Maryborough Castlemaine District FL

[groggsie]

Getting kids numbers up for is the place to start. If you can keep those kids together then they will eventually be competitive and a competitive junior side is the key to a strong club IMO. You need the constant stream of youngsters moving into the senior ranks which is something Bushy do not have. The bushy 2s have the rep of being the place to go if you can't get a game anywhere else. This is fine but the club needs to continue to improve this side and get it a few more rungs up the ladder to keep the better players interested. The 2s coach there last year did not recieve much support from the club so that would need to improve.

I hear you might be running for a position on the committee Groggsie??

just to let you guys know:

President - Adam Balzan
Vice - Peter Egan
Jnr Vice - Jason Haynes
Treasure - myself

 

[KingRich]

When is the MCDFL Annual Meeting? Seems a lttle late?

Rumour has it that Jock Sellers is standing down as Pres and a certain MCDFL identity out Talbot way may be seeking the position. Ouch!!!

There must be someone at exec level that could present a better image of the League.

Are they going to take up the Ballarat Hub offer this season?

That is if the offer is still on the table.

Ward and his crew did a very good job with the lexton Plains this season.

MCDFL missed a great opportunity to move with the times.

I'm still not sure if the league should go that way or not but if they were too I think it would be a far better idea to join up with Bendigo Hub. The league has a much greater link to Bendigo than Ballarat.

 

[KingRich]

That ruckman would be Eathen Johnson and I don't think they thought they had him. Rokewood were the front runners all along.

I hear Talbot Ruckman Tommy Sutherland won't be goin round in 08......shame!

Work commitments will more than likely keep him out next year Rog.... but we may still gain his services at certain times next year!!

 

[KingRich]

Rich Rich, when will your sources get it right mate. All recruiting is tracking well as I'm sure a man of your knowledge and insight to the going's on will find out. What budget, I did'nt think that their was a salary cap anymore, open slather. Never spoke to Eathan Johnson from Bungaree, wrong mail again old mate. Perhaps you should put your hand up to be Santa at your up coming Xmas break up and stick to something you could do well. Ho Ho

AAAhhhhh LTM... thought I'd get a bite soon enough! I think they may be keen for someone different to fill the Santa boots this year... I dont fit the criteria!

Never mentioned Johnson although he may have been the man I had heard of. As for the budget... no no caps but apparently the well is running dry out Brook way. Have had to keep the offers down to certain prospective recruits.... Just word on the street!

Has Brook lost many of last years players??

 

[inside out]

Can anyone fill me in on whats happening over Maldon way... are they having another big spend up? Did they end up getting lochy brown as coach?? any other signings?

 

[bucko]

I'm still not sure if the league should go that way or not but if they were too I think it would be a far better idea to join up with Bendigo Hub. The league has a much greater link to Bendigo than Ballarat.

Why do you think that the league has a greater link with Bendigo Rich?

Isn’t the MCDFL in the Ballarat region of the VCFL?

Personally I believe that the Ballarat Hub would be a better option.

The administrator of the Ballarat hub (Rod Ward) is a proven performer at administration level having been a VCFL Area manager in recent times and 2006 winner of the VCFL administrator of the year while at the Ballarat FL.

The professionalism he would bring to the MCDFL is very much needed as the current administration is very stale. (Done a reasonable job in the past, but time to move on)

He has a vast knowledge of football at administration level and is the consummate professional. He improved the Lexton Plains sponsorship income tenfold this year from $3,000 to $30,000 and created a more professional league in the process.

Imagine if the MCDFL clubs received a League dividend at the end of each season as the LPFL does. That sponsorship money could be divided amongst the MCDFL clubs. About $3,000 each, which would go a long way to covering Annual overheads.

I have nothing against Stephen Oliver as Bendigo C.E.O, he was a great footballer, but he is still yet to prove himself as a football administrator.
He may well do so this year, but I believe the MCDFL should go with the team that has the proven track record.

