Wimmera Football League

[Grimmett]

Horsham premiership player, and North Ballarat Rebel, Brad Hartigan has signed with the North Ballarat Roosters in the VFL.
At this point Hartigan and Anthony Perkins may be the only two players not returning from the 2005 premiership team as Horsham chase a record equalling fourth consecutive flag in 2006.

[Grimmett]

Hamilton have appointed Glenn Doyle to replace Jason Mifsud as coach for this year. Doyle previously coached Horsham Saints in the Wimmera FL before an acrimonious departure at the end of 2005.

Articles from the Wimmera Mail-Times and the Hamilton Spectator.


DOYLE’S A MAGPIE
Coaching role for former Saint leader

First published by:

Wimmera Mail-Times
Friday, January 27, 2006

By Megan Hustwaite

Former Wimmera Football League representative Glenn Doyle, 31, will continue his playing and coaching career outside the Wimmera.
Doyle told the Mail-Times this week he had signed as playing coach with Western Border League club Hamilton.
“I’m really excited about it,” he said. “It’s a fresh environment, fresh club and fresh people. They have no preconceptions about Glenn Doyle. “I’ll get my body right and start fresh.”
Doyle, former Horsham Saints coach, replaces Jason Mifsud who is now assistant coach at AFL club St Kilda.
“Hamilton understands that I’ve been injury prone in the past and is accepting of that,” Doyle said. “My work as territory manager with Nestle means I’m in that area a lot anyway, so I’ll spend 70 or 80 percent of my week in Hamilton. My wife has been very supportive about it. I wouldn’t do it unless she was 120 percent behind me. I think she’s more excited at the prospect of me being a playing coach than I am.”
Doyle said he had spoken to several Wimmera clubs but his goal was always to coach as well as play.
“I spoke to a few clubs but I wanted to coach a major league club and the majority of clubs already had coaches,” he said. “This position came up about 10 days ago and I believe it was too good to refuse. I need to be able to play, coach and test myself at the highest level.”
Hamilton won the league premiership in 2004 and finished second in 2005.
“It is a perennial finalist, its under 18 side has won the past few flags and it has a good junior structure,” Doyle said. “The off-field setup is really professional, one of the best I’ve seen in Victoria.”
The club started pre-season training this week and Doyle will take over in two weeks.
“I’ve got a good assistant coach in Steve Nicholl and a good support network,” he said. “From what they tell me the side lacked running in its game last season and a running game where players link up and run is something I developed at the Saints. I’m going to work extremely hard, I won’t leave any stone unturned.”


PIES COACH TAKE TWO

First published by:

Hamilton Spectator
Thursday, January 26, 2006

By Michael Howard

HAMILTON Football Club is ready to re-launch its 2006 pre-season, having announced Glenn Doyle as its senior coach.
After a testing few months, which brought the club under the national spotlight following the hiring and release of Jason Mifsud as senior coach, the Magpies are ready to dig their fingers into the new season.
The new face of the club has been unveiled, with former Port Melbourne footballer and more recently Horsham Saints coach, Doyle, handed the reins to the 2004 premier.
"He has the right credentials for what we want and with his wife, Rowena, and two kids he is looking forward to making the next step," Hamilton president, Ashley Crow, said. "Glenn is very much into strategic planning. He is very organised and along with Steve Nichol (assistant coach), Colin Riddle (thirds coach) and Scott Ogle (reserves coach) we have a very good coaching panel."
Doyle's signing comes just a fortnight after Mifsud dropped the bombshell that he had been appointed St Kilda Football Club assistant coach, a shock that Hamilton has responded to quickly and cleanly.
"We had some contacts throughout the district and around Australia. I did a bit of homework before it was 100 per cent that Jason would leave and put a few things into place to see what would happen if he did leave. Once he confirmed he was going to St Kilda, the main aim was to get things moving forward."
Doyle, 31, comes from good football stock, which has enjoyed a long association with VFL club, Port Melbourne, where for three seasons he took his own football to a higher level.
Having spent two years playing senior football with South Melbourne districts in Southern Football League, Doyle then aligned with Port Melbourne.
He played with the latter from 1994 to 1996, learning from the likes of club coaches David Cloke and Shane Molloy.
"It is a family tradition," he said. "My uncle, Frank Johnston, is regarded as one of the best VFA players of all time. He has an interstate medal named after him and was in Port Melbourne's Team of the Century. My three older brothers played with Port in the early 80s when it was a dominant side, Shane was a dual premiership player and my older brothers Craig and Brendan also played for Port."
However, after two years in the VFA and one in the VFL holding down a defensive post with the Boroughs, Doyle moved west.
"It was a change of lifestyle decision," he said. "I met a girl (Rowena) who is now my wife. She's a Horsham girl and we decided to try the country lifestyle and nine years later are married with two children (John, 5, and Thomas, 2). I was 23 when I left Port, so I really hadn't reached my potential, but it was more of a lifestyle decision than a football orientated one."
The tall and talented utility settled in the Wimmera, aligning with St Michael's which has since become Horsham Saints, and carving out a career with the major league club which would last for almost a decade.
"I spent nine years at Horsham Saints, the first four as an assistant coach, then as a player for another three. For the last two years I have been senior coach. During my time at Horsham Saints they have missed the finals only once and have played in four grand finals but managed to lose them all. We were beaten by four points by Ararat in 2001, that was the closest we have come, while in 1998 we lost to Murtoa by 24 points."
The latter are results that don't sit too well with Doyle.
"It nags away a little; parting ways with Horsham Saints and not having won a flag is a bit of a bugbear. We finished in the top two or three for four of my nine years and to not come up with a premiership was disappointing."
One of the finals campaigns includes Doyle's first year as coach, when he improved the Saints from fifth to second in 2004 and then finals again in 2005, when they finished fourth.
"There were some good juniors coming through when I first took over and we were expected to finish fourth or fifth, but made the grand final. From the feedback that I have been given, Hamilton's under-18s are very strong and will be coming through the ranks, so it seems like a similar challenge."
It appears the correlation between the two clubs is strong and, having parted ways with the Saints under indifferent circumstances, Doyle is keen to carve out a new chapter in his career.
"Basically, Horsham Saints wanted to sign a coach from outside the club; to lure a big name," he said. “They haven't been able to do that, but that was what they were looking for. I wanted to continue to coach in a major league, but there was initially not a position available. The unique situation then arose where a major league club had a well respected coach who gained a job in the AFL and subsequently a position came up."
As a territory manager for Nestles, the western district is on Doyle's radar and subsequently relocating an hour's south was an attractive option.
"It was an opportunity to still coach in a major league and to continue coaching and working with the young fellas was also attractive," he said. “The professionalism of the players and coaches is very high, additionally Hamilton Football Club has a set-up that is second to none that I have seen. Ashley (Crow) and Gordon (Uebergang) were very professional about the club and I see it as the right fit."
So now it is on to 2006.
"We will lose five or six players from last year and pick up four or five," Crow said. “We will be thereabouts. We will play a lot more kids; that is something that I'm desiring to see happen and so are Glenn Doyle and Steve Nichol. Perhaps we are looking at 2007 more than 2006 at this stage, but if we can put another good on-baller in the mix, we will not be looking too bad."
Notably, Doyle's inclusion is expected to help offset the loss of Gareth Abrahamson to Casterton, where he has taken on the role of senior coach.
Abrahamson, a strong marking and straight shooting key position player, held down full-forward while assistant coach of the Magpies for the past two seasons and its expected Doyle will be able to step into that role.
"I can pretty much play anywhere down the spine and will play in the position that most suits the team," he said. "It will be a see how it goes situation."
According to Crow, much of the Magpies' recruiting work had been done, but there remains one major objective before the first ball is bounced.
"The main aim of the football department is to now find a very good on-baller," he said. The positive that has come out of our association with Jason Mifsud is that we have made a lot more contacts. We are certainly better to have known Jason Mifsud than not, he has enhanced our club and enhanced our reputation both in the district and beyond that circle, that's something that certainly played a role in us picking up Glenn Doyle."
In the meantime, the Magpies are hoping to get improved numbers at training, launching into the pre-season with a Meet the Coach night on Monday at Alexandra House from 6pm.
"I encourage all players that might be sitting on the fence or unsure about which way they will go in 2006 to listen to what I have to say," Doyle said.
It was a message echoed by Crow.
"Now that everything is in place and we have good numbers on the books, particularly for under-18s and reserves, I'm asking everyone to get stuck in and build up to 2006."

[Grimmett]

For those interested the Wimmera Mail-Times has started a weekly series titled Footy Focus Pre-Season publishing news items from the regions, mostly related to WFL and HDFL news.
The first instalment is available at http://araratfc.vcfl.com.au

[journeyman]

There is a bit of talk going around that Dimmy officials are meeting tonight to talk about sacking newly appointed coach Sonny Lindsey.

Has anyone in the Wimmera region heard this. Sonny has a long history and I'm sure is well known to many in Country Vic.

It was a big decision to appoint him as coach.

He has had a couple of problems recently I understand

[Grimmett]

Here you are journeyman.


SONNY STAYS PUT

First published by:

Wimmera Mail-Times
Wednesday, January 25, 2006

By Megan Hustwaite

Dimboola coach Robert 'Sonny' Lindsey, 27, has dismissed rumours he is set to flee the Wimmera Football League club.

Talk had filtered across the region that Lindsey was set to join former Nhill coach and close friend Steve Bell at Ouyen in the Mallee Football League.

But the flamboyant forward has revealed a desire to coach and play with the Roos after considering offers from local and Melbourne leagues. Lindsey spoke to Dimboola officials yesterday to put an end to the speculation.

"I'm staying at Dimboola, I had an agreement with the club when I signed as coach and I'm very committed to the club," Lindsey told the Mail-Times yesterday. "My heart is at Dimmy. The people are sensational and friendly and I want to make a difference. I've played a lot of footy and I've never felt homely at any club, but I feel that at Dimboola."

Lindsey said he was working through personal issues but would stay at Dimboola because of commitments to wife Catherine and son Patrick, his employer AWB in Dimboola and the football club.

He said he had spoken to Port Colts in the Footscray District League, Melbourne Amateurs club St Kilda City and Ouyen.

"Things might have been looking to go the other way but I've knocked back the other offers," he said.

Lindsey said he was focused on leading the club's pre-season training sessions and establishing the team's premiership campaign.

"I can't wait for the season to start. We're training hard, I'm extremely keen and dedicated," he said. "I want us to work hard, stick together on and off the field and make the top three so we've got the double chance to go on and win the flag."

Lindsey said the club had appointed 2005 Darwin recruit Matthew Everitt as his assistant coach.

"We're also speaking to four or five possible recruits," he said. "A few blokes from Melbourne, a couple from the Kowree-Naracoorte-Tatiara League and two blokes from Darwin, so things are looking up."

Roos president John Saxton, who is holidaying interstate, said he very much doubted, Lindsey was set to walk out on the club.

"As far as we're concerned he is coach of Dimboola, he's been taking training and he is doing a very good job," Mr Saxton said.

[journeyman]

Here you are journeyman.


SONNY STAYS PUT

First published by:

Wimmera Mail-Times
Wednesday, January 25, 2006

By Megan Hustwaite

Dimboola coach Robert 'Sonny' Lindsey, 27, has dismissed rumours he is set to flee the Wimmera Football League club.

Talk had filtered across the region that Lindsey was set to join former Nhill coach and close friend Steve Bell at Ouyen in the Mallee Football League.

But the flamboyant forward has revealed a desire to coach and play with the Roos after considering offers from local and Melbourne leagues. Lindsey spoke to Dimboola officials yesterday to put an end to the speculation.

"I'm staying at Dimboola, I had an agreement with the club when I signed as coach and I'm very committed to the club," Lindsey told the Mail-Times yesterday. "My heart is at Dimmy. The people are sensational and friendly and I want to make a difference. I've played a lot of footy and I've never felt homely at any club, but I feel that at Dimboola."

