Bendigo FL discussion 2024

[Forest St End]

I agree with your thoughts AlburyE in the past the QEO was unquestionably the place for finals footy.

It was the big stage for the big league where the big boys shined. As that gravitas has diminished over the years due to things like the pathway system, it has exposed some issues.

The biggest problem is the QEO has the soul of a vampire and the atmosphere of the moon. If you don’t get a good crowd in there, then it’s dead.

Over the years as the diversity of teams in finals has diminished we’ve lost those partisan crowds, especially the country clubs who are the best followings.

When you get Sandhurst playing Strath or Square you end up with a phone booth full of people invested in the game and a large crowd of bystanders just there to have a look. It just doesn’t make for a real footy crowd, it’s like preliminary final AFL crowd vs Grand Final crowd.

I think you definitely improve the atmosphere by heading to some of the other grounds because the game is closer and the crowd is more packed in but as you say there’s drawbacks with those venues.

Maybe it is worth a go but the other thing is the hub has pushed clubs out of the revenue over the years so unless it goes back to clubs making money why would anyone want to put the work in to host?

What we really need is to get back to having more clubs represented in finals more often.

 

[AlburyE]

Eaglehawk also 4 points ahead, you play square and Eaglehawk the next 2 weeks

I agree with your thoughts AlburyE in the past the QEO was unquestionably the place for finals footy.

It was the big stage for the big league where the big boys shined. As that gravitas has diminished over the years due to things like the pathway system, it has exposed some issues.

The biggest problem is the QEO has the soul of a vampire and the atmosphere of the moon. If you don’t get a good crowd in there, then it’s dead.

Over the years as the diversity of teams in finals has diminished we’ve lost those partisan crowds, especially the country clubs who are the best followings.

When you get Sandhurst playing Strath or Square you end up with a phone booth full of people invested in the game and a large crowd of bystanders just there to have a look. It just doesn’t make for a real footy crowd, it’s like preliminary final AFL crowd vs Grand Final crowd.

I think you definitely improve the atmosphere by heading to some of the other grounds because the game is closer and the crowd is more packed in but as you say there’s drawbacks with those venues.

Maybe it is worth a go but the other thing is the hub has pushed clubs out of the revenue over the years so unless it goes back to clubs making money why would anyone want to put the work in to host?

What we really need is to get back to having more clubs represented in finals more often.

Interesting comments. What do others think?

 

[Mad Jack]

I can only answer this with my personal opinion.

The main (large) obstacle to playing finals away from the QEO is this ground is head and shoulders above any other facility in the BFNL. I am talking playing surface, spectator facilities, facilities for the opposition team and even parking. The great players like Peter Moroni, Dereck Filo, Tony Southcombe, Ron Best etc thrived on this QEO. They never viewed South or Sandhurst as having any sort of home ground advantage. It was their stage. Other leagues have alternative ovals for finals. Ballarat and the Ovens & Murray are very good in this regard. The BFNL lags badly behind them.

However in an effort to freshen up the league I believe the early rounds of the finals could be moved, especially outside Bendigo. For example 2v 3 and 4 v 5 is the first week of the finals. If the ladder stays as it is for the purposes of this discussion you could go one of two ways. That is the team finishing higher on the ladder gets the home game. Alternatively you go for a completely neutral venue. Using 2 v 3 as an example Gisborne v Strathfieldsaye could be played at Gisborne as a reward for Gisborne finishing higher on the ladder. If you went for a neutral venue the game could be played at Castlemaine or Maryborough.

What do you think should happen Mad Jack?

I agree - I said it a week or 2 ago in here, all finals excluding the QEO should be spread around, huge revenue raiser for all clubs. And given the dwindling crowds, the atmosphere at smaller grounds would actually be much better. The QEO facilities are amazing, but one thing that’s happened with the away rooms on the pool side is a massive segregation of the 2 teams crowds. The old days were better where 1 teams supporters were in front of the stand, and the others on the hill in front of the south social rooms.
And the days when Filo, Moroni, Southcombe were putting on a show, there were 15,000 in attendance, and the GF was live on TV. The league could only dream of those types of numbers now - finals like the mid-late 90’s when 3 country clubs were right in the mix. Those days are gone.

