagues like the Goulburn Valley, Ovens and King and Kyabram District.

"In consultation with those leagues and their clubs it was considered disadvantageous to change things from the way they are."

Hear hear on the call by Swanny and Doon on this!

 

[slim18]

Hear hear on the call by Swanny and Doon on this!

All clubs are the master of their own destiny. Forward and contingency plans have to be on all clubs agendas.

 

[localfootyguru]

Disappointing news in regards to the demise of the Barbers and the competition in general. The lack of support by the VCFL and the tripe spoken by them as the governing body for county footy riles me!! There was certainly an opportunity to change football in the region with the demise of the CGFL but that certainly was stuffed up. Im pretty sure after speaking with guys from the "Boners" that they werent interested in joining the Benalla competition as they felt they were better prepared and would be better placed in a stronger league.

I am still not convinced that Yea shouldnt have been sent south too due to their rivalry with both Alexandra and Thornton Eildon, for me that probably would have been a better outcome but the VCFL obviously knew better as usual!!!

 

[big tony]

Disappointing news in regards to the demise of the Barbers and the competition in general. The lack of support by the VCFL and the tripe spoken by them as the governing body for county footy riles me!! There was certainly an opportunity to change football in the region with the demise of the CGFL but that certainly was stuffed up. Im pretty sure after speaking with guys from the "Boners" that they werent interested in joining the Benalla competition as they felt they were better prepared and would be better placed in a stronger league.

I am still not convinced that Yea shouldnt have been sent south too due to their rivalry with both Alexandra and Thornton Eildon, for me that probably would have been a better outcome but the VCFL obviously knew better as usual!!!

Yea to the south, Tatong/Swanpool to Picola, Dev/G'Bat to Picola in a 3 division comp with the murray league well..........I don't know I'd hate to be runnin the VCFL at that moment we're all pretty good experts!!!

 

[galloping gasometer]

Yea to the south, Tatong/Swanpool to Picola, Dev/G'Bat to Picola in a 3 division comp with the murray league well..........I don't know I'd hate to be runnin the VCFL at that moment we're all pretty good experts!!!

Picola cant have a 3rd tier league as they complain about the travel now. Imagine in a couple of years if you add these teams ( ps - no mention of Longwood) based on relegation and promotion you could have Swan pool playing at Deni as an away game. Wont work. Bring on the new league

 

[big tony]

Picola cant have a 3rd tier league as they complain about the travel now. Imagine in a couple of years if you add these teams ( ps - no mention of Longwood) based on relegation and promotion you could have Swan pool playing at Deni as an away game. Wont work. Bring on the new league

in that situation you meet half way, this is the only way we will keep country football alive!!

 

[mercs]

Only direction the Picola league will go in, in my opinion would be teams such Deni Rovers, Berrigan, Mathoura & Blighty to into the Coreen league and then maybe they will have room to add a couple of B & D clubs. They have reduced the travelling in the Picola league will teams such as Katandra, Shepp East, Tungamah, Waaia etc playing each other twice so they dont have travel NSW way

 

[galloping gasometer]

in that situation you meet half way, this is the only way we will keep country football alive!!

The way to keep country footy alive is to make a few decisions, which the VCFL seem to be remiss in doing. I appplaud the clubs who have spoken about a thirds comp as this would be a step forward and give the clubs some juniors to come through the ranks.

If the VCFL was serious about helping the BDFL they would have made a couple of the sides like Thorrnton Eildon join a couple of seasons ago. Either a new league based on location and a step up for the existing teams or let them all know at the start of the season where they stand.

 

[slim18]

Yea to the south, Tatong/Swanpool to Picola, Dev/G'Bat to Picola in a 3 division comp with the murray league well..........I don't know I'd hate to be runnin the VCFL at that moment we're all pretty good experts!!!

Why not put G/bat and a tatong /swannie combine into the O&K. Brings it up to 12 teams.Take the pressure off Picola and Ky leagues

 

[Snakeman66]

Why not put G/bat and a tatong /swannie combine into the O&K. Brings it up to 12 teams.Take the pressure off Picola and Ky leagues

But what about Bonnie Doon and Longwood?


The VCFL should be assisting in having as many players as possible playing football(regardless of quality). This league is providing a game of football for 200+ players each week many of who would be lost to football if this league were to fold.

Standard may not be high but does it have to be?

 

[slim18]

But what about Bonnie Doon and Longwood?


The VCFL should be assisting in having as many players as possible playing football(regardless of quality). This league is providing a game of football for 200+ players each week many of who would be lost to football if this league were to fold.

