View Full Version : North Central Football League - Part 1
Grimmett
12 Dec 2005, 21:00
The smallest major league of the VCFL based in one of the least populated regions of the state. If you are interested in Birchip-Watchem, Boort, Charlton, Donald, St Arnaud, Wedderburn and/or Wycheproof-Narraport then make this the thread you visit.
Grimmett
12 Dec 2005, 21:08
First up let's look at a few of the confirmed recruits for the NCFL.
St Arnaud has retained David 'Bull' Atkinson as coach for 2006 and added former Stawell coach, Jamie Solyom, as an assistant coach. Solyom arrived at Stawell in 2003 from the Central Murray league. Urch_Crunch has suggested in the Wimmera FL thread that Nhill's 2005 captain, Simon Brearley, will also be an assistant at St Arnaud.
Donald has appointed Ross Funcke as coach for next season. The club has enticed former WFL rep and VCFL squad member, Josh Mibus, across from Horsham United and he will be joined by Diggers' teammate Jay Tucker who will be an assistant to Funcke.
Wedderburn is rumoured to have appointed Dean Lockhart as coach.
Grimmett
12 Dec 2005, 21:09
SOLYOM JOINS ST ARNAUD
First published by:
Wimmera Mail-Times
Friday, December 9, 2005
By Dean Lawson
Colourful former Stawell grand final leader Jamie Solyom will be an assistant coach with St Arnaud in the North Central Football League next year.
The sharpshooting forward and strong-man could speak only briefly by mobile phone yesterday but confirmed he had signed at Lord Nelson Park.
“Yes, I’m definitely playing as assistant coach at St Arnaud next year,” he said.
Solyom, a talented country football spearhead, has been a controversial figure since joining Stawell a few years ago.
He took the Warriors to a grand final in his debut season as a coach but lost his job the following year and returned to lead the Warriors again this year.
Creative midfielder Dale Power will coach Stawell with the assistance of Daniel Thomas and Scott Nicholson next season.
Injuries plagued Stawell this year but club insiders are confident of an improvement in 2006.
While the Warriors are on the hunt for prospective recruits, speculation is rife they will lose forward Sam Anyon to Geelong.
the lockhart coaching gig is definately right. He had a coaching role lined up elsewhere but with the 'burn unable to attract a coach (they chased Simon Cox who is ex Hawthorn and Doggies, and also Daniel Smidt from Rochester) and with Lockhart keen to take on a coaching gig, they decided to appoint him.
Ross Funke is getting big cash at Donald
tell me Grimmett, with Solyom going to the saints, who will be the other guns there this year? sounds like they're having a serious crack...?
Grimmett
12 Dec 2005, 21:31
....tell me Grimmett, with Solyom going to the saints, who will be the other guns there this year? sounds like they're having a serious crack...?
Probably need Urch Crunch to fill you in better than me but if they are successful in getting Simon Brearley across from Nhill they will be pleased with the results I reckon. He's in his early 20's and is a bustling, burly midfielder who goes OK. Should give them a boost around the middle and Solly provides and intimidating target up forward.
I also seem to recall they had a bloke named Brock Ezard playing who was kicking pleny of goals last season and his brother Lachlan was playing as well. Help me out Urch?
Very early days but I'd reckon it looks as if both Donald and St Arnaud are having a decent crack in '06.
thanks Clarrie
it's always interesting to hear whats going on in the NCFL because the crappy Bendigo Advertiser no longer put the scores or a write up on that comp in the paper on a monday. And there are a lot of blokes in bendigo who are up there playing....
Matt Gretgrix on the move from Charlton? Has been speaking to some Bendigo clubs. Have you seen him play? how's he go?
soapyJNR
12 Dec 2005, 22:22
The smallest major league of the VCFL based in one of the least populated regions of the state. If you are interested in Birchip-Watchem, Boort, Charlton, Donald, St Arnaud, Wedderburn and/or Wycheproof-Narraport then make this the thread you visit.