Lindsey said he was working through personal issues but would stay at Dimboola because of commitments to wife Catherine and son Patrick, his employer AWB in Dimboola and the football club.

He said he had spoken to Port Colts in the Footscray District League, Melbourne Amateurs club St Kilda City and Ouyen.

"Things might have been looking to go the other way but I've knocked back the other offers," he said.

Lindsey said he was focused on leading the club's pre-season training sessions and establishing the team's premiership campaign.

"I can't wait for the season to start. We're training hard, I'm extremely keen and dedicated," he said. "I want us to work hard, stick together on and off the field and make the top three so we've got the double chance to go on and win the flag."

Lindsey said the club had appointed 2005 Darwin recruit Matthew Everitt as his assistant coach.

"We're also speaking to four or five possible recruits," he said. "A few blokes from Melbourne, a couple from the Kowree-Naracoorte-Tatiara League and two blokes from Darwin, so things are looking up."

Roos president John Saxton, who is holidaying interstate, said he very much doubted, Lindsey was set to walk out on the club.

"As far as we're concerned he is coach of Dimboola, he's been taking training and he is doing a very good job," Mr Saxton said.


Thanks for that Grimmett.

I guess that puts the rumors to rest, however with Sonny anything is possible!

[Rosco5]

I Saw this back page of todays wimmera Mail Times.

Dimboola Coach Robert "Sonny" Lindsay was lucky to escape injuriy after
a single-Vehicle Accident at the Weekend.
Lindsay rolled his car 10 kilometers south of Ouyen in the early hours
of Saturday Morning. Lindsay said he Fell Asleep at the wheel while driving
to Mildura to help a friend Move house/
Dimboola & Ouyen Police are investigationg The Matter. Dimboola Seargeant Ken McLean said he would investigate Lindsay this Week


sounds like he was very lucky he got out of it surprised he didnt pull over knwoing he was tired he could have avoided the accident
when i'm tired i don't drive period :D or if i do i break the trip even if it makes it longer better to be there late then not get their at all. :thumbsu:

I'm quite sure if Kenny is investigating it then Sonny has no problems !! :thumbsu:

[Grimmett]

From Wimmera Mail-Times of Wednesday, February 1.

FOOTY FOCUS PRE-SEASON


Wimmera Mail-Times
Wednesday, February 1, 2006


Players put to the test

By Megan Hustwaite and Geoff Burdett

Nineteen Wimmera footballers joined a North Ballarat Rebels training camp last weekend at Mt Clear near Ballarat.
The camp was to be at Mt Edgerton near Ballan, but because of a bushfire at Anakie, the campsite was changed to the Pax Hill Scout Camp near Mt Clear.
Forty-eight players participated in the camp that involved being blindfolded and taken to the unknown destination, strategy games, hiking 10 hours with full backpack, carrying a 96-metre rope for two hours around the forest and several other games which involved teamwork and planning.
First year Rebel Paul Adlington, 17, said the camp was one of the hardest things he had ever done.
“It was a very challenging and interesting weekend,” he said. “Especially when we did an 11 hour, 55 kilometre hike carrying full backpacks. The camp was about team bonding. It was good to meet all the new boys and it made me realise how much fitter and stronger I need to be.”
Adlington, who gave up basketball to play football, said he hoped to make his TAC Cup debut this year.
“I want to do well in the practice matches then hopefully make the team and play a few games during the year,” he said.
Adlington, a utility, played five games for Horsham in the Wimmera Football League last year.
The camp was organised by TOPS – Team Orientated People Strategies – which run several camps over the year for different football clubs and corporate businesses.
The Rebels begin training at 4.30pm tomorrow at Dudley Cornell Park.
The first intra-club practice match will be on February 19 at Ararat, with Bendigo Pioneers the following week at St Arnaud, followed by another intra-club at Learmonth on Friday night March 3.
Three other practice matches will be played against Sandringham Dragons, Geelong Falcons and Bendigo Pioneers before the season starts on April 1.
The Tim Watson Under-16 Legends are also training and will play on March 8 against Western Country and on March 14 against Ballarat, after which the squad will be trimmed to play two other practice matches against Geelong Falcons and Bendigo Pioneers.


FOOTY SHORTS

Dart lands trio in Stawell

Throwing a dart at a map of Australia isn’t a conventional way of deciding which football club to play for. For three football journeymen it’s a yearly occurrence.
Andrew Abraham, 25, Luke Abraham, 22, and John Tudhill, 24, will play for Stawell in the Wimmera Football League this year after the ‘dart landed on Stawell’.
Stawell coach Dale Power said he was surprised to get a phone call from the trio.
“The guys rang the Town Hall Hotel and were asking about the footy club and eventually got in touch with me,” he said. “Apparently they throw a dart at the map each year and wherever it lands that’s where they go.”
Power said the trio, who have labouring and mining experience, were looking for work.


• Former Dimboola coach Shannon Keam, 26, has signed with Sunraysia Football League club Robinvale.
Keam who stood down as the Roos coach after leading the side into last year’s Wimmera League grand final, told the Mail-Times he would be playing coach of the Eagles.
“I’m pretty happy about it, I wasn’t looking to coach again but this came up, it’s something new and should be a good challenge for me,” he said.
Keam said he contemplated offers from across the state including Shepparton and Hamilton.
“We went and had a look at Robinvale and decided we wanted to be by the river. Employment was always going to be a factor in where I went as well,” he said. “Plus my partner Brooke and I are expecting our second child in March and we’ve got our young son Raphael to consider. Robinvale seemed right for us.”
Keam is playing footy with St Marys in the Northern Territory League in Darwin until March.
His brother and wingman Jade, who also played with Dimboola last year, is on an overseas trip but will play for the Roos in 2006.


• Former Horsham United defender Joel Hinch, 23, will play for Pimpinio this year.
Hinch will return to the club, where he is a three time best and fairest winner, after making his debut in the Wimmera League last season.
“I’ve played at Pimp my whole life and I’ve got family at the club. I haven’t played footy with my cousin Jayden before and I’m looking forward to doing that. I said I’d play one year of Wimmera League to test myself and I really enjoyed it. I’m sure I’ll go back at the end of my career,” he said.


Who’s gone where?

Trading places
Jay Tucker: Horsham United to Donald
Josh Mibus: Horsham United to Donald
Tim Wade: Horsham United to Donald
Adrian Wade: Horsham United to Noradjuha-Quantong
Adam Jolley: Horsham United to Noradjuha-Quantong
Daniel Robinson: Horsham United to Noradjuha-Quantong
Anthony Perkins: Horsham to Kalkee
Heath Watson: Horsham Saints to Harrow-Balmoral
Matt Ward: Horsham Saints to Harrow-Balmoral
Bernard Ward: Horsham Saints to Harrow-Balmoral
Jarrod Tyler: Rupanyup to Birchip
Scott Marriott: Jeparit-Rainbow to Nhill
Ash Cole: Jeparit-Rainbow to Nhill
Jamie Solyom: Stawell Warriors to St Arnaud

New homes
Matthew Walder: Warrack Eagles to Wagga Tigers
Luke Rosa: Warrack Eagles to Golden Square
Glenn Doyle: Horsham Saints to Hamilton
Shannon Keam: Dimboola to Robinvale
Brad Hartigan:Horsham to North Ballarat
Sam Anyon: Stawell Warriors to Geelong league
Bryce Warner: Nhill to South Fremantle
Brad Miller: Horsham United to Perth
Nick Ingall: Dimboola to Swan Districts
Heath Kelm: Horsham Saints to Perth

Welcome home
Brad Cassidy: Koroit to Horsham United
Shayne Breuer: Adelaide to Kalkee
Scott Turner: Warrnambool to Ararat
Marc Greig: North Ballarat to Warrack Eagles
Dale Bligh: Returning to Ararat from injury
Brad Keilar: Wickliffe-Lake Bolac to Ararat
Paul McLoughlan: Returning to Ararat from retirement
John Kosch: Bonbeach to Minyip-Murtoa
Joel Hinch: Horsham United to Pimpinio
Kyle George: North Ballarat to Beulah
Tom Hallam: Bendigo Bombers to Beulah

New faces
Jace Carton: Essendon District League to Natimuk
Daniel Mitchell: Essendon District League to Natimuk
Brian Guest: Frankston to Natimuk
Justin Dickson: North Albury to Beulah
Robert Price: Riverland League to Nhill
Wes Hawkes: Queensland to Nhill
Simon Price: Queensland to Nhill
Andrew Abraham: Melbourne to Stawell Warriors
Luke Abraham: Melbourne to Stawell Warriors
John Tudhill: Melbourne to Stawell Warriors
Heath Pohl: Hurstbridge to Stawell Warriors

[localfootyguru]

Grimmett,

Thanks for posting all the Wimmera FL info on here - love to read all the news and happenings around the competitions in the region.

Just wondering how Minyip Murtoa are shaping up for 2006? They recruited well last season and seemed to be on the improve. The recruitment of Kosch will be an added bonus but I wondered if they have gained or lost any others?

[deano1]

From Wimmera Mail-Times of Wednesday, February 1.



FOOTY SHORTS

Dart lands trio in Stawell

Throwing a dart at a map of Australia isn’t a conventional way of deciding which football club to play for. For three football journeymen it’s a yearly occurrence.
Andrew Abraham, 25, Luke Abraham, 22, and John Tudhill, 24, will play for Stawell in the Wimmera Football League this year after the ‘dart landed on Stawell’.
Stawell coach Dale Power said he was surprised to get a phone call from the trio.
“The guys rang the Town Hall Hotel and were asking about the footy club and eventually got in touch with me,” he said. “Apparently they throw a dart at the map each year and wherever it lands that’s where they go.”
Power said the trio, who have labouring and mining experience, were looking for work.


How good is that, a fantastic way to live life. Won't get any club life memberships anywhere but still good. At least they are'nt chasing the $$.

[Grimmett]

Grimmett,

Thanks for posting all the Wimmera FL info on here - love to read all the news and happenings around the competitions in the region.

Just wondering how Minyip Murtoa are shaping up for 2006? They recruited well last season and seemed to be on the improve. The recruitment of Kosch will be an added bonus but I wondered if they have gained or lost any others?


Just had a quick look at the WFL site. Kosch is the only clearance application for the Burras at the moment.

Interesting one not mentioned in the papers yet is Garry Hallam of United trying to move to Natimuk in the HDFL. He's a talented young backman who has suffered badly the past few years with two broken legs from two different practice matches. It has been rejected but he would be another significant loss to a club that is suffering a mass exodus of the sort not seen in the Wimmera for a long time.

[Fwaygo]

Word has it United have a few good young players ready to step up as well as a couple of new faces that show promise.

Gee the Bombers looking set for an even better year in the HDFL.




SYNDAL TALLY HO - PREMIERS 06

[Grimmett]

From Wednesday's Wimmera Mail-Times. Some smaller pieces are available at http://araratfc.vcfl.com.au

FOOTY FOCUS PRE-SEASON

Wimmera Mail-Times
Wednesday, February 8, 2006

Giampaolo in demand

By Megan Hustwaite

Young Horsham Saints talent Jarret Giampaolo is fielding offers from several Ballarat clubs.
Giampaolo, 19, is moving to Ballarat on February 17 to study IT at the University of Ballarat.
He told the Mail-Times Ballarat Football League clubs Ballarat, Redan, Lake Wendouree and Sebastopol were chasing him.
VFL club North Ballarat also shown interest.
“I’ll be playing footy somewhere in Ballarat this year,” he said. “Travelling home to play every weekend isn’t something I want to do. It would also mean I couldn’t train with the team all year.”
The race for Giampaolo’s signature has become so competitive that Ballarat coach and former AFL champion John Northey came to Horsham to have dinner with Jarret and father Frank, a former Melbourne footballer.
“That was pretty impressive. John’s had a lot of success at AFL level and he just came here for a chat and asked about my footy and what I want to do,” he said.
Giampaolo trained with Lake Wendouree last Wednesday and North Ballarat coach and Collingwood premiership player has been in constant contact.
Giampaolo, Wimmera League’s Rising Star in 2005, said he was learning to deal with the constant attention from club recruiters.
“It’s a bit different. I’ve never had any clubs chase me before,” he said. “You check your phone and have all these missed calls from them – it’s a new experience that’s for sure. I won’t know what I’m doing until I get to Ballarat and can speak to people face to face and even train.”
Giampaolo is moving to Ballarat with friend and former teammate Tom McKinnon and said the pair were keen to play together.
“We just want to play footy at a good club with good people,” Giampaolo said. “We want to stay together and we’re going to stay in Horsham and work for as long as we can so we’ve got money. Once we move hopefully we can train with a few clubs and work out something.”

