Bendigo FL discussion 2024

[Forest St End]

I might be naive, but I'd doubt more than 10 guys would have got over a 1k a game last year in the bfl.

My guess would be 20-30.

It really is time to stop this crap. Hopefully you're just stirring the pot. If you think a club that was set up over the past 25 years by Danny Ellis and currently looked after by great people with incredible integrity would do that then you are so far off the mark it's embarrassing for you.

This topic has probably been done to death now so I’ll leave it by saying I like to make it clear when I post if I know something or if I’m just speculating.

In this case I am absolutely 100% certain of the information, without a shadow of a doubt.

 

[NeonLeon81]

It really is time to stop this crap. Hopefully you're just stirring the pot. If you think a club that was set up over the past 25 years by Danny Ellis and currently looked after by great people with incredible integrity would do that then you are so far off the mark it's embarrassing for you.

Agreed. Slandering peoples good names and reputations without any fact or knowledge is pathetic

 

[Forest St End]

Agreed. Slandering peoples good names and reputations without any fact or knowledge is pathetic

I agree.

 

[NeonLeon81]

My guess would be 20-30.



This topic has probably been done to death now so I’ll leave it by saying I like to make it clear when I post if I know something or if I’m just speculating.

In this case I am absolutely 100% certain of the information, without a shadow of a doubt.

20-30 1k + per games players in the BFNL? You have just shown me how little you know about anything. It’ll allow me now to get so agitated by what is clear trolling or stupidity from now that at least.

 

[MortlockWatcher]

Simple solution. Ditch the cap.

(Then we wouldn't have had to endure reading the last few pages on here.)

Many people here can name a number of clubs around the state where there is a strong suspicion that they are being loose with their salary cap arithmetic and there are dozens of ways of successfully hiding illegal payments, so investigating is a waste of time.

Having points as the sole form of equalisation is the most upfront way and clubs and leagues can focus on other issues rather than wasting time trying to trace the (usually) untraceable cash flow trail.

If clubs send themselves broke trying to buy premierships, more fool them. But at least having a points system will stop them going overboard with big-name signings.

The points have been able to bring some of the bigger spending metro clubs to heel on the field, so it is not always a case of the club with the most money wins.

 

[Forest St End]

20-30 1k + per games players in the BFNL? You have just shown me how little you know about anything. It’ll allow me now to get so agitated by what is clear trolling or stupidity from now that at least.

That’s the great thing about opinions, everyone is free to form their own.

For my part I’m very secure in what I know and where I learn it from and I think my posts over the years have reflected that.

 

[Del28562]

The problem with scrapping the cap is metro clubs were paying double of country clubs and country clubs were paying a price to get average footballers. At least with the cap in place we've seen far better players leave metro clubs. The ovens and murray was super strong, north central was the strongest it's been in 40 years.

I wouldn't be paying 20 guys in the league 1k a game in the bfl. Greene tardrew, Bernanki, mckenna (when fit) Hartley and maybe monti are 1k players

 

[leo tolstoy]

Your first point could be said for Ballarat, Warrnambool, Geelong, Latrobe Valley, Albury-Wodonga where uni education also exists with plenty of surrounding leagues, but there is not the same doom & gloom and lack of appeal to play in Bendigo league.
The predictability of it all is a killer. Weekly thrashings become the talking point. Lack of competition saps interest big time.
The comp is crying out for a Castlemaine to come from clouds and start knocking off the city-based teams.
Might contradict my argument, but if a South Bendigo was to do something similar and get those people living around their new hq behind the team how good would that be.
The last thing that needs to happen is bring Broadford in and they get hammered each week. Mind boggling that afl vic ticked that off.
The BFNL stated aim of being a 10-team comp needs to change to a more even league and if that is eight teams for 2-3 years so be it.
Got to change narratiBFL teams go ev

Your first point could be said for Ballarat, Warrnambool, Geelong, Latrobe Valley, Albury-Wodonga where uni education also exists with plenty of surrounding leagues, but there is not the same doom & gloom and lack of appeal to play in Bendigo league.
The predictability of it all is a killer. Weekly thrashings become the talking point. Lack of competition saps interest big time.
The comp is crying out for a Castlemaine to come from clouds and start knocking off the city-based teams.
Might contradict my argument, but if a South Bendigo was to do something similar and get those people living around their new hq behind the team how good would that be.
The last thing that needs to happen is bring Broadford in and they get hammered each week. Mind boggling that afl vic ticked that off.
The BFNL stated aim of being a 10-team comp needs to change to a more even league and if that is eight teams for 2-3 years so be it.
Got to change narrative.

There would be BFL teams over the cap.

