What's happening in the Bendigo Football League #3

[maineman]

Why so maineman? Why the sudden drop in confidence??

Not much has gone right for the maine during the off-season despite lots of effort and good intentions.

Getting a coach late in the piece has meant being behind the field in recruiting and they just don't seem to be getting many over the line.

Brodie Culpitt is a huge loss as well as Pope.

All in all it is looking like a long year and a very slim chance of being anywhere near finals.

Have a new committee in place though that are working hard so I'm sure the rebuilding will swift.

On another note Brodie Filo is still playing in W.A. Came home over Christmas but is returning and really enjoying it.

 

[razor ray]

seems a shame maineman but u only have to read the book a day at the camp reserve (if thats the right name) on the maine's history
they have long periods down in the dumps before the revivals come

look at last year: the 150th year since the first meeting to set up the club and not much to show 4 it

the city of c'maine has changed a lot in recent years not so much industrial-based as in the 50s and 60s and maybe even the 70s
a sea change town these days with many melb folk having week-enders there and a very big arts community, not innarested the slightest in footy

 

[maineman]

seems a shame maineman but u only have to read the book a day at the camp reserve (if thats the right name) on the maine's history
they have long periods down in the dumps before the revivals come

look at last year: the 150th year since the first meeting to set up the club and not much to show 4 it

the city of c'maine has changed a lot in recent years not so much industrial-based as in the 50s and 60s and maybe even the 70s
a sea change town these days with many melb folk having week-enders there and a very big arts community, not innarested the slightest in footy

Yes, last year will go down as one of the most disappointing in the club's history. A lot of work went into the 150th and to not have a team in the finals bar the U/16s was a massive let down.

You make a good point about the town dynamics though, RR.

Very little support from the council and the majority of the community. It is getting to the point where it is not melodramatic to suggest the survival of the club as a BFL team is in real jeopardy unless the people of Castlemaine start getting behind the club.

The council has put very little into the camp reserve over the last decade and as such the facilities have fallen well behind the other BFL clubs.

Lights, changing rooms and spectator facilities are poor and getting worse.

If the Camp Reserve had lights suitable to play under it would be a massive boost for the club in terms of attracting crowds and players as well as avoiding clashing with the MCDFL games.

Without support though the club continues to struggle along and is unable to ever really move forward.

 

[Frustrated]

Yes, last year will go down as one of the most disappointing in the club's history. A lot of work went into the 150th and to not have a team in the finals bar the U/16s was a massive let down.

You make a good point about the town dynamics though, RR.

Very little support from the council and the majority of the community. It is getting to the point where it is not melodramatic to suggest the survival of the club as a BFL team is in real jeopardy unless the people of Castlemaine start getting behind the club.

The council has put very little into the camp reserve over the last decade and as such the facilities have fallen well behind the other BFL clubs.

Lights, changing rooms and spectator facilities are poor and getting worse.

If the Camp Reserve had lights suitable to play under it would be a massive boost for the club in terms of attracting crowds and players as well as avoiding clashing with the MCDFL games.

Without support though the club continues to struggle along and is unable to ever really move forward.

If Castlemaine set a structure in place that encouraged locals to play and looked after their own kids instead of chasing over rated so called guns they may find community support easier to come by. As for the council, the Mt Alexander Shire "takes pride" in not helping any local sports clubs and we all suffer compared to other areas but at least Castlemaine have had some improvements where the MCDFL clubs get nothing unless they pay for it themselves. We all battle the same inept council who dont believe sport/recreation is important. There is also the cold hard fact that like alot of areas and given the number of players available their is probably 1 too many clubs feeding of local area.

 

[maineman]

If Castlemaine set a structure in place that encouraged locals to play and looked after their own kids instead of chasing over rated so called guns they may find community support easier to come by. As for the council, the Mt Alexander Shire "takes pride" in not helping any local sports clubs and we all suffer compared to other areas but at least Castlemaine have had some improvements where the MCDFL clubs get nothing unless they pay for it themselves. We all battle the same inept council who dont believe sport/recreation is important. There is also the cold hard fact that like alot of areas and given the number of players available their is probably 1 too many clubs feeding of local area.

Agree that there are too many clubs feeding in the area.

I'd be interested in your thoughts as to what is wrong with the structure and what you think needs to happen to 'encourage locals to play'?

 

[Frustrated]

Agree that there are too many clubs feeding in the area.

I'd be interested in your thoughts as to what is wrong with the structure and what you think needs to happen to 'encourage locals to play'?