[Grimmett]

FOOTY FOCUS PRE-SEASON


Wimmera Mail-Times
Wednesday, February 15, 2006


Bos over the moon

By Megan Hustwaite

Horsham United officials have appointed junior coaches for the coming season.
Andrew Bos will coach the under-17 side with assistant Andrerw Moon and Murray Wilson is under-14 coach.
Diggers senior coach Brian Cassidy said he was delighted to welcome Moon and Wilson back to the club for another year.
“They both did a great job with the junior squads last year and it is great for the club to have some stability in the coaching ranks of our junior teams,” he said. “It really helps us mould the kids into future senior players for the club. We see the junior teams as a really important part of the Horsham United Football Club.”
Bos said it was pleasing to see more than 30 under-17 players turn out for the first run of the season.
Wilson said several players from last year’s side had left to play older age football.
“With the nucleus from last year along with an injection of new young and eager faces will see the boys have a great season for 2006,” Wilson said. “Junior footy is all about enjoyment and having a go. We make sure every under-14 player gets game time each week and following our Wednesday night training we will be providing food and drinks to players and parents are most welcome to join in.”
Under-14 training is Monday and Wednesday from 5pm at Horsham City Oval. New players are welcome along with Horsham District League under-13 players from 2005 keen to join a Wimmera League under-14 team.


FOOTY SHORTS

Everything’s fine and Dandy at the Diggers

Horsham United leaders have appointed Wimmera Football League representative Simon Dandy assistant coach of the Diggers.
Coach Brian Cassidy said Dandy, who was assistant in 2003, was a good role model for the Diggers young players.
“Simon provides a good example and is an outstanding role model,” Cassidy said. “He can do a lot of the fitness stuff and has a lot of ideas. You wouldn’t get a better bloke, he conducts himself in the right manner. I’m rapt to have him as my assistant. We’re happy to have him on board.”
The appointment ends speculation Dandy would follow former Diggers teammates Arian Wade, Adam Jolley and Daniel Robinson to Horsham District League club Noradjuha-Quantong.


Brennan out

Horsham football export and Hawthorn player Luke Brennan will miss the NAB Cup through injury.
Brennan, 20, is recovering from a bout of patella tendonitis but should be fit for the Hawks round one match against Fremantle on April 2.
But AFL clubs have confirmed several former Wimmera players will be in action during the NAB Cup.
The player sand their scheduled games are:
Friday, February 24: Brisbane v Essendon at Carrara. Lenny Clark (Minyip-Murtoa) Brisbane.
Western Bulldogs v Melbourne at Marrara. Travis Baird (Donald) Western Bulldogs.
Saturday, February 25: Hawthorn v Richmond at Telstra Dome. Clinton Young (Minyip-Murtoa) Hawthorn.
Carlton v Geelong at Telstra Dome. Daniel Batson (Nhill) Carlton.
Sunday, February 26: West Coast v Fremantle at Subiaco. Matt Rosa (Warrack Eagles) West Coast.


Kuhne returns

Dimboola continues to recruit strongly in the lead-up to the Wimmera Football League season.
Former coach Robin Kuhne will return to the club after a year on the sidelines.
The Roos have also picked up key position player Darcy Shannon from Beulah.
Horsham District League representative Tom Pitt will return from Kalkee.
Club officials hope to sign a player from Melbourne and three players from Darwin in the next three weeks.

[Grimmett]

Another edition up on the webiste for the Rats along with some more local news. http://araratfc.vcfl.com.au


FOOTY FOCUS PRE-SEASON


Wimmera Mail-Times
Wednesday, February 22, 2006


A Tiger eye in London

By Matthew Hillard

Nhill Tigers will have to spend 2006 without the services of talented utility Alan Fritsch, who is spending another year overseas.
A former best and fairest and Wimmera League representative, Fritsch will spend a second consecutive year working as a butcher south of London.
However his overseas venture will not stop Fritsch keeping up to date with the progress of the Tigers.
“I’ll definitely be keeping in touch, ringing them up after games and text messages,” he said. “But last year it wasn’t too good, they only won a couple of games.”
Fritsch said he hoped the Tigers could break into the finals action this season but said it was up to the younger guys to step up.
“They’ve got a big new ruckman, so hopefully that’ll be promising,” Fritsch said. “But we’ll definitely be missing the likes of Bryce Warner.”
Warner has moved to Western Australia to play with WAFL club South Fremantle.
“I couldn’t see them making the finals, but hopefully they do for their sake.”
While in the UK last year, Fritsch got to experience a taste of the British Australian Rules competition, the BARFL.
“I think they’ve got a couple of divisions, but the second division probably wasn’t even up to reserves standard,” Fritsch said.
Fritsch was uncertain how long he would be overseas or whether he would pull on a Tigers guernsey in the near future.
“I’m not sure how long I’ll be over there for, I’ve really missed not playing football and don’t know where it will take me when I get back.”


FOOTY SHORTS

• Natimuk searches for a coach

Natimuk is no closer to finalising a senior coach with just a month until the start of the Horsham District Football League season.
President Willie Hanson told the Mail-Times the coaching situation had become concerning.
“But we aren’t giving up and we aren’t negative,” he said. “We’ve recruited well, our facilities have been upgraded and we’re getting good numbers at training, we just can’t seem to get a coach. I think it’s got a lot to do with where we’ve finished on the ladder the past few years, no-one wants to take up the challenge of getting us back up into the finals.”
The Rams have spoken to several Wimmera football identities including Jeparit-Rainbow’s Ben Zanker, former Horsham United player Josh Mibus, former Horsham Saints coach Glenn Doyle, Harrow-Balmoral’s Ryan McClure and former Rams coach Tony Lloyd.
“At the moment we are looking for a playing coach from outside the Wimmera, we want to attract new faces to the area,” Mr Hanson said. “We’ve been advertising across the state and there just doesn’t seem to be anyone around. If something doesn’t come up we’ll look to someone within the club to take on the role.”
The Rams have strengthened their recruiting campaign by signing two Wimmera League players. Horsham United defender Garry Hallam and Wimmera Football League representative Brent Marra from Nhill will play for the club in 2006.
Mr Hanson said both players were handy acquisitions to the team.
“Garry and Brent are fit, young and keen and are both match-winning players. We’re very pleased to have them on board,” he said.


• Rats train at Killarney

Ararat footballers participated in a training camp at Killarney at the weekend.
Coach David Law said the players took part in a variety of fitness drills and personal development activities during the two day camp.
“First up the boys did a three hour footy session which focused on set and stop plays,” he said. “That was followed by a seven kilometre run on gravel and the beach and a swim. Then we let them go for a bit of a surf. We had a nutritionist who was our guest speaker. We also had a session where the boys learnt about the dynamics behind a proper recovery session and what you need to do to ensure you will play the next week.”
Law said he believed pre-season camps allowed players to bond and learn new skills in a different environment.
“We found it to be a really productive couple of days and we will certainly be looking to plan something similar in the future,“ he said. “Things are shaping up well for our season opener against Horsham. We continue to have good numbers at training and we’ve got a few practice matches coming up to get things right.”


• Horsham United Football Club fans would have been happy to see some familiar faces on the track for the Diggers during the past few weeks.
Brothers Robert and Richard Goudie have been involved in pre-season training and are looking forward to slipping on the yellow and black for the approaching Wimmera League season.
Robert Goudie won a reputation several years ago as a hard working ruck-rover who often had the job of curbing the influence of opposition playmakers.
Richard Goudie was also a dogged onballer or back flanker renowned for his application on the ground.
Robert Goudie said he had no great plans and hoped to ‘simply get the odd game in the twos’.

[Grimmett]

Sonny Lindsey has walked out on Dimboola five weeks before the season starts. An enigmatic figure who could electrify or mortify with his on field endeavours, he will be noticeable in his absence in 2006 although not all will miss him.

From today's Wimmera Mail-Times:

Sonny sets on the Wimmera
Megan Hustwaite
Friday, 3 March 2006

WIMMERA football fraternity's fascinating affair with flamboyant Robert `Sonny' Lindsey is over.
Lindsey, 27, has resigned as coach of Dimboola Football Club and will move to Melbourne.

The Wimmera rumour mill has suggested his replacement might be former AFL and Brisbane talent Michael `Magic' McLean.

Dimboola club officials refused to confirm they had spoken to McLean, who is coaching Nightcliff in Darwin, but might announce Lindsey's replacement as early as tonight.

Club president John Saxton revealed the Roos had planned for any possible change in circumstances and would look to a coaching appointment within the club if other plans fell through.

The Mail-Times believes 2005 Toohey medallist Peter MacFarlane and Matthew Everitt will coach the club if the Roos don't appoint McLean.

"Out of all this negative news there will be some positives," Mr Saxton said.

"We have had things in the pipeline because the club is ultimately bigger than the individual. We are also obliged to make sure things are in place for players at the club and prospective players."

Mr Saxton said the club supported Lindsey and his family through troubled times.

"We've always looked after the interests of the football club but it doesn't just revolve around that, it revolves around the people and their families," he said.

"We can't dictate how our players conduct themselves off the field, but I feel sympathetic to any player who has hassles family-wise, whether that is with partners, children or parents.

"If moving away from Dimboola allows the marriage to be rectified in some way or can somehow bring back together a mum, dad and son well that's good. Even if it's to the detriment of the football club, family comes first."

Saxton said Lindsey's on-field influence as a leader and full forward would be greatly missed.

"Sonny's been great for us. He kicked over 130 goals for the club last season and was influential in getting us to a grand final," he said.

"I'm disappointed for Sonny because he had heart and soul set on coaching. The Dimboola Football Club wishes him all the best."


Lindsey confirmed to the Mail-Times this week he would play for Melbourne amateur club St Kilda City.

"It was a difficult decision but I'm leaving due to personal reasons," he said. "I will miss the town, the people in it and the footy club, but it's the best decision for the situation at hand.

"I'll be working as a building labourer down there and am looking forward to playing footy in Melbourne again."

Lindsey joined Wimmera Football League from Sunraysia League club Red Cliffs.

He played for Nhill before a brief stint with Horsham United. Lindsey joined Dimboola in 2004.

The club appointed him senior coach following the side's grand final loss to Horsham last year.

He replaced Shannon Keam.

[deano1]

^^^^^^^^^
That is disapointing for the Roo's but as they say family comes first.

If they get Mclean down I wonder if he could bring a few with him from Nightcliff. Some handy players there E.G. Ronnie Burns. Nightcliff also the club Justin Clarke of beaulah is currently playing for.

[Cameo King]

Grimmett

Is Frato definitley not playing for the Rats this year? What's the story there? One minute he is, next minute he's elsewhere. And is Spacey fit? Also any truth to the rumour that Hitchy will be returning to Alexandra Oval?

[Grimmett]

Grimmett

Is Frato definitley not playing for the Rats this year? What's the story there? One minute he is, next minute he's elsewhere. And is Spacey fit? Also any truth to the rumour that Hitchy will be returning to Alexandra Oval?