As a new member to BF thanks for starting this thread. My mighty panthers are now gone and replaced by bulls in docker jumpers but I still enjoy catching up with one of the toughest leagues despite its size in the VCFL.
soapyJNR
13 Dec 2005, 07:42
With the 2 players coming across from the Diggers will Terry Arnel return to the Bulls?(If he hasn't already)
Also with Ross Funke coaching in Donald what are the chances of his brother coming over to lend a hand be it on or off the field. The team in Donald have a knack of bringing back good local kids. What about the Young brothers, Seamus and Ross, are either a chance of being drwn from their current VFL sides to further strengthen the club?
gazza12
13 Dec 2005, 08:06
any news on recruits boort have picked up have they retained there
melbourne based players
Grimmett
13 Dec 2005, 08:07
With the 2 players coming across from the Diggers will Terry Arnel return to the Bulls?(If he hasn't already)
Also with Ross Funke coaching in Donald what are the chances of his brother coming over to lend a hand be it on or off the field. The team in Donald have a knack of bringing back good local kids. What about the Young brothers, Seamus and Ross, are either a chance of being drwn from their current VFL sides to further strengthen the club?
Can't say for certain obviously but I would think that neither Terry Arnel or Leigh Funcke would be on the move from their Wimmera League clubs.
Arnel was a rock solid defender for the Horsham premiership team and they are chasing their fourth flag in a row in 2006 which has only previously been achieved by Ararat in the 1950's. History beckons but I suppose home ties might as well.
Funcke might be more of a chance to move across to play with his brother but he has been a stalwart of the Minyip and Minyip-Murtoa clubs and at the age of 33 he may feel he is better staying put. He is definitely good enough at that age to still make the move so I guess only time will tell. The Burras won't want him to go as he is one of their team leaders but I don't suppose he'll get that many chances to play with his brother.
Couldn't say on the Young boys.
charlie_mcw
13 Dec 2005, 08:45
Is Robbie Lee coaching Birchip-Watchem in 2006?
Couldn't say on the Young boys
Ross i believe will still be playing for the Northern Bullants and at present his brother is playing up in Darwin. Not sure of his moves after that
bendigo
13 Dec 2005, 13:10
Robbie Lee is coaching Birchip. Don't know too much about recruits.
If Dean Lockhart is coaching Wedderburn they are kidding themselves. 'Dorra' aka 'Captain Kickless' is well and truly past it, and I'd suggest they'll have huge problems luring players there this year. After a few solid years without winning a premiership, I reckon its back to the bad old days of the 90s for the 'Burn.
Matt Gretgrix is a talented key forward who would be good acquisition for a Bendigo League team. I believe he lives in Bendigo so if he's sick of the travel and the price is right he's a good chance for a Bendigo team.
Donald look set for a huge year by the sound of their recruits. Probably hard to go past them.
Despite all this, with a good harvest in store for the area all clubs' cheque books will be well and truly open and it wouldn't surprise me if a few clubs spring a few surprises with some big name signings. Interesting to see teh developments of the next month or so.
Andyt30
13 Dec 2005, 21:02
North Central major League Status must be hanging on a thead if they loose a club it could spell them being a Major League, Mallee LEague proved major league dosn;t have to be alot , cause back in 1997 when they had 12 they never got Major League Status which i thoguht they should with 12 sides
love to see what happens if Donald or St Arnaud move to the Wimmera League. as theres been talks about it If The Mallee footy league ever went down hill club wise, Hyperthitical Stick Beulah in North central if it did eventuate who knows what will happen 4 or 5 years down the track with kids going else where for work which is killing Clubs then senior players either move or retire , then were would they get young players from no where
Pratt_Attack
13 Dec 2005, 21:49
Probably need Urch Crunch to fill you in better than me but if they are successful in getting Simon Brearley across from Nhill they will be pleased with the results I reckon. He's in his early 20's and is a bustling, burly midfielder who goes OK. Should give them a boost around the middle and Solly provides and intimidating target up forward.
I also seem to recall they had a bloke named Brock Ezard playing who was kicking pleny of goals last season and his brother Lachlan was playing as well. Help me out Urch?
Very early days but I'd reckon it looks as if both Donald and St Arnaud are having a decent crack in '06.
Yeah Brock Ezard has left apparently heading to a team in the Bendigo area, is a good Full Forward but has had plenty of injuries in the past. Lachlan is a cousin, only a youngen. Was good last year getting plenty of it playing midfield, hard running and can take a grab.
Pratt_Attack
13 Dec 2005, 21:51
thanks Clarrie
it's always interesting to hear whats going on in the NCFL because the crappy Bendigo Advertiser no longer put the scores or a write up on that comp in the paper on a monday. And there are a lot of blokes in bendigo who are up there playing....