I am also wary that if the MCDFL go Bendigo way then they will never introduce an under 14 or 15 comp which is sadly lacking, I know this comment will probably create a stir from the Castlemaine based people, as the Castlemaine based clubs seem to think that the junior comp over there is the way to go.
(I understand this line of thinking as they have not been involved with any other system) (but if they give the new system a go, after a couple of years they will be wondering why they never tried it sooner)

Most Leagues have this structure in place, but the MCDFL seems to be about the only league in the VCFL which does not.

Perhaps Campbells Creek would be still kicking if they had a junior development pathway from Under 14’s to Under 17’s to their senior level? (They most likely have or had a team in the Castlemaine Junior comp, but it is not the same as travelling to the same venue with the rest of the club) Surely junior players would be better of being nurtured by individual clubs.

The netball girls have got it right with the recent introduction of the Under 15 comp. This also caused a bit of a stir at first from the Castlemaine based clubs, but if you were to ask the Maldon girls what they think of it now, you would get the thumbs up, with premierships in the u17 and u15.

Very interested in other peoples thoughts on these matters.

 

[alpaca]

Why do you think that the league has a greater link with Bendigo Rich?

Isn’t the MCDFL in the Ballarat region of the VCFL?

Personally I believe that the Ballarat Hub would be a better option.

The administrator of the Ballarat hub (Rod Ward) is a proven performer at administration level having been a VCFL Area manager in recent times and 2006 winner of the VCFL administrator of the year while at the Ballarat FL.

The professionalism he would bring to the MCDFL is very much needed as the current administration is very stale. (Done a reasonable job in the past, but time to move on)

He has a vast knowledge of football at administration level and is the consummate professional. He improved the Lexton Plains sponsorship income tenfold this year from $3,000 to $30,000 and created a more professional league in the process.

Imagine if the MCDFL clubs received a League dividend at the end of each season as the LPFL does. That sponsorship money could be divided amongst the MCDFL clubs. About $3,000 each, which would go a long way to covering Annual overheads.

I have nothing against Stephen Oliver as Bendigo C.E.O, he was a great footballer, but he is still yet to prove himself as a football administrator.
He may well do so this year, but I believe the MCDFL should go with the team that has the proven track record.

I am also wary that if the MCDFL go Bendigo way then they will never introduce an under 14 or 15 comp which is sadly lacking, I know this comment will probably create a stir from the Castlemaine based people, as the Castlemaine based clubs seem to think that the junior comp over there is the way to go.
(I understand this line of thinking as they have not been involved with any other system) (but if they give the new system a go, after a couple of years they will be wondering why they never tried it sooner)

Most Leagues have this structure in place, but the MCDFL seems to be about the only league in the VCFL which does not.

Perhaps Campbells Creek would be still kicking if they had a junior development pathway from Under 14’s to Under 17’s to their senior level? (They most likely have or had a team in the Castlemaine Junior comp, but it is not the same as travelling to the same venue with the rest of the club) Surely junior players would be better of being nurtured by individual clubs.

The netball girls have got it right with the recent introduction of the Under 15 comp. This also caused a bit of a stir at first from the Castlemaine based clubs, but if you were to ask the Maldon girls what they think of it now, you would get the thumbs up, with premierships in the u17 and u15.

Very interested in other peoples thoughts on these matters.

On the topic of junior footy, the system getting around now is ordinary and the numbers of young footballers have fallen greatly. Castlemaine used to/probably still have, a very good junior system in place. Campbells creek for example had quite a decent junior side 2-3 years ago and played a final in the 17s however these players did not stay at the club for whatever reason. Their reason for folding IMO is definitly not because of poor junior development/system.

The maryborough junior equivilent is basically non existant, there's a bad attempt at u/14s with some clubs (rovers, talbot, avoca and dunolly are just a few) with carisbrook entered in the castlemaine league in a smart decision. Carisbrook or the maryborough BFL team seem to do well with this system as most talented juniors start off in there U13.5 or at brooks U12/U15.