No sign of Frato at all during pre-season. I think Matt Emerson is playing at the club Mick was with last year and exerting some pressure on him to hang around for another season. Perhaps the departure of G.Todd from the committee has cooled Mick's interest in returning?

Spacey doesn't look fit but then he doesn't look likely to be in red and white this season either. He is to become a father shortly and his partner is not keen on the travel required for him to be a Rat in 2006.

Hitch will be fronting for Tatyoon again as far as anybody at Alexandra Oval knows. He is only a couple of games away from his ton with the Rats and is keen to bring up that milestone but for now is happy at the Hawks.

[BIGANT]

^^^^^^^^^
That is disapointing for the Roo's but as they say family comes first.

If they get Mclean down I wonder if he could bring a few with him from Nightcliff. Some handy players there E.G. Ronnie Burns. Nightcliff also the club Justin Clarke of beaulah is currently playing for. Is'nt Justin Clarke assistant coach @ beulah in 06,is he a beulah boy or from elseware:confused:

[Grimmett]

Is'nt Justin Clarke assistant coach @ beulah in 06,is he a beulah boy or from elseware:confused:

Yep, Clarke is at Beulah in 2006. Originally with Warrack Eagles I think. Played in the 2002 Eagles premiership.

[Warrack Eagles]

correct was an eagles in 2002 and will be back next year from rumors and couple of big nights on the squrt with him he shallbe an eagles agagin and it wouldnt hurt either we need a ruckmen to release or big man gunn.

EAGLES ALL THE WAY 2006

[BIGANT]

Any more news on majic mclean movement's down south :confused:

[Grimmett]

Nothing filtered down to the southern end of the league yet.

[Grimmett]

FOOTY FOCUS PRE-SEASON


Wimmera Mail-Times
Wednesday, March 8, 2006


FOOTY SHORTS

St Arnaud celebrates prize Wimmera recruit

Wimmera Football League representative Simon Brearley will play for St Arnaud in the North Central Football League this year.
St Arnaud assistant coach Jamie Solyom said Brearley, a Nhill best and fairest winner, would be a handy acquisition.
“It’s great to have someone of his capability on board. He proved himself a talented onballer for Nhill and should do very well in the North Central league,” he said. “I don’t know him personally but I played on him when I was playing for Stawell and his work ethic and the way he attacked the ball really impressed me. Over the pre-season we went about topping up our onballer brigade. We’re a top heavy and very tall team and it’s been good to pick up some quality onballers. He’s certainly someone we wanted and I’m looking forward to playing with Simon.”
Solyom said it would be interesting to see how a number of former Wimmera League players fared in the neighbouring major league.
“There will be a few of us playing. Donald has picked up Josh Mibus, Jay Tucker and Tim Wade from Horsham United and there’ll be Simon and myself so it should be good,” he said.
Solyom, former Stawell Warriors coach, said the assistant coaching role allowed him to focus more on his game.
“I’ve had a really good pre-season and it’s allowed me to concentrate purely on myself. I’ve been able to get my fitness and hamstrings right instead of chasing everyone else around,” he said.


- Horsham United has launched a major drive to raise money, confirming March 19 as a date for a monster garage sale.
The club is accepting goods as donations to the club and also offering to sell items at a commission of 20 percent.
The club can arrange a pick up of items to sell.


- Nhill has strengthened its claim to play finals in 2006 by continuing its strong recruiting campaign.
Tigers president Andy Reichelt told the Mail-Times the club had signed Southerns captain James May and onballer Asman Rory from Darwin.
“James is quite a strong centre half back and comes with great leadership experience, while Asman is a quality onballer,” he said. “Both the guys are very good players and we’re happy to have them on board. We also hope to sign another two or three players from Darwin in the next few weeks.”
The signings are part of a strong Tigers pre-season recruiting campaign which has welcomed ruckman Robert Price from South Australia and Rob Cole and Ash Marriott from the Mallee League to the club.
Tiger officials have also appointed under-17s coach Saun Baysand as Dean Schumann’s senior assistant coach.


- A freak training accident has sidelined Nhill onballer Justin Merrett for the first month of the Wimmera League season.
Merrett, 20, broke his leg during a sprinting drill at football training last week.
“We were doing basic sprints then sliding along the ground and getting up quickly and my leg got stuck on the ground,” he said. “It was an unusual way of breaking your leg. I reckon I could do that training drill 100 times and not have that happen, it was just a bit of bad luck.”
Merrett, whose leg is in plaster for six weeks, said doctors initially thought the injury was ligament damage.
“But luckily it was just a clean break so they haven’t had to wire it or anything,” he said. “I should start walking slowly by the end of the week, then I’ll do rehabilitation and get my strength back.”
He said he working towards a May 6 comeback game.

[Warrack Eagles]

Simon Bearly must be getting paid a s**t load of coin to go there becaue nhill are looking to be top three this year after a couple more recuits Why would you wanna play at st arnold when Your own team has become a strong force they will go close this year warrack have st arnold in a practise match next weekend so i cant wait to get out there and gove big bad soly s**t haha

EAgLeS 2006

[deano1]

http://afl.com.au/cp2/c2/webi/article/250543bz.jpghttp://afl.com.au/cp2/webi/space.gifRosa ready to blossom
1:44:26 PM Sat 11 March, 2006
Justin Chadwick
Sportal for afl.com.au
The phrase 'blue-chip midfield' has become synonymous with the Eagles in recent years, but if Friday night's showing against Carlton is anything to go by, the word 'depth' may have some currency as well.

A young and undermanned West Coast side pushed a strong Carlton line-up all the way in its NAB Challenge clash played in Alice Springs, with the Blues eventually prevailing 13.9 (87) to 9.7 (61) in what Eagles assistant coach Peter Sumich described as a promising performance.

"We were very happy with our performance, especially with our young kids," he said after the game.

"It was terrific, barring about 10 minutes of the game in the last quarter where Carlton got on top."

zMSgetJS('adsize=300x250&position=island');http://ad.sensismediasmart.com.au/images/houseads_breadtv/pbf_300x250.gif (http://ad2.pamedia.com.au/event.ng/Type=click&FlightID=22384&AdID=34032&TargetID=9016&Values=31,51,60,72,86,91,101,110,150,196,252,256,535,611,772 ,971,2229,2233,2236,2290,2584,4533,4696,4699,4701,4702,4705, 5099,5481,5501,5672,5734,5738,5857,7725,9531,9733,11344,1485 6,15716,17453&RawValues=&Redirect=http://ad.sensismediasmart.com.au/images/redir/dfaredir.html?http://www.whitepages.com.au)
"You always like to win, but at the end of the day it was more about giving these kids a go. It was a good result for us I thought."

The Eagles were without a host of stars, including Ben Cousins, Chris Judd, Daniel Kerr, Tyson Stenglein, Chad Fletcher, Andrew Embley, Dean Cox and Ashley Hansen, but youngsters Matt Rosa, Mark LeCras, Beau Waters, Mark Seaby, Mark Nicoski, Adam Hunter and Brett Jones stood up in their absence.

Sumich said he was particularly pleased with Rosa's progress over the pre-season, believing the 19-year-old was well in the running for a position in the season opener against St Kilda.

"He's probably been our most consistent player over the last three weeks," Sumich said.

"He gives himself an opportunity to play next week (against Hawthorn)."

"We have to pick as close to our best side available, and he might get a game in that."

Quinten Lynch and LeCras were useful in attack with two goals each, but Sumich said the forward-line set-up was still a work in progress.

"We are getting our structure right, but we are still tinkering with it a little bit," he said.

The 26-point victory to Carlton was a timely confidence booster for the Blues, after their demoralising 99-point loss to Port Adelaide last week.

Brendan Fevola was outstanding - slamming home five goals - while Adam Bentick, Nick Stevens and Matthew Lappin all featured prominently throughout the game.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Looks like Matty Rosa is doing all the right things to get a game round 1.

[Grimmett]

UNIFORM SWITCH FOR BIG W TEAM

First published by:

Wimmera Mail-Times
Monday, March 13, 2006

WIMMERA Football League will revert back to navy blue and white jumpers for VCFL championships this year to avoid a clash of colours.
League football manager Barry McTaggart said the Wimmera uniform would involve a navy blue jumper with white W, navy blue shorts and hooped navy blue and white socks.
"We thought we would get on the front foot and be proactive," Mr McTaggart said. "It will be for this year only but it is something we need to look at from year to year."
Mr McTaggart said Wimmera colours of blue and gold were the same as fellow pool C leagues Bendigo and Central Murray and Murray colours also clashed.
Wimmera's traditional colours are royal blue and gold but the league has a history of changing representative strips.
It has gone from royal blue and gold to navy blue and white, to white and navy blue, back to navy blue and white before adopting traditional colours again a few years ago.
Wimmera, Bendigo, Murray and Central Murray will play in the championships at Barooga on May 27 and 28.

[Grimmett]

FOOTY FOCUS PRE-SEASON


Wimmera Mail-Times
Wednesday, March 15, 2006


FOOTY SHORTS

Great Western raring to go for new season

Great Western is raring and ready to go for the new football and netball season.
With Shaun Hurley joining an already strong coaching panel as an assistant coach, the football group looks in great shape.
Numbers at pre-season training have been consistently good with new recruits Matt Considine, Sam Norton, Ryan Gardner, Matt Frichot and Tim Kenyon looking particularly sharp.
The Works Infrastructure Lions kick off their 2006 campaign with a practice match against Moyston-Willaura on Friday at Great Western.
The under-16 team will have a short hit out at 5.30pm with the senior team playing at 6pm.
The nethallers will also take the court against Moyston-Willaura in A, B and C grades from 6pm.
A barbecue tea will follow the matches and the club is encouraging all members and supporters to attend.
The footballers will then enjoy a weekend of relaxation with the Great Western annual football camp at the weekend.
Great Western's first match of the Horsham District Football League season will be the annual derby against Stawell Swifts on April 1 at North Park.


- Former Horsham Saints duo Jarret Giampaolo and Tom McKinnon will play for Redan in the Ballarat Football League this year.
The 19-year olds have moved to Ballarat to attend university and signed with the Lions last week.
Former VFL player Kieran Murrihy coaches the Lions, while 2005 Beulah premiership coach Shane Snibson is assistant coach.
Ballarat Football League clubs Ballarat, Lake Wendouree and Sebastopol pursued the pair, while VFL club North Ballarat also showed interest.
Giampolo was Wimmera League Rising Star in 2005, while McKinnon was a league representative.
The pair join a string of leading players including Glenn Doyle, Heath Watson, Matthew Ward, Bernie Ward and Heath Kelm on the Horsham Saints' player departure list.


- Former Horsham United full forward Brad Miller has enjoyed a successful start to his WAFL career.
The record-breaking Wimmera League player kicked four goals in Perth's 118-point win over West Perth in a practice match.
Demons coach Simon Eastaugh told Western Australian media that Miller provided a good target up forward and had no troubles kicking goals from 50 metres.


- West Coast Eagles officials believe Warracknabeal export Matt Rosa will play in round one of the AFL season.
West Coast assistant coach Peter Sumich said he was particularly pleased with Rosa's progress over the preseason, believing the 19-year-old was well in the running for a position in the season opener against St Kilda.
"He's probably been our most consistent player over the last three weeks," Sumich told afl.com.au. "He gives himself an opportunity to play this week against Hawthorn. We have to pick as close to our best side available and he might get a game in that."
The Eagles selected Rosa with pick 29 in the 2004 AFL draft.

[Grimmett]

Stawell Times-News, Friday March 10:

Former AFL footballer features for Warriors
Tim O'Connor
Friday, 10 March 2006

Former Collingwood and West Coast bigman Brent Tuckey returned home to don the red and black of the Stawell Mitre 10 Warriors, in the team's lightning premiership clash with Maryborough on Friday night.
The club hopes to have Tuckey, who would be a massive coup for the young Warriors, signed inside the next two to three weeks.