Matt Gretgrix on the move from Charlton? Has been speaking to some Bendigo clubs. Have you seen him play? how's he go?
He goes alright, fantastic marking CHF. Good kick too. The navies will be sad to see him go. He is in uni in bendigo i think.
Pratt_Attack
13 Dec 2005, 22:04
Bigmore has left the burn and has taking on a joint coaching role with Navarre. The burn seem to have lost a few decent players from last year, McCormick was a big unit down there at FF and generally gave the FB of opposing teams plenty of trouble. Will he take his Bachus Marsh mates with him or are they staying on, mates i mean the connor boys and de'argo at full back?
Bigmore has left the burn and has taking on a joint coaching role with Navarre. The burn seem to have lost a few decent players from last year, McCormick was a big unit down there at FF and generally gave the FB of opposing teams plenty of trouble. Will he take his Bachus Marsh mates with him or are they staying on, mates i mean the connor boys and de'argo at full back?
Kate's cousin/ElGarrouge will be staying at Wedderburn.
He goes alright, fantastic marking CHF. Good kick too. The navies will be sad to see him go. He is in uni in bendigo i think.
There are a couple of Bendigo Clubs on his tail. Sandhurst being one i think.
who's chasing the fella from St Arnaud (who now lives in bendigo)?
Pratt_Attack
14 Dec 2005, 15:52
There are a couple of Bendigo Clubs on his tail. Sandhurst being one i think.
who's chasing the fella from St Arnaud (who now lives in bendigo)?
not sure, you tell me????? is it on one of the boards on here? who is the saints fellar been chased?
Yeah [B]Brock Ezard
has left apparently heading to a team in the Bendigo area, is a good Full Forward but has had plenty of injuries in the past. Lachlan is a cousin, only a youngen. Was good last year getting plenty of it playing midfield, hard running and can take a grab.
Urch - this is the guy that i was quearying about? Brock Ezard. who is sounding him out?
Grimmett
15 Dec 2005, 07:37
NCFL coaches for 2006:
Birchip-Watchem – Robbie Lee
Boort – Mark Perryman
Charlton – Ricky Andrews
Donald – Ross Funcke
St Arnaud – Darren Atkinson
Wedderburn – Dean Lockhart
Wycheproof-Narraport – Josh White
Andrews, Funcke, Lockhart and White are new for 2006.
He goes alright, fantastic marking CHF. Good kick too. The navies will be sad to see him go. He is in uni in bendigo i think.
Close... He's an apprentice plumber in bendigo....I get the feeling he will end up in bendigo... Will be a big loss for Charlton.... CHF = toughest position in footy
Bigmore has left the burn and has taking on a joint coaching role with Navarre. The burn seem to have lost a few decent players from last year, McCormick was a big unit down there at FF and generally gave the FB of opposing teams plenty of trouble. Will he take his Bachus Marsh mates with him or are they staying on, mates i mean the connor boys and de'argo at full back?
The Connor's are on the move... I think they are heading back to Bacchus Marsh... i think...
Pratt_Attack
15 Dec 2005, 18:07
The Connor's are on the move... I think they are heading back to Bacchus Marsh... i think...
one is going with mccormick, the wingman who is a smart a$$ and has spikey hair and the other is stayin on apparently.
Pratt_Attack
15 Dec 2005, 18:08
Urch - this is the guy that i was quearying about? Brock Ezard. who is sounding him out?
huntly
Pratt_Attack
15 Dec 2005, 18:08
NCFL coaches for 2006:
Birchip-Watchem – Robbie Lee
Boort – Mark Perryman
Charlton – Ricky Andrews
Donald – Ross Funcke
St Arnaud – Darren Atkinson
Wedderburn – Dean Lockhart
Wycheproof-Narraport – Josh White
Andrews, Funcke, Lockhart and White are new for 2006.
Andrews is coaching Charlton? Are Dell and Barker still playing?????
Andrews is coaching Charlton? Are Dell and Barker still playing?????
Nar i think Dell and Barker are moving on....
And yeah Andrews is coaching Charlton... he's recently purchased a house there...
huntly
interesting.....
huntly are certainly having a bit of a crack. they have a bit of a link there thru st arnaud don't they? isnt Steve Closhey or Murray Saunders from the saints?