 

[Forest St End]

Eaglehawk also 4 points ahead, you play square and Eaglehawk the next 2 weeks

If I may dare to dream for a moment, if we can pinch a win against Square, Eaglehawk awaits in the Carlton Draught game with Leigh Montagna. That would be a pretty big day!

 

[Turbos mail]

One region needs to be brave enough to try it first. If that is this region and the likes of a Castlemaine/Flat start to see some success, the conversation will no doubt start in other areas by clubs in similar positions. By success I mean making finals and challenging the good sides.

Other brain farts I have had this week:
Recruits don't drop a point after a year of service, but drop 2 after 2 years of service. -1 each year of service after that.
Players need to play at least 8-10 games each year to lose points, Finals don't count.
Transferring within the league gain a +2, if that player is under 20 its an additional +1
There are no point exemptions/ deductions, just years of service to that club. none of this "moved for work", "has had a few years off and getting back into footy" crap.

What if I young player under 20 at a top side can’t break into the senior side or get continued games and wants to leave for a lower club for more senior opportunities? I don’t like it that they get an extra point let alone more points. Yes if they are playing regular senior footy and leave then I agree the club should be prepared for the player carrying an extra point to say 4 but if they haven’t played more footy why even are they a 3 let alone a possible 4. I don’t think it helps these players looking for senior opportunities..

 

[Trent the flight Steward]

What if I young player under 20 at a top side can’t break into the senior side or get continued games and wants to leave for a lower club for more senior opportunities? I don’t like it that they get an extra point let alone more points. Yes if they are playing regular senior footy and leave then I agree the club should be prepared for the player carrying an extra point to say 4 but if they haven’t played more footy why even are they a 3 let alone a possible 4. I don’t think it helps these players looking for senior opportunities..

I think if they have played under 5 games of senior footy, and the rest in the reserves they should be 1 point

 

[AlburyE]

I agree - I said it a week or 2 ago in here, all finals excluding the QEO should be spread around, huge revenue raiser for all clubs. And given the dwindling crowds, the atmosphere at smaller grounds would actually be much better. The QEO facilities are amazing, but one thing that’s happened with the away rooms on the pool side is a massive segregation of the 2 teams crowds. The old days were better where 1 teams supporters were in front of the stand, and the others on the hill in front of the south social rooms.
And the days when Filo, Moroni, Southcombe were putting on a show, there were 15,000 in attendance, and the GF was live on TV. The league could only dream of those types of numbers now - finals like the mid-late 90’s when 3 country clubs were right in the mix. Those days are gone.

Yes the segregation of the crowds is a valid point. Using a Gisborne v Strathfieldsaye game as an example would you play it at the home ground of the team finishing higher on the ladder (Gisborne) or a neutral venue such as Castlemaine?

 

[rkjc22]

Kyneton going to win 5 of their last 6 to match what they did in Bendigo last year?

 

[Mad Jack]

Yes the segregation of the crowds is a valid point. Using a Gisborne v Strathfieldsaye game as an example would you play it at the home ground of the team finishing higher on the ladder (Gisborne) or a neutral venue such as Castlemaine?

Given it’s pretty much the same teams in finals every year, playing finals at the home of the higher ranked team isn’t going to help with revenue raising for the non-finals teams. Finals venues to be finalised straight after final round, or earlier if possible based on ladder. Senior qualifying on the Saturday, elimination on the Sunday, then other grades elimanation/qualifying to fit in around having as many as the same team at the same ground the same day. Similar for the following week. Senior prelim on neutral territory (QEO unless Sandhurst are playing). Grand Final to remain at QEO).

 

[Mad Jack]

Kyneton going to win 5 of their last 6 to match what they did in Bendigo last year?

Comparing apples with oranges - their team this year is very different to last year.