"We hope to get a clearance from South Adelaide in the near future," coach Dale Power said.

"He is very keen to play."

Tuckey, who has also had offers from clubs in other leagues to play this season, enjoyed a strong role throught last Friday night's clash with Maryborough, playing the first three terms on the wing before moving into the ruck for the final quarter.

"He got better and better, he and Ben Martin combined well," Power said.

"He took some telling marks. His big presence was obvious with his voice and the size he carries.

Tuckey, who played junior football with the Warriors before furthering his talent elsewhere, played 19 games for Collingwood after being drafted from North Ballarat as an 18 year-old in 1998.

He also has experience as a West Coast Eagle, where he played a further three matches.

Apart from many other accomplishments, Tuckey was also named in the VFL Team of the Year after playing in the victorious Victorian team against WAFL.

Despite suffering defeat, coach Dale Power was pleased with aspects of his team's performance, in what was his first competitive stint as the club's leader.

"The signs were pretty good, the skill level was pleasing," he said.

"There were good signs with a lot of young blokes."

Power named youngsters such as Jack Duke, Bryce Homden, Josh Rathgeber, Brenton Potter and Matt Giles, saying they all faired well in what was a strong taste of senior football.

New recruits Andrew and Luke Abraham and John Tuthill also showed good signs according to Power.

Another trip to Maryborough for a meeting with Ballarat-based Sebastopol beckons for the Warriors tonight.

Power said the team was looking forward to the match, in what should see an entirely different Warriors make-up, signalling up to 10 changes for the match.

He also revealed that Dean Jenkinson, who had been a candidate for the Warriors senior coaching role this season, would be travelling to play for the Warriors tonight.

Power said Jenkinson is a prospective player for the Warriors.

"He's been around the traps and is another valuable asset for us like Brent."

[Andyt30]

St Arnaud d Warrack Eagles by 30pts

St.Arnaud 17.10=112 d Warrack Eagles 12.10=82

Under 17;s

St.Arnaud6.9=45 D Warrack Eagles 6.4=40

Under 14's Warrack D St.arnaud fairely convinsenly

[Fwaygo]

Any other praccy match results known in the Wimmera/HDFL? Dimbolla played Kalkee on Thursday didn't they?

[Andyt30]

might say in tomorrows wimmera mail times :D

[gutsy]

Ex Warrack Eagle Matty Walder is killing them at Wagga Tigers. I heard they played South Mildura in practice match in Hay and absolutley flogged them. Apparently he has them moving very nicely at the moment. He was in the top 3 best players and is still running like a 16 yr old.

How do you think he will go and is he the best player/coach to have slipped through Warricks fingers?

[Grimmett]

He's a very good coach and he will do well at Wagga.

I don't know that he slipped through Warrack's finger considering he led them to the 2003 flag over Ararat. More like it was time for him to advance his coaching prospects by moving to a league with a higher profile.

[Grimmett]

RECRUITING DRIVE

First published by:

Wimmera Mail-Times
Wednesday, March 22, 2006

By Megan Hustwaite

Wimmera Football League clubs Horsham and Horsham Saints have stepped up their recruiting campaigns on the eve of the new season.
Horsham is keen to lure back premiership rover Aaron Barnett.
Barnett, 19, playing for Adelaide amateur side Phos-Camden after struggling for form with West Adelaide in the SANFL, intends to return to the Demons.
Horsham Saints has signed 197-centimetre utility Adrian Pilgrim who played for Preston in the VFL and spent a pre-season with Carlton in 2004.
Barnett said he needed to know more about his football future before making any decisions.
“At the moment I’m unsure about what my future at West Adelaide holds,” he said. “Coming back to Horsham is not out of the question. If things can work out I’m keen to come back. Work is the main priority. I want to start an apprenticeship and I’d have to have a job to come back to.”
Barnett said the prospect of playing in another premiership with the Demons was appealing.
“I played in a premiership with all those blokes – a lot of them are my mates – which was pretty special. They’re still a pretty handy side and I’d like to play in another one with them,” he said. “I want to enjoy my footy again. I miss playing Wimmera League and for a country club. Horsham have rang me and I’ll give them a call back in the next few days.”
Horsham chairman Bruce Hartigan said the club would welcome back the talented onballer with open arms.
“We’re still in negotiations with Aaron. It’s a case of contract arrangements with West Adelaide and that’s something for him to work out with the club. We can’t negotiate with them,” Mr Hartigan said. “But we’re definitely speaking to him and we’d be more than happy to have him home.”
Saints coach Mark O’Beirne said Pilgrim would be a handy acquisition for the club.
“He’s not just a big guy, he can play a bit too,” O’Beirne said. “Not often do you find six foot six guys who can play. It’s very good news for the club, he’s a pretty good pick-up.”
O’Beirne said although Pilgrim could play several positions, he might fill the void left by the departure of key tall Heath Watson.
“It will be interesting to see where we play him. He can play centre half forward or back, in the ruck or even a wing,” he said. “He might be a good replacement for Watson at half forward. Adrian is an exciting player because you can play him anywhere. If we’re falling down in the backline I’ll be confident we can put him back there to do the job. He’ll be a hard player to match up because he covers a lot of ground.”
Pilgrim, a school teacher at Waubra near Ballarat, will travel to the Wimmera to play each week.
“It’s been in the pipeline for a while, we were just waiting to see where he got his teaching placement,” O’Beirne said. “After a few trips up here he made up his mind and he’s excited about playing with Horsham Saints. We’ve been impressed with his work on the training track and we put a lot of work into getting him. He’s down to earth and fits in really well; he’s a good person to have around the club.”
O’Beirne said that Pilgrim’s VFL experience would be invaluable to a young Saints team.
“We’ve got a fairly young side and Adrian is looking to pass on his experience to a lot of the kids,” he said. “He wants to take on a leadership role. He didn’t want to just play at a club, he wanted to have an influence. I’ll be looking to him for ideas and he’ll certainly have an input.”

[Grimmett]

Lions in limbo
...Nhill and Heywood battle over key players for 2006 season
24 March2006
Portland Observer
By By DEAN MILLARD

THE Heywood Football Club has found itself locked in a paperwork arm-wrestle with the Nhill Football Club for the services of three key players.


Clearance requests for Heywood player Jeremy Ellis and prized recruits James May and Asman Rory appeared on the Nhill and District Sporting Club's transfers list on March 8.

This would have come as a big surprise to the Lions, who officially announced the signing of May and Rory in the Portland Observer on February 24.

Ellis, one of the players involved in the stalemate, said he and the other two players had mistakenly signed up for Nhill while being under the influence of alcohol following their final game of the season for AFLNT club Southern Districts.

"We are kind of under contract for Nhill, but we were under the influence of alcohol, so there is a bit going on at the moment," Ellis said.

"We were under the influence of alcohol when we signed up and we didn't really remember it the next day.

"It is all getting cleared up now and we are coming to Heywood."

Ellis, May and Rory allegedly signed the contracts and clearances while drinking in a pub some time in the early afternoon of the Sunday following their final match.

He said while May and Rory had previously signed contracts with the Heywood Football Club, he had not and so he was hoping the Nhill and District Sporting Club would come to the party and clear him back.

Ellis said at the time of signing the documents he was not actually aware of what he was signing.

"They didn't actually say what it (the clearance paper) was.

"They just said they were from Nhill, but they didn't actually say what it was."

According to Ellis, Nhill had been speaking to May, who is captain of the Southern Districts Club and a highly respected full-back, at the start of the northern season, but after not hearing from them for a few months May decided to sign with Heywood instead.

It was shortly after this that Ellis says Nhill re-started discussions with May.

"James actually got told about Nhill by their coach at the start of the season, but then he didn't actually hear anything back from them.

"So I was telling him that Heywood was a good club and that he should just come down there, and he was like yeah, yeah, alright then, so I told Keegs (Shane Keegan) to come up and check them out then.

"They came up and the boys signed for them, and then Nhill rang them up maybe a week, a week and a half after that to say they would come up and watch them play."

Ellis said during his time in Darwin he had actually been playing on permit and had always remained a registered Heywood player, so was confused as to how he could be cleared from Southern Districts in the first place, so was as surprised as anyone when Keegan called him to find out what was going on.

"I didn't know really what was happening.

"Keegs asked me if I'd signed for Nhill, and I was like "Not that I know of", but it was on the internet that the three of us had signed for Nhill.

"I was playing on permit up there.

"I don't know how it works but I thought Heywood could just knock it back."

The Nhill Football Club could not be contacted and Wimmera Football League secretary Barry McTaggart would not comment on the situation, while Heywood secretary Myles Morris described the situation as merely being some technical difficulties in the paper trail.

"There are some technical difficulties with clearances and interstate transfer forms," Morris said.

Heywood is believed to be confident of gaining the services of all three players due to the existing contracts that are in place, however if the players can not gain clearances to play at Heywood those contracts will be of little value.

Heywood should be confident that Rory in particular will have no troubles in getting cleared as his clearance to Nhill actually names him as Rory James Ashman.

Ellis is currently back in Heywood and was expected to be at training last night, while May and Rory are expected to be in town some time next week.

Of Heywood's other northern recruits two are still on the way.

Centre-half-forward and ruckman Aaron Gepp and centreman Damien McInness are expected to leave Darwin on April 2 and arrive in Heywood sometime later that week.

McInness has already applied for a clearance to play with the Lions in 2006.

The fifth interstate player the club had hoped to sign, wingman Glenn Randall, has had to remain in the Northern Territory to complete an internship to finish off his tertiary study and will not be joining the club.

Ellis will play for Heywood tomorrow in its practice match against Kongorong at Heywood.

[Grimmett]

SKURRIE SET FOR A FOOTY SPELL

First published by:

Wimmera Mail-Times
Monday, March 27, 2006

Australian country football representative Damien Skurrie, 25, of Horsham might stand out of football this year as he recovers from a severe ankle injury.
The Horsham premiership player and Wimmera League representative revealed yesterday he was also struggling for motivation.
He said his ankle, which he dislocated while playing in a national carnival in Darwin last year, had prevented him from taking part in pre-season training.
He added that he might use his recovery time to travel overseas or to investigate other sporting interests.
"I'm just up in the air about it at the moment. Looking at it from a long-term point of view a year off probably wouldn't hurt. I want to be able to walk when I'm 50," he said. "I'm no good to anyone at the moment. The priority is to get the ankle right and be comfortable enough to start running and to get fit again."
Skurrie, 2005 Wimmera Sports Star of the Year and former AFL Bulldogs rookie draftee, has been an integral part of Horsham's premiership goal-to-goal line. He has been the central figure in significant cornerstone victories at the club.
Skurrie said he found it hard to stay motivated after reaching many of the goals he had set himself.
"Footy is always going to be a big part of life but when you have achieved many things you start looking for what else you might like to pursue - and that might include other sports such as basketball or running and athletics," he said. "And my work is also a physical job and while I've been limited in what I can do with the fires we've been flat out."
Skurrie said he planned to discuss his football future with Horsham club officials.
"It might be a good opportunity in this mind set I have at the moment to go overseas and explore other places," he said.
A cloud also hangs over fellow Horsham utility and league representative Scott Dumesny, struggling to shrug off a persistent groin injury.
But if the Demons missed both players they didn't show it yesterday, comfortably in control against Western Border League side Hamilton in a practice match at Horsham City Oval.
Full forward David Johns and creative ball-winner Steve Both did well in their first hit-outs for the approaching season while Tom Crabtree impressed in the ruck and Harrow-Balmoral recruit Tim Leeming had plenty of the ball across half back.
Horsham, under new coaches Stuart Farr and Damien Bunworth, are aiming at a record equalling four premierships in a row. The last team to win the premiership quadrella in Wimmera League was Ararat in the 1950s.