I am assessing Castlemaine from the outside but it does appear over the past few years that they are pre-occupied with targeting new recruits and in the process forgetting about local players. It is about being fair to your current local players and ensuring they want to develop with Castlemaine. Maybe taking a backward step and building a team around some good Castlemaine kids is the way to go. Everyone chases recruits but you cannot forget your good loyal locals. It appears that this years coach is saying all the right things about developing local youth but against this you have money being thrown at so called guns to get them their

 

[maineman]

I am assessing Castlemaine from the outside but it does appear over the past few years that they are pre-occupied with targeting new recruits and in the process forgetting about local players. It is about being fair to your current local players and ensuring they want to develop with Castlemaine. Maybe taking a backward step and building a team around some good Castlemaine kids is the way to go. Everyone chases recruits but you cannot forget your good loyal locals. It appears that this years coach is saying all the right things about developing local youth but against this you have money being thrown at so called guns to get them their

Pretty sensible comment, that. Castlemaine's best teams have been locally based and they don't seem to be landing any recruits of any real value lately anyway.

The big problem seems to be that most young guys in the area start their junior footy with an MCDFL club and after playing 16.5's in Castlemaine head back out there. There seems to be a lot more money being thrown at young guys in the MCDFL in recent times and that seems to matter most to most young blokes these days.

Once the prestige of playing in a major league was enough to entice good kids to play but nowdays it seems $ is the most important factor in where young guys play.

 

[BenBal Plugger]

Not much on here about Maryborough, so here's a post from the MCDFL thread... the Burra boys have been going since late October.

"From what i have heard Rich the Borough boys are doing it pretty tough, one of their players plays for us in cricket and he said in one week they did a 12km run on the monday and then 40 100m sprints on the wed...I believe they get run pretty hard most weeks as well as the gym work.
He also advised me of the work they needed to do each week in the break and its fair to say they should be a fit bunch of blokes. A little hard work never hurt anyone, but as you said Rich is it too much to early... "

 

[ash dancer]

LBU is playing a pracky against the strath storm any of the other bendigo team playing agains hdfl sides.

 

[GREENMAN]

Whilst we are on the subject of all quite.............any positve news on Gisborne........seems things are a little desperate on the player frount.......any big name signings? Seems all is well of the field.........but on the field is where a club is judged....something must be happening at Gardiner Reserve.......to sign a coach on a 3 yr deal must mean he has a plan ???? Cant be playing the youth because the group of U18 players comming into senior ranks this year have hardly won a game in BFL U18s...so real curious to know what direction the clubs taking....Forward I hope. They must be travelling well financially if they can afford to throw away 1/2 of the profit from the Sunbury praccy match!

 

[palexxxx]

LBU is playing a pracky against the strath storm any of the other bendigo team playing agains hdfl sides.

When and where is this going to happen?

 

[ash dancer]

When and where is this going to happen?

dont quote me on this one but 20th of march

 

[aussiemauler]

Whilst we are on the subject of all quite.............any positve news on Gisborne........seems things are a little desperate on the player frount.......any big name signings? Seems all is well of the field.........but on the field is where a club is judged....something must be happening at Gardiner Reserve.......to sign a coach on a 3 yr deal must mean he has a plan ???? Cant be playing the youth because the group of U18 players comming into senior ranks this year have hardly won a game in BFL U18s...so real curious to know what direction the clubs taking....Forward I hope. They must be travelling well financially if they can afford to throw away 1/2 of the profit from the Sunbury praccy match!

F**k off GREENMAN no one likes you!!! it was only a little while ago you were saying gissy people should help lovey out.. WAH WAH.. now people are helping out and you sook about something else. you only post things about Gisborne hoping there is something wrong down there so you feel good about yourself, so you can say to mirror ha they should of had me as president or they should have picked me for reserves coach. why dont you just worry about sunbury instead of acting like you are concerned with Gisborne issues

 

[OMNIPOTENT_1]

F**k off GREENMAN no one likes you!!! it was only a little while ago you were saying gissy people should help lovey out.. WAH WAH.. now people are helping out and you sook about something else. you only post things about Gisborne hoping there is something wrong down there so you feel good about yourself, so you can say to mirror ha they should of had me as president or they should have picked me for reserves coach. why dont you just worry about sunbury instead of acting like you are concerned with Gisborne issues

Na, I think I like him......... He calls a spade a spade, doesn't pull his punches & aint afraid to ask the tough questions.

Livens this dull old thread up a bit too !

Keep up the good work Mr GREEN.

 

[kwame]

am moving to Bendigo shortly and am looking for a club to play at.....any suggestions?

 

[Hit the post]

Were is big Balraj Singh going this year.

 

[JennaJ]

Balraj signed at Airport West this week apperently.

 

[ROOTA#6]

am moving to Bendigo shortly and am looking for a club to play at.....any suggestions?

Mt Pleasant

 

[Steader]

Pretty sensible comment, that. Castlemaine's best teams have been locally based and they don't seem to be landing any recruits of any real value lately anyway.