There is no easy solution to this problem as half the MCDFL are in the castlemaine junior system and the other half in maryborough. There would be too many teams to have one big league of both (about 14 or 15 teams roughly)

 

[bucko]

On the topic of junior footy, the system getting around now is ordinary and the numbers of young footballers have fallen greatly. Castlemaine used to/probably still have, a very good junior system in place. Campbells creek for example had quite a decent junior side 2-3 years ago and played a final in the 17s however these players did not stay at the club for whatever reason. Their reason for folding IMO is definitly not because of poor junior development/system.

The maryborough junior equivilent is basically non existant, there's a bad attempt at u/14s with some clubs (rovers, talbot, avoca and dunolly are just a few) with carisbrook entered in the castlemaine league in a smart decision. Carisbrook or the maryborough BFL team seem to do well with this system as most talented juniors start off in there U13.5 or at brooks U12/U15.

There is no easy solution to this problem as half the MCDFL are in the castlemaine junior system and the other half in maryborough. There would be too many teams to have one big league of both (about 14 or 15 teams roughly)

Agreed there is probably no easy solution.

I know there was an uproar when the LPFL decided to introduce an under 14 comp a few years back. Some clubs insisted that it would not work and that some of the clubs would also not be able to provide enough numbers to field teams.

It was an instant success! The main reason it was successful was because it was introduced as a proper football comp playing for points. Not the higgeldy piggeldy comp that the MCDFL have been trying to introduce amongst the Maryborough based clubs.

Perhaps that is the reason why the Castlemaine Junior comp was/is so successful and the Maryborough Mini league fell away. Castlemaine played a full scale game and the mini league did not play for points.

Not sure what you mean Alpaca regarding 14 or 15 teams??

There is only 10 teams in the comp.

 

[CranktheAnchors]

Agreed there is probably no easy solution.

I know there was an uproar when the LPFL decided to introduce an under 14 comp a few years back. Some clubs insisted that it would not work and that some of the clubs would also not be able to provide enough numbers to field teams.

It was an instant success! The main reason it was successful was because it was introduced as a proper football comp playing for points. Not the higgeldy piggeldy comp that the MCDFL have been trying to introduce amongst the Maryborough based clubs.

Perhaps that is the reason why the Castlemaine Junior comp was/is so successful and the Maryborough Mini league fell away. Castlemaine played a full scale game and the mini league did not play for points.

Not sure what you mean Alpaca regarding 14 or 15 teams??

There is only 10 teams in the comp.

Buy 14 or 15 teams Alpaca means the Castlemaine teams. There is a few of those like wesley hills i think is one etc.

 

[EarToTheGround]

I see Brook is doing some good work in the off season. Brad Hunt from Avoca. Ben Kick and Brendon Lloyd from Bungaree and Brad Ross from Natte put pen to paper in the last 7 days. Should do their chances some good.

 

[meltdown]

Can anyone fill me in on whats happening over Maldon way... are they having another big spend up? Did they end up getting lochy brown as coach?? any other signings?

As far as i know Maldon is going to do just fine this year. Lachy isnt coach but im not sure what leadership role. Mark Waterson will take the side out in 08. Aaron James is running hot, they tried to get his 2 other brothers from Hepburn but might have fallen through. Getting about 30-35 at training already and are keen as mustard. In past years they have spent a little too much on players, IMO, for bugger all result, this year the rumor is not much money going out but everyone keen on giving it a red hot crack! I would too with the likes of Brown, James, Cox and Leas all looking good. Not sure on the other signings (had one too many frothies under me belt)

 

[CranktheAnchors]

I see Brook is doing some good work in the off season. Brad Hunt from Avoca. Ben Kick and Brendon Lloyd from Bungaree and Brad Ross from Natte put pen to paper in the last 7 days. Should do their chances some good.

Is this Rumour of Fact there Ear2the Ground?

As for Maldon they will be red hot IMO. Is always hard to beat at their home ground no matter where they are on the ladder.