[Grimmett]

STANDARD PUT IN SPOTLIGHT

First published by:

Wimmera Mail-Times
Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Sport Matters
By Dean Lawson

Wimmera football might be a step closer to having a major facelift if the game runs a predictable course in the region this year.
Off-season wheeling and dealing with players appears to have dealt a mighty hand to Horsham District and some North Central league clubs, a scenario that might have Wimmera League leaders feeling slightly jittery.
Wimmera League, in the heart of the wheatbelt and the only tangible community organisation connecting major centres in the region, has been a stand-out country competition since Australian football began.
It has, since before the Second World War, been the flag bearer in regional football standard. North Central League has been its only serious neighbourhood rival. But the Wimmera League can no longer claim to have a mortgage on the player luring power it once enjoyed.
Horsham District League clubs seem to be matching their major league counterparts, not only financially, but also professionally. Suddenly, hoary old claims that the Horsham District League is closing the gap on the Wimmera League might be starting to contain a thread of truth.
In a sideways development, North Central League clubs are perhaps getting a bit back on the Wimmera League, Donald and St Arnaud tapping into the Wimmera player pool for recruits this year. If the scenario ultimately leaves the Wimmera and Horsham District leagues on a par and Donald and St Arnaud looking to push towards the central Wimmera, then perhaps it’s time they were all part of one league.
Footy watchers have talked about a promotion-relegation system for years, some saying it’s an obvious step and others saying it would spell disaster, particularly for some isolated rural-based camps.
But the argument now is that minor league clubs, originally designed to allow the Joe Averages a chance to have a weekend game, have stepped up to play with the big boys. And it should be gloves off.
Horsham District League leaders were keen to talk about the concept of a central football administration but their Wimmera counterparts were not so keen. It remains a good idea. Clubs in the Wimmera are mercilessly feeding off each other for players, sponsors and administrators in a region where numbers for all are dwindling. A simple lack of nuts and bolts doesn’t discriminate. Crunch time is getting closer.
We’ve suggested in the past about hypothetically disbanding all competitions in the region and then starting from scratch, using everything from preferred travelling distances to finances and resources as a reconstruction guide. We’re wondering if we’re at the stage when the concept should be more than a simple flippant and fanciful idea.

[Grimmett]

FOOTY FOCUS PRE-SEASON


Wimmera Mail-Times
Wednesday, March 29, 2006


Tigers confirm rover

Nhill football officials remain confident Northern Territory rover Asman Rory will line up for the Tigers in the Wimmera League this year amid a complicated recruiting mix-up.
Tigers president Andrew Reichelt said Rory had given assurances he would join the club this season and arrive in Nhill as early as next week. But he conceded other recruits James May and Jeremy Ellis would play for Heywood in the Western Border League.
"We spoke to Asman last Thursday and Friday. We've got him a job and accommodation. He'll fly to Adelaide and we'll pick him up," Mr Reichelt said. "We want to make him and his family feel welcome and make them part of our club."
Mr Reichelt said he was disappointed May, captain of the Northern Territory League's Southern Districts, and Ellis had decided against joining team-mate Rory.
"It's disappointing they're not coming but hopefully they will consider a shift to Nhill in the future," Mr Reichelt said. "You could say it was a mix-up in paperwork but there's probably a bit more to it. We went up there, had an agreement over the phone, did the contracts and clearance forms and they were our players. We consequently found out they had signed a players contract with Heywood the week before they signed with us and they wanted to play with Heywood. They were technically our players but, at the end of the day, if a guy doesn't want to play here it's not worth the effort."
Mr Reichelt denied May and Ellis were under the influence of alcohol when the Tigers signed them in Darwin, a reason Ellis gave for the mix-up in an interview with the Portland Observer.
"That's just not true," Mr Reichelt said.
Mr Reichelt said he remained confident about the Tigers prospects for the approaching season and had been delighted in how club members had warmed to new ruckman Robert Price.
"He's just one of those blokes who walks into the club and fits in," he said.
Price is a 198-centimetre tap ruckman from Berri in SA's Riverland League.
Mr Reichelt said Price had trained with the Tigers ‘a couple of times' but work commitments meant he wouldn't be available for practice matches.
The Tigers have had a raw hit-out against Horsham District League reigning premier Pimpinio. The Tigers will have a full-scale practice match against Kowree-Naracoorte-Tatiara League club Keith at Keith on Saturday.

Note: Link to the Portland Observer story on the Heywood signing of Asman Rory, James May and Jeremy Ellis
http://www.spec.com.au/display.asp?id=6155



FOOTY SHORTS

Saints sign off on major sponsorship deal

Wimmera Football League club Horsham Saints has a new major sponsor.
Club vice-president Graeme Deleeuw has announced recycling business Waste Busters has jumped on board the Saints for this year.
The Waste Busters logo will be emblazoned on the back of the Saints jumpers as part of a deal that has made ‘both parties happy'.
Waste Busters will also help the club with the recycling of cans, bottles and cardboard from Coughlin Park.
The Saints are fresh from a solid pre-season work-out against Western Border League club Casterton.
The Saints took on Casterton on Sunday and provided coach Mark O'Beirne with a chance to see how recruits performed in match conditions.
Highlights included the efforts of Brad Couch in the backline, Shannon Couch's game, particularly early, and the run provided by Matt Hoe.
Adam Way rucked well and took several telling marks and Matt Combe, with early goals, showed promise in attack.
The Saints have also welcomed former Minyip-Murtoa and Horsham United selector Leigh Tucker and Wimmera League coach Harvey Lang to their coaching ranks.
Tucker and Lang will look after young Saints, aged between nine and 12, in a specialist development role.
The Saints Auskick continues on Thursday nights at 4pm under the guidance of Tim Lannen and Andrew King.


• Downstairs facilities at Horsham City Oval pavilion are looking the goods as Horsham and Horsham United club volunteers pump time into the project.
Concrete has replaced old timber floorboards with both changerooms now expansive and well equipped. Rub-down rooms are impressive and a dedicated area to former Horsham Junior League club Tigers remains prominently on display.
There will soon be few reasons for organisers of major sporting events to bypass the city oval.


• Wimmera football exports have performed strongly in a practice match for North Central League club Donald against Ararat.
Former Horsham United player Josh Mibus roamed across half forward for the Royal Blues at Alexandra Oval, Tim Wade kicked six goals in the final quarter and Jason Skiller from Natimuk impressed in the ruck.
Former Horsham United coach Jay Tucker injured a hamstring during the week and didn't play.
Former AFL player Ross Funcke has taken on the role of coaching Donald and his brother and long-time Minyip-Murtoa stalwart Leigh played in the game.
Ararat, meanwhile, was missing about eight regular senior players and used the match to run its youngsters into form.

[Andyt30]

was surpose to goal umpire Horsham Saints v East Gambier, today but got a phone call from their ex coach and was told East Gambier had Pulled out
so they be playing among them selves probly too late to get another club
horsham district starts today, kalkee & Pimpinio grounds not ready
Kalkees getting new sheds and the Pimpinio grounds not yet Playable so be a be a reverse draw
cheers

[MasterOfRoc]

St Arnaud Played Horsham United today....united won all games, but got a good run for their money in the 1's.... St Arnaud look to be rather strong within their own league...

[Grimmett]

Wimmera FL and Horsham District FL match reports now available on the Ararat FNC website. Check it out in Footy Focus - Final Siren.

http://araratfc.vcfl.com.au

[roaring tiger]

At this early stage of the 2006 WFl season it looks like horsham will win the 4th flag in a row. I think it will be a replay of last season Grand final Horsham Vs Dimboola. Minyip-Murtoa to finish a close 3rd with horsham united and nhill making up the 5.

Pete Mcfarlane to win back to back thooey's as the umps love him.

Wonder how much this premiership will cost horsham.

[Grimmett]

At this early stage of the 2006 WFl season it looks like horsham will win the 4th flag in a row. I think it will be a replay of last season Grand final Horsham Vs Dimboola. Minyip-Murtoa to finish a close 3rd with horsham united and nhill making up the 5.

Pete Mcfarlane to win back to back thooey's as the umps love him.

Wonder how much this premiership will cost horsham.

Much, much less than Dimboola's second consecutive GF loss will, according to your summation of how the season is set to unfold. Not that I disagree about your summary, except perhaps your Tigers sneaking into fifth ahead of the Rats
Better than 80% of Horsham's best lineup came through their own junior ranks and play for the Demons for much less than they could get at other clubs in the region.
As a Rat I definitely don't want to see our proud record of four flags in a row during the 50s equalled but the Demons are the benchmark in the WFL currently and deserve their success for sticking with a junior development plan first hatched in the late 90s/early 00s.

BTW Another past Toohey Medal winner in Scott Batchelor is well loved by the umpires and playing fairly well too. Guess it might depend on whether the orange turds rate the big blokes ahead of the little blokes.

[jimmyboy]

I know Heywood is in a different league, but there has been a bit of talk about them on this thread and I have a question. Can anyone tell me about a backman that playes there by the name of Merchant or Merchecent. Cheers:thumbsu:

[stampy]

I know Heywood is in a different league, but there has been a bit of talk about them on this thread and I have a question. Can anyone tell me about a backman that playes there by the name of Merchant or Merchecent. Cheers:thumbsu:
that would be darren merchen. plays at fullback at heywood, but is on the move soon, not sure of where to, but i know his missus has already moved due to selling and repurchasing land,tough and hard at the ball player who can clear a path like a bowling ball. in his middle to late thirties. is known to drink a power of :D:D:D:D. anything else?:thumbsu:

[jimmyboy]

that would be darren merchen. plays at fullback at heywood, but is on the move soon, not sure of where to, but i know his missus has already moved due to selling and repurchasing land,tough and hard at the ball player who can clear a path like a bowling ball. in his middle to late thirties. is known to drink a power of :D:D:D:D. anything else?:thumbsu:
Thanks Stampy, so he is definately a senior footballer then? he sounds a little long in the tooth. I guess that doesnt matter if you can still play the game though.:thumbsu:

[roaring tiger]

Much, much less than Dimboola's second consecutive GF loss will, according to your summation of how the season is set to unfold. Not that I disagree about your summary, except perhaps your Tigers sneaking into fifth ahead of the Rats
Better than 80% of Horsham's best lineup came through their own junior ranks and play for the Demons for much less than they could get at other clubs in the region.
As a Rat I definitely don't want to see our proud record of four flags in a row during the 50s equalled but the Demons are the benchmark in the WFL currently and deserve their success for sticking with a junior development plan first hatched in the late 90s/early 00s.

BTW Another past Toohey Medal winner in Scott Batchelor is well loved by the umpires and playing fairly well too. Guess it might depend on whether the orange turds rate the big blokes ahead of the little blokes.

I do agree that dimmy would be paying more money than horsham but you can't tell me that batchelor, carr, farr, johns, bunworth, wright, smith are going to play for the love of the game.
I also here from a good source that warrack eagles are paying some big coin out to. Nhill would be, saints dont have anyone worth paying, united would be to there recruits, stawell would be paying a limited few, minyip-murtoa a select 5 or 6. I don't think ararat will make the finals as theyare coming from rock bottom of the ladder. They have picked up some handy recruits but will just miss out on the five.

Your tip of batch to win the thooey again might not be far off as the umps do love him.

My tip for the most thooey votes from each side:
Horsham: S batchelor
Dimboola: P Mcfarlane
Nhill: R Price
Horsham United: M Adams
Horsham Saints: G Kelm
Warrak Eagles: M Greig
Minyip-murtoa: J Kosch
Ararat: M Jackson
Stawell: B Tuckey

What do you think grimmett?

[Jock Clark 2]

Grimmett ..... any progress on the Wimmera F.L. inter-league squad -- selection news or players being looked at for the Barooga country championships in Pool C next month.
Bendigo coach Brett Fitzpatrick (now a member of the VCFL board) mentioned on Bendigo radio last weekend the Blue and Golds will be naming an interim squad after this weekend's Round 3.
There will still be three rounds to finalise selection before the side heads to Barooga to take on Wimmera, Murray and central Murray late next month.
I understand there will be severe player/club penalties for those making themselves unavailable for selection in the Bendigo side.