 

[BlueJet]

No matter what I say, I already know the response. Deny deny deny.
As I said, shop yourself around enough and the truth becomes known - especially if you’re willing to drive 2 and a half hours from home and stay in town 3 nights just to play local footy.

If, as you've stated, they have shopped themselves to a number of clubs, there will be others that are able to back your assertions.
Pretty simple..

 

[BlueJet]

The problem with scrapping the cap is metro clubs were paying double of country clubs and country clubs were paying a price to get average footballers. At least with the cap in place we've seen far better players leave metro clubs. The ovens and murray was super strong, north central was the strongest it's been in 40 years.

I wouldn't be paying 20 guys in the league 1k a game in the bfl. Greene tardrew, Bernanki, mckenna (when fit) Hartley and maybe monti are 1k players

Yep.
Prior to the introduction there was plenty of complaint about EDFL, NFL, EFL & VAFA clubs stockpiling talent and country clubs not being able to compete. (without a Joss-type, or massive harvest to fund it)
Now the complaint is that clubs aren't able to acquire players they weren't getting anyway..

My takeaway is that people, to be clear not referring to anyone here, just like to complain.

 

[boncer34]

Every time these conversations come up we get the same old ‘no way anyone gets that much’ but you don’t hear much by way of actual examples that back that up. I think it shows who has recent involvement in a footy club and who doesn’t.


People are very naive when they want to be. For example we know not far north of here you have a player declining 60k because he had a bigger offer from a club down the road.

How could anyone possibly think that sort of stuff doesn’t make its way down here and lift prices?

The salary cap is a farce and the only reason we talk about it is because it exists. Scrap it and use the points system properly and spending will come down.

As opposed to those making the accusations always refusing to name names?

 

[Mad Jack]

No you are just plain wrong on this one….categorically wrong

If, as you've stated, they have shopped themselves to a number of clubs, there will be others that are able to back your assertions.
Pretty simple..

I’ve had enough people tell me to be certain, from various different places, different clubs, different leagues. Just because someone doesn’t verify something in this forum, doesn’t mean it’s not true.

 

[Forest St End]

As opposed to those making the accusations always refusing to name names?

No one’s making accusations, we’re not in court, it’s footy gossip.

Naming names on an internet forum is a good way to make sure the people who tell
you things never tell you anything again. I think the best way to establish a posters credibility is how often what they say turns out to be correct later on.


In other news, Harmit Singh moving to Sydney to work at the Swans. Imagine that will be a bit of a hit to the off field works at Castlemaine.

 

[Del28562]

No one’s making accusations, we’re not in court, it’s footy gossip.

Naming names on an internet forum is a good way to make sure the people who tell
you things never tell you anything again. I think the best way to establish a posters credibility is how often what they say turns out to be correct later on.


In other news, Harmit Singh moving to Sydney to work at the Swans. Imagine that will be a bit of a hit to the off field works at Castlemaine.

As well as all the other consultancy work he does for clubs and a nice little side earner for him

 

[ringo1]

There would be BFL teams over the cap.

The BFL level has dropped significantly. Not too long ago, district league players aspired to play major league football. The biggest danger to the Major Leagues is the district leagues, which are offering outrageous amounts to players. I have on excellent authority that one player was on 70 K and a three-time Echuca premiership player was offered 65K in the NCFL. When is some action going to be taken about these ridiculous contracts? There seem to be one or two men in black who decide to investigate a couple of clubs a year and then slink back into the shadows.

 

[Mad Jack]

The BFL level has dropped significantly. Not too long ago, district league players aspired to play major league football. The biggest danger to the Major Leagues is the district leagues, which are offering outrageous amounts to players. I have on excellent authority that one player was on 70 K and a three-time Echuca premiership player was offered 65K in the NCFL. When is some action going to be taken about these ridiculous contracts? There seem to be one or two men in black who decide to investigate a couple of clubs a year and then slink back into the shadows.

Ringo just remember those figures can only be true if they a verified a few members of the big footy jury - otherwise you’ll be branded a categoric liar

 

[Del28562]

Ringo just remember those figures can only be true if they a verified a few members of the big footy jury - otherwise you’ll be branded a categoric liar

Notice how the clubs weren't in the bfl ringo mentioned. It's pretty well known the north central offer big coin, not the bfl

 

[Del28562]

Also its worth noting that the north central have bugger all locals living locally, footy clubs are the towns main social event, where if they can get a few good crops and pay for 5 or 6 guns, the whole town mentality lifts and gives people in the town a spring in their step. I don't know if it's a bad thing. I don't reckon bendigo clubs have the same community involvement

 

[Forest St End]

Notice how the clubs weren't in the bfl ringo mentioned. It's pretty well known the north central offer big coin, not the bfl

But Trent you must see that the money in those places gets offered to good players here and inflates the price?