 

[rkjc22]

Comparing apples with oranges - their team this year is very different to last year.

That's the point.

Leaving Bendigo would fix all their problems, leaving Bendigo would fix many clubs problems according to many.

Kyneton went backwards.

Maybe its not all the league?

 

[rkjc22]

Carol saying Camp can't host finals because of one netball court would be funny if not insulting.

They manage to play regular season games there without issue.

 

[scorereview]

Keen to hear the thoughts from the local supporters on the standard and quality of the umpiring going around country football? With the AFL chopping and changing and the ‘elite’ struggling with consistency, is this flowing into our local football?

What more can be done to assist our local groups with their umpiring, especially with the amount of $$ being thrown around by the clubs for players.

Have posted this in a couple of other groups around the region to get a good gauge on it all.

 

[Mad Jack]

That's the point.

Leaving Bendigo would fix all their problems, leaving Bendigo would fix many clubs problems according to many.

Kyneton went backwards.

Maybe it’s not all the league

How have they gone backwards?

 

[Trent the flight Steward]

How have they gone backwards?

Well you'd think so if they don't make finals in the riddell

 

[Forest St End]

revenue raising for the non-finals teams

What revenue? Doesn’t the hub keep it all?

That's the point.

Leaving Bendigo would fix all their problems, leaving Bendigo would fix many clubs problems according to many.

Kyneton went backwards.

Maybe its not all the league?

Depends on your criteria I suppose, the senior football result is only one small piece of a club.

I’m sure they would point to things like better playing numbers across all teams, bigger crowds, a huge financial boost, much less stress and work for volunteers and committee members and more community engagement in the club as very successful measures.

There’s also the possibility that the Bendigo league isn’t as strong as we assume it is.

Keen to hear the thoughts from the local supporters on the standard and quality of the umpiring going around country football? With the AFL chopping and changing and the ‘elite’ struggling with consistency, is this flowing into our local football?

What more can be done to assist our local groups with their umpiring, especially with the amount of $$ being thrown around by the clubs for players.

Have posted this in a couple of other groups around the region to get a good gauge on it all.

It’s awful and getting worse. Most of the umpire pool appears to be far too old or far too young to do the job effectively and the basic knowledge of the rules is lacking.
Our region is a bit different because there are ongoing issues with the politics of the association which have created issues in recruitment and retention.
Numbers are declining so much I believe it has been decided to drop a league from the roster they currently supply umpires for next year.
As to what can be done, perhaps increasing the pay would help but there would have to be a level of performance expected as well.

 

[Mad Jack]

Well you'd think so if they don't make finals in the riddell

They’re still in the finals mix. And from what I’m told the on field part was only a minor reason in the grand scheme of reasons for the move.

 

[jaa]

Maryborough requesting to move into the MCDFNL. Interesting to see what happens there. LFG might have more on it possibly?

Heard also Giants merger not off the cards either, but not sure how true/ far along that is.

 

[AlburyE]

Maryborough requesting to move into the MCDFNL. Interesting to see what happens there. LFG might have more on it possibly?

Heard also Giants merger not off the cards either, but not sure how true/ far along that is.

I think they need to merge wherever they play to get their player numbers to a healthy level.

 

[Masterclass06]

I think they need to merge wherever they play to get their player numbers to a healthy level.

Correct.

 

[MortlockWatcher]

I think they need to merge wherever they play to get their player numbers to a healthy level.

I think it has come to that, unfortunately.

Having 16 open-age players available to take the field on Saturday was far from acceptable. Out of curiosity, how many players are on the injury list at present?

 

[nesko_25]

Integrity can take a beating in these matches. Somewhere along the line, a club is going to complain about the effort of the players that get handed over to Maryborough.

Is someone going to go hell for leather playing against his own club knowing they need to bridge a percentage gap?

Are they going to lay a solid hip-and-shoulder on a club mate and risk injuring a gun on-baller?

Are they going to play the role of defender with as much heart as a Maryborough player and try not to concede marks or goals?