Pratt_Attack
15 Dec 2005, 20:00
interesting.....
huntly are certainly having a bit of a crack. they have a bit of a link there thru st arnaud don't they? isnt Steve Closhey or Murray Saunders from the saints?
Yeah steve closhey is from st arnaud, there is also a few other blokes that have moved from st arn to bendigo to play there
Pratt_Attack
15 Dec 2005, 20:02
Nar i think Dell and Barker are moving on....
And yeah Andrews is coaching Charlton... he's recently purchased a house there...
have they, dell will be missed down back. charlton have seemed to let a few players move on, what will they be like in 06 without Gretrix, Barker and Dell?
Josh White coaching Whychie....
im assuming this is the same fella that went up there back when Matty Strong was coaching them. gym instructor by trade......
On The Money
16 Dec 2005, 12:12
Josh White coaching Whychie....
im assuming this is the same fella that went up there back when Matty Strong was coaching them. gym instructor by trade......
Josh White is a Wchye product spend some time with Sandhurst including the 2001 Granny will be interesting on how it will work there is a bit of anxiety about the appointment in some Demon circles.
Donald look well placed with the appointment of former Richmond and Melbourne Defender Ross Funcke and another 3 accomplished recrutis to top up there 4th placed side of 2005.
charlie_mcw
16 Dec 2005, 12:18
How are Birchip shaping up for 2006? How was Robbie Lee's form last season?
Mobbenfuhrer
16 Dec 2005, 12:36
I recognised a couple of names in ref to the old LFL and have 2 qs :
1. Which Bigmore? Pat?
2. Closhey? Is this Clohesy?
Grimmett
16 Dec 2005, 13:23
I recognised a couple of names in ref to the old LFL and have 2 qs :
1. Which Bigmore? Pat?
2. Closhey? Is this Clohesy?
Bigmore is a common name in the Navarre area which is why you recognise it in relation to the Lexton FL Mobs. I believe the Bigmore in question is Zane and he is returning to play for Navarre in the Lexton Plains FL.
And it is Clohesy.
Mobbenfuhrer
16 Dec 2005, 15:01
Bigmore is a common name in the Navarre area which is why you recognise it in relation to the Lexton FL Mobs. I believe the Bigmore in question is Zane and he is returning to play for Navarre in the Lexton Plains FL.
And it is Clohesy.
Thanks Grimmett. Zane sounds like a young name so probably a descendant of the Pat. The Clohesy name appears in the '87 Marnoo premiership side, can't remember which one.
Both Snuh and Donald supplied a lot of players to the 'noo when numbers in the latter declined. I always ended up forgetting which town they came from, it was usually either Snuh or Donald but I could never remember which for each.
have they, dell will be missed down back. charlton have seemed to let a few players move on, what will they be like in 06 without Gretrix, Barker and Dell?
Yeah it will be interesting... I'm guessing that if one or two of the young blokes decide not to come back, then they will probably all move on... There is a group that have played in 5 premierships every 2 years since they started playing... Most of them are now finishing uni and moving away to work so it will be interesting to see who comes back... I'm not sure exactly what the recruiting has been like so far... It will be interesting to see who comes along.... I know Charlton has been keen to retain Finlay and have talked to Hill about coming back...
soapyJNR
17 Dec 2005, 17:02
Josh White coaching Whychie....
im assuming this is the same fella that went up there back when Matty Strong was coaching them. gym instructor by trade......
For those who have long memories Josh is the son of CASS White. One of the hardest players when I was but a panther cub running around in the kids.
Josh is exactly the same without the beard. Tall, wirey and is like "hitting a bag of set squares".
Wayne Weideman
18 Dec 2005, 16:33
i know a few boys who play footy at wedderburn. how do grant connors and mark riefel go? ben hutton from nagambie has signed there as well for season 06'
Jock Clark 2
19 Dec 2005, 09:51
:cool: MAYBE Heathcote League club Huntly has some feelers out in the North Central area through coach Mark Billings.
Doesn't Billo and his family hail from the NCFL region ? Apart from NC recruits, Huntly has already acquired Eaglehawk goal-kicking and high-marking ace Daniel Geary.
Geary got 30-odd goals in the regular season for the Two Blues in 05 and then snagged a lazy 7 in one of the first finals during the opening two weeks of the BFL finals series.
Pratt_Attack
19 Dec 2005, 16:09
:cool: MAYBE Heathcote League club Huntly has some feelers out in the North Central area through coach Mark Billings.