Standard may not be high but does it have to be?

Not being nasty here snake but what % of those 200 are playing just to try and keep clubs alive for a future that is dubious at best.

 

[galloping gasometer]

Not being nasty here snake but what % of those 200 are playing just to try and keep clubs alive for a future that is dubious at best.

If you look at GV there are plenty of "older blokes" running around in the 2nds to make up numbers. Unfortunately this problem is not only based on the BDFL but all leagues. I agree the league status is questionable but I would guarantee that if these clubs all folded there would be a warm invitation supplied to players from about 6 directions to get numbers up.

 

[Andyt30]

clubs who Fold are less likly to reform unlike Clubs who go in to recess more likley like Riddell's Creek in the Riddell's Football league did a few years ago

Yaapeet in the mallee went into recess a few years ago but never returned
can;t see Devenish coming back not these days anyway in the early days would have been no problems it happens every where unfortunally
they should have merged even if the closest club was half and hours away

 

[slim18]

If you look at GV there are plenty of "older blokes" running around in the 2nds to make up numbers. Unfortunately this problem is not only based on the BDFL but all leagues. I agree the league status is questionable but I would guarantee that if these clubs all folded there would be a warm invitation supplied to players from about 6 directions to get numbers up.

Thats what I was getting at..The guys who should retire can and clubs at the next level would be comfortable with no's.

 

[galloping gasometer]

Thats what I was getting at..The guys who should retire can and clubs at the next level would be comfortable with no's.

All blokes are different though Slim. Try telling blokes they must retire at a certain age and they will probably try to prove you wrong. Some blokes can play in the 2nds quite successfully for years depending on size, fitness and desire. Agree though some should probably be told.

 

[black n' white army]

B&D season looking likely to be extended to 20 rounds, each team meeting 4 times during season, finals to be cut to 3 weeks. Kick off the weekend after easter (14th April). Grand Final to be played 22/23 Sept.

A league Meeting to confirm above to be held next tuesday 13th Feb.

 

[cain1]

I heard that Devenish was given a grant of around 27000 for water on their ground. Could this save them??? Also Dev and the bats could never merg thier is a lot of history thier.

 

[slim18]

I heard that Devenish was given a grant of around 27000 for water on their ground. Could this save them??? Also Dev and the bats could never merg thier is a lot of history thier.

I think the grant was for infastructure. They would still have to buy water..
$3000 pa plus

 

[randallbone]

Maybe they think Redfern got more to offer the club as he has been around that area for a far while now

Have they recruited anyone Mercs? Who are the teams to watch this year?

 

[mercs]

Have they recruited anyone Mercs? Who are the teams to watch this year?

I dont no mate I am not involved in that league and I have not seen Brendan for a while now so sorry cannot help with that one

 

[black n' white army]

Have they recruited anyone Mercs? Who are the teams to watch this year?

Not sure how Longwood have recruited, but if they manage to retain players such as Marcus Hill & Scott Paulke, they will be up there.
Its probably a 2 horse race between Longwood & Goorambat at this stage. Tatong an outside chance.

 

[Trotta]

black n' white army you know as much as i do that Tatong see themselves further ahead then longwood and closer if not better chances than Goorambat! Plenty of new faces from higher leagues comin down for a kick with the magpies. Good ploy to try and go under the radar tho..

 

[black n' white army]

black n' white army you know as much as i do that Tatong see themselves further ahead then longwood and closer if not better chances than Goorambat! Plenty of new faces from higher leagues comin down for a kick with the magpies. Good ploy to try and go under the radar tho..

Considering i have looked on the B&D website and clearly see there are no new signings to the league... how do you justify a team that won the premiership by a large margin who has not lost any players would not start raging favourites for season 2007? Doon has an ageing list that is why i believe Longwood are better placed if they hold onto their players from last season to challenge Goorambat.

 

[slim18]

Considering i have looked on the B&D website and clearly see there are no new signings to the league... how do you justify a team that won the premiership by a large margin who has not lost any players would not start raging favourites for season 2007? Doon has an ageing list that is why i believe Longwood are better placed if they hold onto their players from last season to challenge Goorambat.

When you see who runs out wearing a different jumper in rd1 we'll all know who has the best chance. Hope Tatong's money lasts for more than 1 season though. Just incase they cant pull it off this year.

 

[mercs]

When you see who runs out wearing a different jumper in rd1 we'll all know who has the best chance. Hope Tatong's money lasts for more than 1 season though. Just incase they cant pull it off this year.

they may only need one season who no's what the future holds