The scenario that is playing out where not even one open-age football team is being filled currently suggests that the BFNL is not the suitable place for the club in 2025.

Not quite the same but in underage footy there was always fill ins from the other team and often they were fringe players. They were told, you're playing for a spot in your own team next week and they would go in hard against their own teammates as they had something to prove.

 

[Trent the flight Steward]

Not quite the same but in underage footy there was always fill ins from the other team and often they were fringe players. They were told, you're playing for a spot in your own team next week and they would go in hard against their own teammates as they had something to prove.

We used to switch it around each quarter when I was a junior, it was good to go against your mates fir a qtr.

I can't believe a town the size of maryborough has only 16 players available to play. I know the town has many clubs recruit out of maryborough, but that's a really unwell club. It's really sad for footy in the area. If they apply for the mcdfl perry has to be coach. Unless he wants to play at a higher level. Not sure many others on the list are major league footballers. Where do the best kids go to now? I know they've had a bit of talent in the under 16s, where do those kids go, Hesd into Ballarat to better their footy?

I'd hope the giants, Carisbrook, navarre, Avoca and whoever else is close all come together and hold a meeting. All going into the same league, won't help the clubs. There's still the same amount of players in the maryborough area player pool

Also where to for the bfl? Why are aflcv filling in with numbers to get them through the year. You can't ask for 6 players from the opposition. Even get 6 players in from the bye mcdfl teams to get them through

2 clubs lost in 2 years, bfl board, there's a problem, how about a bit of transparency now instead of the bullshit articles in the addy

 

[localfootyguru]

For those interested in our plight at Maryborough FNC an update,

- Saturday was a hard day with low numbers and as mentioned we did have a few from the opposition play for us. Kudos to Kangaroo Flat for their help and support on the day in what was a challenge for us. We are determined to play out the year and I believe we will achieve it. It is not perfect for opposition clubs but I am of the opinion it is better to have a game of football rather than a forfeit. This was the hardest day we have experienced and I think the issue of numerous injuries, terrible weather and school holidays did conspire against us. Our boys again gave their all and many other higher profile clubs with highly paid and often ‘arrogant’ players could really learn a lesson in sticking it out when things are hard rather than asking for a clearance elsewhere.

- As I have mentioned many times, football around Maryborough is doing it tough. Many clubs including ours are finding it hard with finding numbers to field teams every Saturday. The pool of players in town is small and clubs are bringing in players from ‘far and wide’ at often exorbitant costs to put sides on the field. Whilst we are very financial, recruitment is not easy as who wants to play for a club that has struggled on field and potentially an uncertain future. Recruiting high profile and well credentialed players has been discussed and over the past off season we actively went out looking for players with little success. As a club we are not going to get into bidding wars for players wanting money that is way above their level of ability. I can state many of these are going around in the MCDFNL and elsewhere due to clubs just needing the numbers.

- As for our future, we are exploring the MCDFNL option at this time. Whether we stand alone or merge is yet to be confirmed. All options are being looked at. I hope that we can stand alone wherever we end up but we need to continue with the thorough and detailed process that we are undertaking to make sure we can achieve the right outcome whilst allowing our stakeholders and members to have all information when making a decision on what we do in 2025.

Good to have a week off this weekend and move forward for the remainder of the year. We are doing it tough but the players, members and supporters of the club have been amazing this year. The resolve and resilience around the club and its future has not been stronger in years. Whilst tough times can be hard, the wheel eventually moves and success will happen. I am sure we as a club will come through this and get back to some on field football success. It should be mentioned our netball and juniors are having terrific years.

 

[Crazymaggy2020]

And still no comment of any substance from the league

I did hear from a mate In Gisborne recently. He was called from a bendigo board member to stop discussing Gisborne leaving the comp. Seriously - calling randoms who are just discussing what they think are positives for their club ! Are they that spineless ?? I have been told that as soon and a couple of staunch bendigo loving committee are ousted then gizzy are GONE - giants in rdfl going to really thin them out and fast so move can’t be delayed


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