[DOCKERS]

Whats all the talk down at the demons? I hear Tom Crabtree is rucking.. what is the problem with other ruckmen? and how is tom going? he has a gigantic head which could come in useful

[Grimmett]

Grimmett ..... any progress on the Wimmera F.L. inter-league squad -- selection news or players being looked at for the Barooga country championships in Pool C next month.
Bendigo coach Brett Fitzpatrick (now a member of the VCFL board) mentioned on Bendigo radio last weekend the Blue and Golds will be naming an interim squad after this weekend's Round 3.
There will still be three rounds to finalise selection before the side heads to Barooga to take on Wimmera, Murray and central Murray late next month.
I understand there will be severe player/club penalties for those making themselves unavailable for selection in the Bendigo side.

Apart from announcing league legend Bruce Petering as coach there has not been any news. I don't believe the clubs have been asked to nominate players this year which is a departure from the usual process. Expecting something this weekend maybe as there will only be four weeks to the matches.

[Grimmett]

I do agree that dimmy would be paying more money than horsham but you can't tell me that batchelor, carr, farr, johns, bunworth, wright, smith are going to play for the love of the game.
I also here from a good source that warrack eagles are paying some big coin out to. Nhill would be, saints dont have anyone worth paying, united would be to there recruits, stawell would be paying a limited few, minyip-murtoa a select 5 or 6. I don't think ararat will make the finals as theyare coming from rock bottom of the ladder. They have picked up some handy recruits but will just miss out on the five.

Your tip of batch to win the thooey again might not be far off as the umps do love him.

My tip for the most thooey votes from each side:
Horsham: S batchelor
Dimboola: P Mcfarlane
Nhill: R Price
Horsham United: M Adams
Horsham Saints: G Kelm
Warrak Eagles: M Greig
Minyip-murtoa: J Kosch
Ararat: M Jackson
Stawell: B Tuckey

What do you think grimmett?

Decent list although Horsham could realistically have half a dozen names. Cam Penny will attract votes, so will Terry Arnel etc, etc.

Matt Hoe at Horsham Saints is looking in good form early and has the flashy boots and hair. A roughie for ya.

I reckon Mal Adams would be one hell of a popular winner. Well respected.

[Grimmett]

Mail-Times match reviews of WFL Rd2 and HDFL Rd3 now up on the Ararat FNC website in Footy Focus - Final Siren.

http://araratfc.vcfl.com.au



Hey, it's a blatant plug but every hit helps. :p

[Warrack Eagles]

What is everyones thoughts on the ladder and where teams will end up this year??

[Grimmett]

What is everyones thoughts on the ladder and where teams will end up this year??

After Ararat and Warrack play this weekend we'll have a better idea of who'll be closer to the bottom, eh Germano?

How's this look?

Horsham
Dimboola
Horsham United
Minyip-Murtoa
St. Michaels
Ararat
Stawell
Nhill
Warrack

The bottom five will depend on who wins against each other, who gets belted heaviest by the big boys and who suffers badly from injuries.
Eagles hampered by having so many talented youngsters that will be in and out due to Rebels involvement.

[journeyman]

[quote=roaring tiger]I do agree that dimmy would be paying more money than horsham but you can't tell me that batchelor, carr, farr, johns, bunworth, wright, smith are going to play for the love of the game.

I know it sounds hard to believe but it's true. They spend bugger all. One thing they are big on is helping each other on their houses. They are all settled in the town and they paint each other's rooms and stuff like that.

Horsham would be one of the smallest paying clubs in the league. I'll run through the players
Batch: Doesn't get paid. Might get a pair of footy boots prior to season. They did pay for surgery on his shoulder a couple of yrs ago though.
Carr: Assistant coach so gets a little. A lot less than you'd expect though.
Farr: This is Stuie's first yr of getting paid. He's been asst for past two and one of the best in the league for the past 6. He gets stuff all to coach as well. He's prob the main reason they don't pay much money. It would be hard to put a price on your head when Stu gets nothin.
Bunworth: Coaches for not much, well under $10,000. I’d estimate about $7000
Johns: Is on committee, strong family connection to club and has good business. Would be lucky to get $300 a game
Smith wouldn't be paid now and I'd be surprised if Wright got money.

They do have a significant advantage with junior program. They have so many kids to choose from.

[Grimmett]

[quote=roaring tiger]I do agree that dimmy would be paying more money than horsham but you can't tell me that batchelor, carr, farr, johns, bunworth, wright, smith are going to play for the love of the game.

I know it sounds hard to believe but it's true. They spend bugger all. One thing they are big on is helping each other on their houses. They are all settled in the town and they paint each other's rooms and stuff like that.

Horsham would be one of the smallest paying clubs in the league. I'll run through the players
Batch: Doesn't get paid. Might get a pair of footy boots prior to season. They did pay for surgery on his shoulder a couple of yrs ago though.
Carr: Assistant coach so gets a little. A lot less than you'd expect though.
Farr: This is Stuie's first yr of getting paid. He's been asst for past two and one of the best in the league for the past 6. He gets stuff all to coach as well. He's prob the main reason they don't pay much money. It would be hard to put a price on your head when Stu gets nothin.
Bunworth: Coaches for not much, well under $10,000. I’d estimate about $7000
Johns: Is on committee, strong family connection to club and has good business. Would be lucky to get $300 a game
Smith wouldn't be paid now and I'd be surprised if Wright got money.

They do have a significant advantage with junior program. They have so many kids to choose from.

This is similar to what I've been told by various Horsham officials and supporters. David Johns has been offered significant sums by Western Border league teams and rejected every approach as he is happy to remain at his home club.

I do wonder if Damien Skurrie's reluctance to play this year is money related and he's holding out in the hope the Dees come to the party. Wasting his time if he is.

[journeyman]

[quote=journeyman][b]

This is similar to what I've been told by various Horsham officials and supporters. David Johns has been offered significant sums by Western Border league teams and rejected every approach as he is happy to remain at his home club.

I do wonder if Damien Skurrie's reluctance to play this year is money related and he's holding out in the hope the Dees come to the party. Wasting his time if he is.

Skuzz is an interesting character. I don't think it's money related why he's not playing. Nobody seems to know. They are confident that he'll come back mid-way through the year though.

The Dees lost Andy Carter and Ryan Lennon a couple of yrs ago for money (not paying it). They are bloody tight, they even made the people who they cleared pay $80 for their premiership jumper

[Grimmett]

Horsham were the only club in the WFL that could afford to play hardball with a player like Andrew Carter. Outstanding onballer who would have been paid whatever he wanted by any of the other eight teams I reckon. Horsham obviously able to come from a position of strength in that his departure would not weaken them to the extent that any other team would then become as good as them.
Lennon belongs at Kalkee if he thinks he was worth more money than the previously mentioned list of guys.

[journeyman]

Horsham were the only club in the WFL that could afford to play hardball with a player like Andrew Carter. Outstanding onballer who would have been paid whatever he wanted by any of the other eight teams I reckon. Horsham obviously able to come from a position of strength in that his departure would not weaken them to the extent that another team would be as good.
Lennon belongs at Kalkee if he thinks he was worth more money than the previously mentioned list of guys.

Totally correct with Carter but that's a touch harsh on Rizzy Lennon.
Rizzy was a good player in Horsham's 2003-04 premiership teams. He's no where near as good as the mentioned players and he wouldn't claim to be. At the end of 2004 his wife was a couple of months away from having a kid, he reckoned that he needed more money. Horsham's response was 'the club had nothing to do with you having a kid so why would we pay you for that reason'.

I think he also wanted more recignition and plaudits for his footy. At Horsham he was a good player in the backline but didn't get much of a mention. At kalkee he won the B&F in 2005, not sure how he went last year but he's in their top 2 players. I reckon in 10 years he'll look back with disappointment that he wont be part of maybe 4, 5, 6, or 7 consecutive flags.

[Grimmett]

Totally correct with Carter but that's a touch harsh on Rizzy Lennon.
Rizzy was a good player in Horsham's 2003-04 premiership teams. He's no where near as good as the mentioned players and he wouldn't claim to be. At the end of 2004 his wife was a couple of months away from having a kid, he reckoned that he needed more money. Horsham's response was 'the club had nothing to do with you having a kid so why would we pay you for that reason'.

I think he also wanted more recignition and plaudits for his footy. At Horsham he was a good player in the backline but didn't get much of a mention. At kalkee he won the B&F in 2005, not sure how he went last year but he's in their top 2 players. I reckon in 10 years he'll look back with disappointment that he wont be part of maybe 4, 5, 6, or 7 consecutive flags.

I may well have been a bit harsh on Lennon but your assesment goes on to make my judgement looks alright I reckon. No amount of money or desire for recognition would make me give up a chance to be in the history that Horsham's in th eprocess of creating. Each to their own I guess.

BTW Gotta like Horsham's thought process on the Lennon offspring. :D

[roaring tiger]

[quote=roaring tiger]I do agree that dimmy would be paying more money than horsham but you can't tell me that batchelor, carr, farr, johns, bunworth, wright, smith are going to play for the love of the game.

I know it sounds hard to believe but it's true. They spend bugger all. One thing they are big on is helping each other on their houses. They are all settled in the town and they paint each other's rooms and stuff like that.

Horsham would be one of the smallest paying clubs in the league. I'll run through the players
Batch: Doesn't get paid. Might get a pair of footy boots prior to season. They did pay for surgery on his shoulder a couple of yrs ago though.
Carr: Assistant coach so gets a little. A lot less than you'd expect though.
Farr: This is Stuie's first yr of getting paid. He's been asst for past two and one of the best in the league for the past 6. He gets stuff all to coach as well. He's prob the main reason they don't pay much money. It would be hard to put a price on your head when Stu gets nothin.
Bunworth: Coaches for not much, well under $10,000. I’d estimate about $7000
Johns: Is on committee, strong family connection to club and has good business. Would be lucky to get $300 a game
Smith wouldn't be paid now and I'd be surprised if Wright got money.

They do have a significant advantage with junior program. They have so many kids to choose from.

I wouldn't of thought stu farr would of been in the leagues top 10 players, sure hes hard at the footy but his kicking skills aren't what they should be for a class player. A player like Luke Carr a much better player in my opnion in terms of skills and class.

Top 10 in the league

D Johns (HD)
P McFarlane (DR)
M Adams (HU)
L Carr (HD)
J Kosch (MM)
B Tuckey (if he plays) (SW)
S Smith (MM)
A Carter (united)
C Penny (HD)
T Arnel (HD)

What do you think boys?

[Warrack Eagles]

After Ararat and Warrack play this weekend we'll have a better idea of who'll be closer to the bottom, eh Germano?

How's this look?

Horsham
Dimboola
Horsham United
Minyip-Murtoa
St. Michaels
Ararat
Stawell
Nhill
Warrack

The bottom five will depend on who wins against each other, who gets belted heaviest by the big boys and who suffers badly from injuries.
Eagles hampered by having so many talented youngsters that will be in and out due to Rebels involvement.


Eaglees should nearly beat ararat this weekend depending on there key men come back but even if they do we will have a few back from the rebels and should nearly come away with the points this weekend. and to say we will end up on bottom is a stupid fu*king thought!!!!

[Warrack Eagles]

My top ten in league

1) Marc Grieg (easy) (WE)
2) Johns (H)
3) Karl Lodhe (D)
4) Mal Adams (HU)
5) Brad Cassidy (HU)
6) Matt Jackson (A)
7) Luke Carr (H)
8) Paul Okley (we*
9) Scott Smith (mm)
10) Craig Wilson (mm)

[roaring tiger]

Tips for the weekend

Would of thought dimmy would belt Nhill by around about 100 points, Minyip to win over stawell by 60 points and ararat to win in a close won against the eagles if scott turner plays. Should be a ripper game though.