The big problem seems to be that most young guys in the area start their junior footy with an MCDFL club and after playing 16.5's in Castlemaine head back out there. There seems to be a lot more money being thrown at young guys in the MCDFL in recent times and that seems to matter most to most young blokes these days.

Once the prestige of playing in a major league was enough to entice good kids to play but nowdays it seems $ is the most important factor in where young guys play.

You were talking some sense maineman and then trotted out the old MCDFNL clubs bash. Yeah a lot of kids start their footy with district clubs because these clubs have established junior sides. But there are 2 non aligned sides in Castlemaine which the club should be looking to align with and create a pathway into your under 16 team. as for district clubs throwing money at young guys I think you would find most district clubs dont have a lot to spare although one is trowing money at everyone not just kids.
It isnt a prestige thing to play BFL anymore as a lot of players want to have a kick with mates regardless of the standard and the standard in the MCDFNL has risen over the past few years which helps those clubs retain players.
Maybe the Maine needs to look at what it can do in conjunction with the district clubs to promote footy in the area which would help all.
If you spoke to most clubs they would rather the Maine was a success so that they could have a pathway for the players that wanted to go higher and also get some coming back as they got older.
The change in demographics havent helped although this has been happening for 20 years so ways to promote footy need to be developed, school programs and kids days family days will all assist, soccer has grown in the town over the past few years so its not a non sport culture maybe just a lack of active development work being done by the club.
If footy is to continue in the area then the senior club in the area needs to take the lead, stop canning the district clubs and look at ways that all of them can get things working in the right direction again.

 

[Truck]

am moving to Bendigo shortly and am looking for a club to play at.....any suggestions?

Wyche-Narraport Demons would be a good start.....

 

[albury]

You were talking some sense maineman and then trotted out the old MCDFNL clubs bash. Yeah a lot of kids start their footy with district clubs because these clubs have established junior sides. But there are 2 non aligned sides in Castlemaine which the club should be looking to align with and create a pathway into your under 16 team. as for district clubs throwing money at young guys I think you would find most district clubs dont have a lot to spare although one is trowing money at everyone not just kids.
It isnt a prestige thing to play BFL anymore as a lot of players want to have a kick with mates regardless of the standard and the standard in the MCDFNL has risen over the past few years which helps those clubs retain players.
Maybe the Maine needs to look at what it can do in conjunction with the district clubs to promote footy in the area which would help all.
If you spoke to most clubs they would rather the Maine was a success so that they could have a pathway for the players that wanted to go higher and also get some coming back as they got older.
The change in demographics havent helped although this has been happening for 20 years so ways to promote footy need to be developed, school programs and kids days family days will all assist, soccer has grown in the town over the past few years so its not a non sport culture maybe just a lack of active development work being done by the club.
If footy is to continue in the area then the senior club in the area needs to take the lead, stop canning the district clubs and look at ways that all of them can get things working in the right direction again.

Some good comments here in an interesting discussion. However Castlemaine's situation is pretty similar to most country clubs. The way the Bendigo League is heading in 2010 it will be city based clubs in the finals and country clubs outside. While clubs have to help themselves, there is clearly a role for the board of the Bendigo Leaque to try and even the competition up. The Board rejected the Goldfields proposal a few years back which was aimed at overcoming this very problem - so it is very much the responsibility of the Board to face this problem. For example, the Board should be doing everything in its power to get lights at Camp Reserve. If that means making representations to the Castlemaine Council (and other levels of Government) so be it - get started NOW.

Country Clubs have to go on the road every fortnight. Golden Square is the most powerful Club in the competition but it (like other city clubs) only has to go on the road four times a year - how fair is that!!!. Gisborne was almost lost from the competition because the Ballarat League was offering less travel. These are issues that the Bendigo Board must not only address - it must let BFL supporters know what it proposes.

If this situation does not change premierships in the Bendigo League will become very cheap. If you have a team good enough to beat Golden Square or Eaglehawk you can win the flag as all the country clubs can be dismissed as a chance before the seasons even starts. (If this sounds harsh look at the betting for the 2010 season). Eventually clubs will be lost to the competition.

I know I come over as a BFL knocker - but the Board does have to act and get behind Castlemaine and all country clubs and try and negate the disadvantages they face in fielding teams in the BFL.

 

[ROOTA#6]

Some good comments here in an interesting discussion. However Castlemaine's situation is pretty similar to most country clubs. The way the Bendigo League is heading in 2010 it will be city based clubs in the finals and country clubs outside. While clubs have to help themselves, there is clearly a role for the board of the Bendigo Leaque to try and even the competition up. The Board rejected the Goldfields proposal a few years back which was aimed at overcoming this very problem - so it is very much the responsibility of the Board to face this problem. For example, the Board should be doing everything in its power to get lights at Camp Reserve. If that means making representations to the Castlemaine Council (and other levels of Government) so be it - get started NOW.