 

[EarToTheGround]

Is this Rumour of Fact there Ear2the Ground?

Fact.

 

[alpaca]

Agreed there is probably no easy solution.

I know there was an uproar when the LPFL decided to introduce an under 14 comp a few years back. Some clubs insisted that it would not work and that some of the clubs would also not be able to provide enough numbers to field teams.

It was an instant success! The main reason it was successful was because it was introduced as a proper football comp playing for points. Not the higgeldy piggeldy comp that the MCDFL have been trying to introduce amongst the Maryborough based clubs.

Perhaps that is the reason why the Castlemaine Junior comp was/is so successful and the Maryborough Mini league fell away. Castlemaine played a full scale game and the mini league did not play for points.

Not sure what you mean Alpaca regarding 14 or 15 teams??

There is only 10 teams in the comp.

Buy 14 or 15 teams Alpaca means the Castlemaine teams. There is a few of those like wesley hills i think is one etc.

Correct there are/were last time i checked wesley hill, west end, winters flat and daylesford. Makes it hard to align these teams to clubs in the MCDFL. I also agree in saying the castlemaine system is a lot more serious and done properly (points finals ect.)

 

[alpaca]

I see Brook is doing some good work in the off season. Brad Hunt from Avoca. Ben Kick and Brendon Lloyd from Bungaree and Brad Ross from Natte put pen to paper in the last 7 days. Should do their chances some good.

Brad hunt what happened there? Apart from being, um, a worry off field and not the smartest person getting around, he's a top player IMO. I'll belive it when i see it.

 

[doggies12]

Correct there are/were last time i checked wesley hill, west end, winters flat and daylesford. Makes it hard to align these teams to clubs in the MCDFL. I also agree in saying the castlemaine system is a lot more serious and done properly (points finals ect.)

Yes i agree the mcdfl needs a stable juniors competiton eg unders 14s 12s. Good junior devolopment is the key to a successful club.

What juniors from each club have been asked to have a run with rebels?

 

[wonker]

Brad hunt what happened there? Apart from being, um, a worry off field and not the smartest person getting around, he's a top player IMO. I'll belive it when i see it.

I talked to Brad on Saturday and he indicated that he was heading to the West for work come January.
The Avoca club and Brad enjoyed an excellent rapport during 2007. He proved to be a competent thirds coach while performing well on the playing field.
If the rumour is true it couldn't possibly be due to any disenchantment with the Avoca club.
I do remember that Brad signed a clearance with Talbot about the same time last year. Only time will give us the full story.

 

[alpaca]

I talked to Brad on Saturday and he indicated that he was heading to the West for work come January.
The Avoca club and Brad enjoyed an excellent rapport during 2007. He proved to be a competent thirds coach while performing well on the playing field.
If the rumour is true it couldn't possibly be due to any disenchantment with the Avoca club.
I do remember that Brad signed a clearance with Talbot about the same time last year. Only time will give us the full story.

His brother luke is in the mines over there often, is that the connection? This is also why luke didnt play footy in 07.

 

[KingRich]

I talked to Brad on Saturday and he indicated that he was heading to the West for work come January.
The Avoca club and Brad enjoyed an excellent rapport during 2007. He proved to be a competent thirds coach while performing well on the playing field.
If the rumour is true it couldn't possibly be due to any disenchantment with the Avoca club.
I do remember that Brad signed a clearance with Talbot about the same time last year. Only time will give us the full story.

Moving to Brook will make the kid even more popular I would say. Last I heard he was heading west.

 

[KingRich]

Why do you think that the league has a greater link with Bendigo Rich?

Isn’t the MCDFL in the Ballarat region of the VCFL?

Personally I believe that the Ballarat Hub would be a better option.

The administrator of the Ballarat hub (Rod Ward) is a proven performer at administration level having been a VCFL Area manager in recent times and 2006 winner of the VCFL administrator of the year while at the Ballarat FL.