It might not get to the same level but it’s a I’ve been offered this but I’ll stay with you if you pay that sort of scenario.

Do you think some of those clubs might have extended an offer to your best player in country footy? Because that’s what I’ve heard and it came as no surprise to see him align up there for next season.

 

[Del28562]

But Trent you must see that the money in those places gets offered to good players here and inflates the price?

It might not get to the same level but it’s a I’ve been offered this but I’ll stay with you if you pay that sort of scenario.

Do you think some of those clubs might have extended an offer to your best player in country footy? Because that’s what I’ve heard and it came as no surprise to see him align up there for next season.

I'd think most clubs would understand the money been offered is too good to knock back or they can offer other things such as connections for employment and improve their business that these clubs can't.

They also probably realise that it's not long term they'll play there and let them go. I'm not sure sandhurst would want the drama of leaving out a junior to fit Greene in when the vfl has a bye compared to Birchip who don't have the depth. Its not like 12 sandhurst guys have gone to Birchip.either, hosking last year and Greene on a part time basis this year coming.

 

[localfootyguru]

The BFL level has dropped significantly. Not too long ago, district league players aspired to play major league football. The biggest danger to the Major Leagues is the district leagues, which are offering outrageous amounts to players. I have on excellent authority that one player was on 70 K and a three-time Echuca premiership player was offered 65K in the NCFL. When is some action going to be taken about these ridiculous contracts? There seem to be one or two men in black who decide to investigate a couple of clubs a year and then slink back into the shadows.

Agree ringo1 the standard in the BFNL has dropped over the years as seen by the same clubs dominating year after year in recent times. They are also the clubs that are the most financial and in some cases offer perks/ benefits outside the cap which clubs like Maryborough FNC could never afford.

I can assure you there was more than one player on significant remuneration in the NCFL and they were not at the same club. The money and benefits being bandied around from clubs during 2024 when Maryborough FNC was struggling was in some cases way out of kilter with the ability of certain individuals playing with our club. Our netballers, whilst not receiving offers of the same magnitude were also offered very attractive packages to join other clubs, mainly in the secondary/ district leagues.

Since the end of the 2024 season and when the future of our club was uncertain, the offers increased threefold with clubs basically throwing the kitchen sink at some of our players to get them to move clubs. This 'pariah like' approach has not pleased anyone at our club and has soured relationships.

Whilst I get the need to recruit players as many clubs are relying on imports to survive, the approach and lack of care/ respect for a club certainly needs to improve. The rubbish and chest beating that is going on to recruit players that often give nothing back really needs to be looked at as it is having a significant impact on country football and as a result see more clubs like ours go into recess or disappear entirely.

 

[Test Tickle]

Also its worth noting that the north central have bugger all locals living locally, footy clubs are the towns main social event, where if they can get a few good crops and pay for 5 or 6 guns, the whole town mentality lifts and gives people in the town a spring in their step. I don't know if it's a bad thing. I don't reckon bendigo clubs have the same community involvement

Very well said, this is so true.

 

[Arnold Horshack]

I'd think most clubs would understand the money been offered is too good to knock back or they can offer other things such as connections for employment and improve their business that these clubs can't.

They also probably realise that it's not long term they'll play there and let them go. I'm not sure sandhurst would want the drama of leaving out a junior to fit Greene in when the vfl has a bye compared to Birchip who don't have the depth. Its not like 12 sandhurst guys have gone to Birchip.either, hosking last year and Greene on a part time basis this year coming.

Greene isn't going to Birchip.

 

[GrassKat]

Also its worth noting that the north central have bugger all locals living locally, footy clubs are the towns main social event, where if they can get a few good crops and pay for 5 or 6 guns, the whole town mentality lifts and gives people in the town a spring in their step. I don't know if it's a bad thing. I don't reckon bendigo clubs have the same community involvement

In essence a community works together to buy an annual source of entertainment. This entertainment provides a valuable way of connecting with not only their own community but with neighbouring communities. The community involvement is paramount and does indeed keep the town alive.

In recent years, I feel that many minor league teams have gone from strength to strength with burgeoning Reserves numbers and junior numbers, while Reserves competitions at major league level have dropped off dramatically. I believe that since AFL players aren't being plucked from major leagues like they once were, the lustre of doing what is required to play at that higher level has worn off and without extra renumeration many players don't see the worth in playing at that level.

I think we will see more more major league teams look to drop a level, or go into recess in the coming years; as we have seen with Corowa-Rutherglen, Maryborough and Kyneton in recent times. Which adds another layer of uniqueness to the Broadford situation as most clubs won't be entertaining the idea of ever going up a level.

 

[Mad Jack]

Confirmed today that it’ll remain a top 5 for finals next year. What a joke.