Country Clubs have to go on the road every fortnight. Golden Square is the most powerful Club in the competition but it (like other city clubs) only has to go on the road four times a year - how fair is that!!!. Gisborne was almost lost from the competition because the Ballarat League was offering less travel. These are issues that the Bendigo Board must not only address - it must let BFL supporters know what it proposes.

If this situation does not change premierships in the Bendigo League will become very cheap. If you have a team good enough to beat Golden Square or Eaglehawk you can win the flag as all the country clubs can be dismissed as a chance before the seasons even starts. (If this sounds harsh look at the betting for the 2010 season). Eventually clubs will be lost to the competition.

I know I come over as a BFL knocker - but the Board does have to act and get behind Castlemaine and all country clubs and try and negate the disadvantages they face in fielding teams in the BFL.

Good post amnd I think leagues need to act to assist but also think the VCFL needs to play a huge role here as well

 

[maineman]

You were talking some sense maineman and then trotted out the old MCDFNL clubs bash. Yeah a lot of kids start their footy with district clubs because these clubs have established junior sides. But there are 2 non aligned sides in Castlemaine which the club should be looking to align with and create a pathway into your under 16 team. as for district clubs throwing money at young guys I think you would find most district clubs dont have a lot to spare although one is trowing money at everyone not just kids.
It isnt a prestige thing to play BFL anymore as a lot of players want to have a kick with mates regardless of the standard and the standard in the MCDFNL has risen over the past few years which helps those clubs retain players.
Maybe the Maine needs to look at what it can do in conjunction with the district clubs to promote footy in the area which would help all.
If you spoke to most clubs they would rather the Maine was a success so that they could have a pathway for the players that wanted to go higher and also get some coming back as they got older.
The change in demographics havent helped although this has been happening for 20 years so ways to promote footy need to be developed, school programs and kids days family days will all assist, soccer has grown in the town over the past few years so its not a non sport culture maybe just a lack of active development work being done by the club.
If footy is to continue in the area then the senior club in the area needs to take the lead, stop canning the district clubs and look at ways that all of them can get things working in the right direction again.

I certainly wasn't bashing the MCDFL clubs, in fact I think we were both saying the same thing - that the incentives to play BFL football are not really there anymore.

The monetary factor comes in more when it comes to the fringe players. Castlemaine tend to really struggle for 2nds players of any quality as the players around the senior side are able to be permanent members of the MCDFL sides and are able to earn senior payments rather than play twos for nothing.

Obviously that has a huge effect on the depth of a club. You only need to lose a couple of handy players to Maldon, Newstead, Creek and Harcourt and the club loses half a team of depth.

It has been a problem for ever though and all clubs have to deal with the same thing in some way or another.

The way things are heading though I think you will see Castlemaine in the MCDFL within 10 years which will be very interesting!

 

[cmon umpy]

Albury I could not agree with you more. The BFL will become insignificant in the next few years if they do not assist the country clubs. There is supposed to be a committee lead by Peter Jackson looking into football in the district, I am fearful that nothing will be done to help the country clubs as other memebrs of the committee are basically those who already run the BFL.
I have been an advocat for some time that the league should have an equalisation fund that should directly benefit country based clubs. How can a Maryborough, Kyneton, Castlemaine continue when they struggle with match payments of around $40-$50k where the city teams are paying $100k. The revenue made during the finals series should be distributed to those country clubs or the league needs to invoke a players points system where all players are given a point value depending where they have come from or played before and the city teams have for example 50 points where the country teams allowed 70 points.
Being a long time supporter and follower of the BFL will remember teams such as Marong, YCW, Lockington, Rochester, North Bendigo etc that all have left the BFL over the years for various reasons. Soon the BFL will have no further teams to entice to it if any more leave

 

[albury]

Albury I could not agree with you more. The BFL will become insignificant in the next few years if they do not assist the country clubs. There is supposed to be a committee lead by Peter Jackson looking into football in the district, I am fearful that nothing will be done to help the country clubs as other memebrs of the committee are basically those who already run the BFL.
I have been an advocat for some time that the league should have an equalisation fund that should directly benefit country based clubs. How can a Maryborough, Kyneton, Castlemaine continue when they struggle with match payments of around $40-$50k where the city teams are paying $100k. The revenue made during the finals series should be distributed to those country clubs or the league needs to invoke a players points system where all players are given a point value depending where they have come from or played before and the city teams have for example 50 points where the country teams allowed 70 points.
Being a long time supporter and follower of the BFL will remember teams such as Marong, YCW, Lockington, Rochester, North Bendigo etc that all have left the BFL over the years for various reasons. Soon the BFL will have no further teams to entice to it if any more leave

You can add Echuca to this list as it went to the Goulburn Valley around the same time as Rochester.