The professionalism he would bring to the MCDFL is very much needed as the current administration is very stale. (Done a reasonable job in the past, but time to move on)

He has a vast knowledge of football at administration level and is the consummate professional. He improved the Lexton Plains sponsorship income tenfold this year from $3,000 to $30,000 and created a more professional league in the process.

Imagine if the MCDFL clubs received a League dividend at the end of each season as the LPFL does. That sponsorship money could be divided amongst the MCDFL clubs. About $3,000 each, which would go a long way to covering Annual overheads.

I have nothing against Stephen Oliver as Bendigo C.E.O, he was a great footballer, but he is still yet to prove himself as a football administrator.
He may well do so this year, but I believe the MCDFL should go with the team that has the proven track record.

I am also wary that if the MCDFL go Bendigo way then they will never introduce an under 14 or 15 comp which is sadly lacking, I know this comment will probably create a stir from the Castlemaine based people, as the Castlemaine based clubs seem to think that the junior comp over there is the way to go.
(I understand this line of thinking as they have not been involved with any other system) (but if they give the new system a go, after a couple of years they will be wondering why they never tried it sooner)

Most Leagues have this structure in place, but the MCDFL seems to be about the only league in the VCFL which does not.

Perhaps Campbells Creek would be still kicking if they had a junior development pathway from Under 14’s to Under 17’s to their senior level? (They most likely have or had a team in the Castlemaine Junior comp, but it is not the same as travelling to the same venue with the rest of the club) Surely junior players would be better of being nurtured by individual clubs.

The netball girls have got it right with the recent introduction of the Under 15 comp. This also caused a bit of a stir at first from the Castlemaine based clubs, but if you were to ask the Maldon girls what they think of it now, you would get the thumbs up, with premierships in the u17 and u15.

Very interested in other peoples thoughts on these matters.

Because half our clubs are based around Bendigo. I dont think the Bendigo clubs would like being administered by Ballarat people as they may feel they are out of touch a bit with them. The Bendigo clubs are essential to this comp IMO.

You have very strong opinions on this Bucko (and are also quite knowledgable!)... Are u good mates with Rod???

 

[KingRich]

Yes i agree the mcdfl needs a stable juniors competiton eg unders 14s 12s. Good junior devolopment is the key to a successful club.

What juniors from each club have been asked to have a run with rebels?

Brandon McRedmond from Talbot is training with the Rebels.

 

[bucko]

Because half our clubs are based around Bendigo. I dont think the Bendigo clubs would like being administered by Ballarat people as they may feel they are out of touch a bit with them. The Bendigo clubs are essential to this comp IMO.

You have very strong opinions on this Bucko (and are also quite knowledgable!)... Are u good mates with Rod???

Yes, I agree King, the Bendigo clubs are very important to the MCDFL. But, I think they would be pleasantly surprised if they supported a move to the Ballarat hub.

I know Rod fairly well, I wouldn’t say good mates as such, but I have had dealings with Rod relating to many football matters in the past and he is an excellent operator.

Darley FC was struggling financially when he took over as their Secretary and turned them around to be in a very strong financial position. And I know that he was very instrumental in Avoca achieving its clearance to the MCDFL.

He could do great things with the MCDFL if given the opportunity.

Yes, I do have strong opinions on this King, as I am concerned with the future direction of the MCDFL. It concerns me that the current executive are all aged over 70. And Max is more closer to 80 than 70.

Younger blood is needed. And preferably professional people that are knowledgeable in business matters.

I have been of the belief for some time that someone like Mark Johnson (Central Goldfields C.E.O and former Bendigo FL Pres) should be approached to take on the role of league pres or secretary, even if only for one or two years to get things on the right track.

Or Kelvin Noonan would be a great asset. Kelvin is a community minded person who has had a bit to say about the MCDFL recently in the local newspaper, and he certainly knows his football.

Marty Mark is another who has the professional skills to be involved at exec level. He does a fantastic job organising the energy breakthrough.