Doesn't Billo and his family hail from the NCFL region ? Apart from NC recruits, Huntly has already acquired Eaglehawk goal-kicking and high-marking ace Daniel Geary.
Geary got 30-odd goals in the regular season for the Two Blues in 05 and then snagged a lazy 7 in one of the first finals during the opening two weeks of the BFL finals series.
Nah i think you will find that all the blokes playign from the NCFL are mates with clohesy
On The Money
20 Dec 2005, 13:37
Nah i think you will find that all the blokes playign from the NCFL are mates with clohesy
Nah Both Billings and Clohesy are St.Arnaud boys and it will be interesting to see wheather they can bust the losing culture that has virtually been there for the Club's history barring a couple of modest finals appearances in 96 & 2001. Geary obviously one that they have penned does anyone know of others?
North Central major League Status must be hanging on a thead if they loose a club it could spell them being a Major League, Mallee LEague proved major league dosn;t have to be alot , cause back in 1997 when they had 12 they never got Major League Status which i thoguht they should with 12 sides
Mallee leauge never would have went to major leauge status, even with 12 clubs, not with the lack of population in that area. Its biggest town is Ouyen with a population of around 1300.
Andyt30
30 Dec 2005, 15:31
i know If Major leagues get down from say a 10 team comp and endes up 6 or 7 due to mergers or what ever can loose their major league statues
i think if North Central looses say donald or st arnaud to wimmera rthey can about kiss major League goodbye ;)
i think mergers with leagues will happen eventually
The Old Southern Mallee league was alot more stable then then Shrinking Northern Mallee, we would have out lasted them if they had stayed on their own
i remember going to Pathewollock in the first year when we played Ouyen/United
walpeup/Underbool got rid or wrong oval they should have kept Walpeup and get rid of Underbool
I did'nt know Walpy underbool did'nt play at Walpeup anymore, when did that happen?
The old Patche ground, that brings back memories, I actualy played my last game of footy ever there.
Your right about the Southern Mallee outlasting the Northern Mallee, the nmfl was stuffed if it was'nt for the merger.
Grimmett
31 Dec 2005, 08:07
Major league status is conferred by the VCFL who have a loose guideline that requires a minimum of eight clubs with a full complement of seniors, reserves and at least one junior grade. The NCFL has been fortunate that the VCFL has supported them by maintaining their major league ranking since the league declined to seven clubs. They have also had a couple of seasons where not every club has been able to field reserves. The VCFL has maintained the major league status of the NCFL due to two major reasons. Firstly, they recognise the dwindling population base of the catchment area of the NCFL which makes it extremely hard for it to fulfil the requirements of eight fully functioning teams. Secondly, the VCFL needs to have 16 major leagues to be able to operate the four pools of the VCFL Championships. If one of the major leagues does cease to operate then you can expect to see a strong minor league such as the Central Highlands Football League based around Ballarat be awarded major league status.
This Wimmera, Mallee, North Central and Horsham District leagues are probably one of the next areas that the VCFL will need to address with regards to realigning clubs and leagues but they will find a lot of resistance, as they have elsewhere. Due to the need to maintain two major leagues from the area the reassessment is nearly impossible to do as there are purely and simply not enough clubs in the area capable of playing major league. Perhaps the answer is to merge the Wimmera and North Central with the smaller clubs of the NCFL moving to an enlarged Mallee if they desire and promote a minor league to major stauts elsewhere. Perhaps Jeparit-Rainbow might move to the HDFL along with Nhill. Many, many possibilities.
sticks25
31 Dec 2005, 16:42
Josh Martin and Colin Durie are apparently being signed over the New Year period with Boort. There has been much debate between the mates as to whether they return home or not however they feel a lack of success at the club provides new challenges in their already successful careers.
Josh Martin and Colin Durie are apparently being signed over the New Year period with Boort. There has been much debate between the mates as to whether they return home or not however they feel a lack of success at the club provides new challenges in their already successful careers.
That will be a massive signing for Boort... Will also means that Boort Wyche classes will be quite interesting...Is Martin still a very handy player??? I remember watching him play at Wyche quite a few years ago and he was very good....