Hey Warrak Eagles, would of thought that your prediction of paul oakley as the 8th best in the league would be a little off the mark. Good solid player but no way near the top 10 in wimmera league.

[Warrack Eagles]

Tips for the weekend

Would of thought dimmy would belt Nhill by around about 100 points, Minyip to win over stawell by 60 points and ararat to win in a close won against the eagles if scott turner plays. Should be a ripper game though.

Hey Warrak Eagles, would of thought that your prediction of paul oakley as the 8th best in the league would be a little off the mark. Good solid player but no way near the top 10 in wimmera league.

Paul Okley is a soild perfomer week in week out he's not quite as fit as he would like to be at the moment but when fit is an absoulte star player.

Eagles should welcome a couple back this week Couple of young faces and old heads Eagles to get over Ararat This weekend I hope Turner plays to.

[Grimmett]

Paul Okley is a soild perfomer week in week out he's not quite as fit as he would like to be at the moment but when fit is an absoulte star player.

Eagles should welcome a couple back this week Couple of young faces and old heads Eagles to get over Ararat This weekend I hope Turner plays to.

You hoping to play on Turner? You've been at full forward early this season, no?
We all know Fish was a full back in a former life. ;)

[Warrack Eagles]

lol yep thats me haha i certainly hope not to play on him but if the oppurtunity arises id love to. except he would be twice my size lol. Is he gonna play and whats the go is micky fratan and them blokes playing??

Should be a good game looking frwd to it!!!!

[Grimmett]

lol yep thats me haha i certainly hope not to play on him but if the oppurtunity arises id love to. except he would be twice my size lol. Is he gonna play and whats the go is micky fratan and them blokes playing??

Should be a good game looking frwd to it!!!!

Fratto is playing with Whitehorse Pioneers in Melbourne. So is Spit Graham.

[Warrack Eagles]

good is dale bligh and paul whats his name playing there both guns. We have got the team to beat them i got a good feeling about this weekend should be a good match. Grimmit do you play for ararat or just follow them?

[Jock Clark 2]

GRIMMETT -- look at Bendigo Advertiser website for relevant footy yarn.
BFL taking tough policy into inter-league selection this year. Squad will be named after Round 3 completion on Sunday night. South Bendigo plays Golden Square in a Sunday match this round, so interim squad will be named after that.
At least I assume the story will be on www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au (http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au)
I read the paper down the street this morning.

[Grimmett]

good is dale bligh and paul whats his name playing there both guns. We have got the team to beat them i got a good feeling about this weekend should be a good match. Grimmit do you play for ararat or just follow them?

Too old to play against youngsters like you now, lol.
Dale Bligh and Paul McLoughlan will play and add a certain quality to our midfield.

[Grimmett]

GRIMMETT -- look at Bendigo Advertiser website for relevant footy yarn.
BFL taking tough policy into inter-league selection this year. Squad will be named after Round 3 completion on Sunday night. South Bendigo plays Golden Square in a Sunday match this round, so interim squad will be named after that.
At least I assume the story will be on www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au (http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au)
I read the paper down the street this morning.

Got the Addy listed in the favourites Jock. Thanks for the heads up.
Dale Bligh who is mentioned in the previous post of mine is a WFL Toohey Medal winner who missed a game for Ararat a couple of seasons ago when the league suspended him for not playing interleague. In the old format of whole games and Deebs wanted a week off so he just didn't go to training.

[Grimmett]

BTW Warrack Eagles, congrats to your little brother Tim for his selection in the Wimmera U15 Championships squad.

[Warrack Eagles]

Thanks chief

[Warrack Eagles]

PS how did ya know that Grimmet

[Grimmett]

Selector.

[Warrack Eagles]

nice work cheers now i gotta listen to the little sh*t talk himself up all the time. lol cheers anywayz and good luck to ya rats on the weekend youll need it:o :thumbsu:

[Grimmett]

Be good for both clubs to play a game in which they'll be competitive and have a realistic chance of winning. Should be enjoyable.

[Warrack Eagles]

Well the team is picked and i got some news for ararat we shut down ya midfield and ararat will have nothing on the eagles this weekend :D Go Eagles

[Fwaygo]

[quote=journeyman]

I wouldn't of thought stu farr would of been in the leagues top 10 players, sure hes hard at the footy but his kicking skills aren't what they should be for a class player. A player like Luke Carr a much better player in my opnion in terms of skills and class.

Top 10 in the league

D Johns (HD)
P McFarlane (DR)
M Adams (HU)
L Carr (HD)
J Kosch (MM)
B Tuckey (if he plays) (SW)
S Smith (MM)
A Carter (united)
C Penny (HD)
T Arnel (HD)

What do you think boys?
Any chance of getting a similar list for the HDFL?

[Grimmett]

Well the team is picked and i got some news for ararat we shut down ya midfield and ararat will have nothing on the eagles this weekend :D Go Eagles

Too good. Ran the game out stronger than our guys and deserved your win.

[Andyt30]

What a win by Warrack eagles over the Ararat who now are 2nd last and Warrack up to 6th
Warrack Eagles 17-8=110 d Ararat 14.5=89

last quarter Warrack kicked 8-2 to ararat 2-0
warrack won it in the last quarter after trailing at 3qt

Warrack v Minyip-Murtoa at Brim on saturday
Minyip-Murtoa gave stawell a Run stawell won by 23 pts in the end
murtoa goal posts need a fix their a bit wonky

[DOCKERS]

What a win by Warrack eagles over the Ararat who now are 2nd last and Warrack up to 6th
Warrack Eagles 17-8=110 d Ararat 14.5=89

last quarter Warrack kicked 8-2 to ararat 2-0
warrack won it in the last quarter after trailing at 3qt

Warrack v Minyip-Murtoa at Brim on saturday
Minyip-Murtoa gave stawell a Run stawell won by 23 pts in the end
murtoa goal posts need a fix their a bit wonky

ararat are just a pack of pretenders anyway... they are all a bunch of girly handbags that need to play netball... and their netballers look like footballers:eek: any thoughts?

[Warrack Eagles]

ararat are just a pack of pretenders anyway... they are all a bunch of girly handbags that need to play netball... and their netballers look like footballers:eek: any thoughts?

I wouldnt so much say there netballers, There a pretty handy team, But in the end Eagles were just alot better and wanted it alot more. Go Eagles:cool:
Griegy played a blinder!!!!
:rolleyes:

[Grimmett]

ararat are just a pack of pretenders anyway... they are all a bunch of girly handbags that need to play netball... and their netballers look like footballers:eek: any thoughts?

Throw your bait out somewhere else Dockers. No fish biting here.

[Grimmett]

I wouldnt so much say there netballers, There a pretty handy team, But in the end Eagles were just alot better and wanted it alot more. Go Eagles:cool:
Griegy played a blinder!!!!
:rolleyes:

Greig was good. Justin Clarke was also very good. Bastard for Ararat that Beulah had the bye and he was available. A broken leg, damaged knee and fractured eye socket on our injury list didn't help either.

[Warrack Eagles]

Last quater was brilliant for us jason hinkley killed them in the last kicking 3 of the best griegyis a gun no good for ya injury list. o well pat kelly was playing good untill that happened to. Better luck next time i spose

GO YOU EAGLES:D

[Andyt30]

gee it would been along quarter when the ambulances were there for 3 seperate incidents, kelly broke his shinbone, Alan Batchelor Broken eye socket, & Jake HArmer with a Medial ligament injury how could they win with those injuires cheers

[Grimmett]

Initial squad for the VCFL Championships is as follows:

Ararat - Dale Bligh, Matt Jackson

Dimboola - Ashley Clugston, Josh Cook, Daniel Greig, Darren Jones, Karl Lohde, Peter MacFarlane

Horsham - Paul Adlington, Terry Arnel, Damien Bunworth, Luke Carr, Stuart Farr, David Johns, Cam Penny, Josch Rentsch, Jarrod Wright

Horsham United - Mal Adams, Luke Bacon, Simon Dandy, Brendan McDonald, Liam Offer, Danny Taylor

Horsham Saints - Brad Couch, Matt Hoe, Gavin Kelm

Minyip Murtoa - Adam Carter, John Kosch, Clinton Midgley, Scott Smith, Chris Walsh

Nhill - Jarryd Graham, Dustyn Williamson

Stawell - Luke Abraham, Simon Jones, Scott Nicholson, Daniel Thomas, Ben Williamson

Warrack Eagles - Marc Greig, Jason Hinkley, Danny Krahe

[Andyt30]

being Played at Barooga up in the Goulburn valley near the Murray :)
might go up and have a look
i tip Wimmera to win it or come close to it

[Warrack Eagles]

good to see a couple of young faces in the team Danny Krahe and Jason Hinkley Certainly hope to see them get through and play interleague footy for the wimmera.

[Grimmett]

good to see a couple of young faces in the team Danny Krahe and Jason Hinkley Certainly hope to see them get through and play interleague footy for the wimmera.

Agreed. Matt Hoe, Jarryd Graham, Josh Rentsch and Paul Adlington a few other talented youngsters pleasingly given a chance. The format means that young, fast guys who can play three games in two days are a must.

Think of anybody who is a glaring omission?

Is Andrew Carter overseas? Would Jye Smith go alright at this caper?

[Warrack Eagles]

Certainily Jye Smith very fast and talented one of the best youngsters in the wimmera. I also thought of Matt Williams from United loves the chance to play interleague footy, if batch didnt do his cheek bone or whatever it was i would think he would be there for sure. what ya think. Not sure bout adam Carter when we played untied he was doing the running for them so i dont really no. Another one is Andy Watson fro Nhill been in good form.

[Andyt30]

This weekend warrack plays Minyip-Murtoa, who be fired up after loosing to Stawell at Murtoa on saturday, Murtoa's ground was used earlier then they thought it was originally not used until june/July and draw had it at Minyip
south end was a bit muddy , hope they fix the goal posts before next game there they are way out of wack looking side on they shouldn;t be playing on a ground with crocked goal posts they should be straight

[Jock Clark 2]

:thumbsu: GRIMMETT ---- as suggested earlier, Bendigo has named its initial inter-league training squad following the completion of Round 3 in their competiion.
Gisborne has 8 players in the 49-man outfit. Seven each from Square and South.
Matty Gretgrix, ex-Charlton and now CHF for Eaglehawk, is in the squad and deservedly so after some top performances in the 1st 3 rounds.
Plenty of youth in the squad including 17-y-o James McFarlane from Gisborne and a bevy of youngsters from undefeated top team Maryborough.

[Grimmett]

:thumbsu: GRIMMETT ---- as suggested earlier, Bendigo has named its initial inter-league training squad following the completion of Round 3 in their competiion.
Gisborne has 8 players in the 49-man outfit. Seven each from Square and South.
Matty Gretgrix, ex-Charlton and now CHF for Eaglehawk, is in the squad and deservedly so after some top performances in the 1st 3 rounds.
Plenty of youth in the squad including 17-y-o James McFarlane from Gisborne and a bevy of youngsters from undefeated top team Maryborough.

I trawled across the Bendigo Addy site earlier today and saw some of the players named thanks Jock. I reckon Luke Rosa would be a walk-up start for the WFL. Is he back to full fitness from his hand/wrist injury? Would he be a chance for the BFL sqaud if they make any additions?

Geez, I reckon a weekend at Barooga watching the footy would be alright. Any idea how I can convince the trouble and strife of same theory?

[Warrack Eagles]

Should be a good round for footy this weekend all teams about matched evenly Eagles should have a tough game but after last week anything can happen. Ararat should win at home id think and horsham and dimmi should win easy. Match of the round minyip and warrack, the old enemies go head to head cant wait.

GO EAGLES

[Andyt30]

Dimboola v Stawell is at Dimboola even if the draw had it as Stawell
i'm goal umpiring The dimmy game and it had It played at Dimboola
will see what the paper says tomorrow