Troy Driscoll is somebody that I believe would also make a good league pres. Only in his early to mid thirties?? A forward thinker who is currently the Pres at Brook, but that wouldn’t be a problem. Jock has worn two hats for some time.

If Troy threw his hat in the ring, I am sure that he would get a lot of support from many of the club delegates.

Harcourt President Max Murphy is a very good operator and another who would certainly hold his own as head of the league.

I am sure that there are many others out there with the expertise that is needed to steer the MCDFL down the right path.

What are other people’s thoughts? Any other names?

 

[KingRich]

Yes, I agree King, the Bendigo clubs are very important to the MCDFL. But, I think they would be pleasantly surprised if they supported a move to the Ballarat hub.

I know Rod fairly well, I wouldn’t say good mates as such, but I have had dealings with Rod relating to many football matters in the past and he is an excellent operator.

Darley FC was struggling financially when he took over as their Secretary and turned them around to be in a very strong financial position. And I know that he was very instrumental in Avoca achieving its clearance to the MCDFL.

He could do great things with the MCDFL if given the opportunity.

Yes, I do have strong opinions on this King, as I am concerned with the future direction of the MCDFL. It concerns me that the current executive are all aged over 70. And Max is more closer to 80 than 70.

Younger blood is needed. And preferably professional people that are knowledgeable in business matters.

I have been of the belief for some time that someone like Mark Johnson (Central Goldfields C.E.O and former Bendigo FL Pres) should be approached to take on the role of league pres or secretary, even if only for one or two years to get things on the right track.

Or Kelvin Noonan would be a great asset. Kelvin is a community minded person who has had a bit to say about the MCDFL recently in the local newspaper, and he certainly knows his football.

Marty Mark is another who has the professional skills to be involved at exec level. He does a fantastic job organising the energy breakthrough.

Troy Driscoll is somebody that I believe would also make a good league pres. Only in his early to mid thirties?? A forward thinker who is currently the Pres at Brook, but that wouldn’t be a problem. Jock has worn two hats for some time.

If Troy threw his hat in the ring, I am sure that he would get a lot of support from many of the club delegates.

Harcourt President Max Murphy is a very good operator and another who would certainly hold his own as head of the league.

I am sure that there are many others out there with the expertise that is needed to steer the MCDFL down the right path.

What are other people’s thoughts? Any other names?

Max Murphy would be very good! Troy has a lot of good ideas etc also so I agree there. I agree we need to administer the league more professionally but I'm not sure if the Ballarat hub is the right answer just yet.

 

[Snippers]

Yes, I do have strong opinions on this King, as I am concerned with the future direction of the MCDFL. It concerns me that the current executive are all aged over 70. And Max is more closer to 80 than 70.

Younger blood is needed. And preferably professional people that are knowledgeable in business matters.

I have been of the belief for some time that someone like Mark Johnson (Central Goldfields C.E.O and former Bendigo FL Pres) should be approached to take on the role of league pres or secretary, even if only for one or two years to get things on the right track.

Or Kelvin Noonan would be a great asset. Kelvin is a community minded person who has had a bit to say about the MCDFL recently in the local newspaper, and he certainly knows his football.

Marty Mark is another who has the professional skills to be involved at exec level. He does a fantastic job organising the energy breakthrough.

Troy Driscoll is somebody that I believe would also make a good league pres. Only in his early to mid thirties?? A forward thinker who is currently the Pres at Brook, but that wouldn’t be a problem. Jock has worn two hats for some time.

If Troy threw his hat in the ring, I am sure that he would get a lot of support from many of the club delegates.

Harcourt President Max Murphy is a very good operator and another who would certainly hold his own as head of the league.

I am sure that there are many others out there with the expertise that is needed to steer the MCDFL down the right path.

What are other people’s thoughts? Any other names?

Yes I agree Bucko. Most of these guys would do a good job.

Anyone rather than the Lord Mayor of Talbot.

 

[wonker]

.

Anyone rather than the Lord Mayor of Talbot.[/quote]

The league annual meeting will be held on Wednesday 12th December.