Major league status is conferred by the VCFL who have a loose guideline that requires a minimum of eight clubs with a full complement of seniors, reserves and at least one junior grade. The NCFL has been fortunate that the VCFL has supported them by maintaining their major league ranking since the league declined to seven clubs. They have also had a couple of seasons where not every club has been able to field reserves. The VCFL has maintained the major league status of the NCFL due to two major reasons. Firstly, they recognise the dwindling population base of the catchment area of the NCFL which makes it extremely hard for it to fulfil the requirements of eight fully functioning teams. Secondly, the VCFL needs to have 16 major leagues to be able to operate the four pools of the VCFL Championships. If one of the major leagues does cease to operate then you can expect to see a strong minor league such as the Central Highlands Football League based around Ballarat be awarded major league status.
This Wimmera, Mallee, North Central and Horsham District leagues are probably one of the next areas that the VCFL will need to address with regards to realigning clubs and leagues but they will find a lot of resistance, as they have elsewhere. Due to the need to maintain two major leagues from the area the reassessment is nearly impossible to do as there are purely and simply not enough clubs in the area capable of playing major league. Perhaps the answer is to merge the Wimmera and North Central with the smaller clubs of the NCFL moving to an enlarged Mallee if they desire and promote a minor league to major stauts elsewhere. Perhaps Jeparit-Rainbow might move to the HDFL along with Nhill. Many, many possibilities.
some interesting thoughts there... I've got no doubt that in the future the north central league will head the way of what has occurred in the past five years in the cricket associations over that way...
Pratt_Attack
1 Jan 2006, 20:57
That will be a massive signing for Boort... Will also means that Boort Wyche classes will be quite interesting...Is Martin still a very handy player??? I remember watching him play at Wyche quite a few years ago and he was very good....
Handy alright, has spent a few years in the BFL playing for Torquay i think as an assistant coach, saw a couple of his games in 04 and he came off the bench (may of had a niggling injury) to go into the middle and carve it up.
soapyJNR
2 Jan 2006, 00:46
With Funcke coaching Donald the return of many ex-junior players will be eagerly pursued by the club. The number of guys who went to school with Funcke and played in successful Donald junior and senior teams that have shown interest in "coming home" to play together has only been amplified with the christmas period and the annual gathering at the Murtoa cup.
While clubs look to recruit outside talent it looks like the returning ex-juniors and the always strong up and coming kids will be the telling factor this year in the NCFL. Only further displaying why the major league status is still there for however long it lasts.
On The Money
2 Jan 2006, 01:25
With Funcke coaching Donald the return of many ex-junior players will be eagerly pursued by the club. The number of guys who went to school with Funcke and played in successful Donald junior and senior teams that have shown interest in "coming home" to play together has only been amplified with the christmas period and the annual gathering at the Murtoa cup.
While clubs look to recruit outside talent it looks like the returning ex-juniors and the always strong up and coming kids will be the telling factor this year in the NCFL. Only further displaying why the major league status is still there for however long it lasts.
The White appointment for Wchye is on the nose talking to the locals and the word coming out of the Terminus is that there next flag will come out of that bloke played with Jimmy Jess up in the S3wan Hill league O'Bree
Jock Clark 2
2 Jan 2006, 15:10
:rolleyes: WOT relation is that O'Bree to the South Bendigo senior coach, Danny O'Bree, known as "Breezer" to his troops, OTM ??
Breezer hails from the north of the state and going by the posts on the Bendigo league thread is putting a very handy side together for 06, even with Riddle heading O/S and Jake Matthews committing to the Bombers.
Pratt_Attack
3 Jan 2006, 16:38
With Funcke coaching Donald the return of many ex-junior players will be eagerly pursued by the club. The number of guys who went to school with Funcke and played in successful Donald junior and senior teams that have shown interest in "coming home" to play together has only been amplified with the christmas period and the annual gathering at the Murtoa cup.
While clubs look to recruit outside talent it looks like the returning ex-juniors and the always strong up and coming kids will be the telling factor this year in the NCFL. Only further displaying why the major league status is still there for however long it lasts.
who are the ex-junior players that will come back to play with donald?
soapyJNR
3 Jan 2006, 19:12
Intially Brad Hancock has been discussed but also the Young brothers as I introduced earlier in the stream. The others are school friends that never had the chance to play anything more than a couple of school footy games with Ross before he moved to Melbourne to play with the Tiges. The ties to the club run strong amongst the group.
Intially Brad Hancock has been discussed but also the Young brothers as I introduced earlier in the stream. The others are school friends that never had the chance to play anything more than a couple of school footy games with Ross before he moved to Melbourne to play with the Tiges. The ties to the club run strong amongst the group.
Would be good to see a few of those boys back running around in the NCFL...
Matt Gretgrix to play at Eaglehawk with Robbins resigning.....
Matt Gretgrix to play at Eaglehawk with Robbins resigning.....
Well there u go... Golden Boy to play at the Borough...
Pratt_Attack
4 Jan 2006, 22:02
Where were the Young brothers last year? Im not sure if this is correct but i thought the oldest enjoyed a stellar year for Coburg in the VFL and almost got rookie listed? The youngest however spent the year in Bendigo Bombers reserves? It would be hard to find them back in the NCFL as yet wouldnt it?
Is Brad Hancock the 21yo or is he a different one, couldnt be the one im thinking about as he was never that good?
Jock Clark 2
5 Jan 2006, 10:34
SO Aitch Jay, Gretgrix wasn't ever a realistic chance at the Flat in the BFL ?
And wot about Walklate --- what's on the agenda for him after the C'wealth Games have been completed ?
There' had been a bit of talk on another regional footy league website that G. and W. were possibilities at the Flat.
I don't think so JC2nd, my mail suggested it was out of the borough and 1 other club however with Robbins signing (they're good mates) at the two blues he was gonna give it a crack there.
not sure who the other person is that you're talking about (Walklate)......
Grimmett
5 Jan 2006, 12:41
Walklate brothers play at Charlton from memory. Their father is involved with the NCFL executive I think.
Walklate brothers play at Charlton from memory. Their father is involved with the NCFL executive I think.
Yep... Father Rick blood is blue and white so it would kill him watching his sons play elsewhere...
My mail was that Gretgrix was pretty much over the line to sign at Golden Square until Robins retreated back to the Borough.
Square is still his first preference but Robins is putting the pressure on him to head over the bridge.
Grimmett
5 Jan 2006, 20:41
Finally got around to posting this article/opinion piece of Dean Lawson's. Originally published in the Wimmera Mail-Times on December 21.
Interesting if nothing else.
FOOTY FOR THOUGHT
First published by:
Wimmera Mail-Times
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
By Dean Lawson
The movement of footballers between neighbouring Wimmera, North Central, Mallee and Horsham District leagues must be of constant fascination to anyone monitoring developments from afar.
With a salary cap gone, clubs are in an off-season bidding war for the relatively few individuals who might be the difference between winning and losing next year.
There are footballers shifting all over the place.
The willingness of people to travel in modern football is staggering and we’re wondering if the game in our part of the world is due for another boundary change.
In the past, our foundation football administrators drew up competitions based on simple rules.
Travelling distances separated major country leagues and standard, based on community drawing power, facilities and money separated major from minor or social competitions.
And it wasn’t easy for those early bush pioneers.
Wimmera football enthusiasts, for example, took seven goes before and after the First World War before coming up with the Wimmera League in 1937.
Things have changed dramatically over time and the tyranny of distance is no longer a great evil.
Relatively good roads and quick and comfortable vehicles mean footballers, in some circumstances, can easily slip up the highway after work or on Saturday morning to play as semi-professionals in neighbouring leagues.
Standards in facilities are probably no longer an issue and it seems, with a harvest in full swing, that money is no issue for some clubs any more.
Wimmera League clubs Horsham United and Horsham Saints are among the latest to deal with circumstances where leading players have left to play in other leagues.
But they’re not on their own, it is probably just their turn to cop it in the complicated regional player trade process.
It all suggest our football boundaries are becoming irrelevant and tells us that instead of concentrating on regions and leagues, our main focus should be to strengthen our football clubs and communities.
That means, in theory at least, we should dissolve all leagues throughout the Wimmera and Mallee and get back to the drawing board.
It’s ludicrous that clubs from major Wimmera centres Horsham, Stawell, Ararat, Warracknabeal, Nhill, Dimboola, Minyip and Murtoa don’t get an opportunity to play against teams from Donald, St Arnaud or even Birchip or Charlton.
It also doesn’t make sense that in the Horsham District and Mallee leagues find themselves in dreadful mismatches.
What a fascinating exercise it would be to pool the clubs and, armed with all the things we know today, redesign the game in our region.
Finally got around to posting this article/opinion piece of Dean Lawson's. Originally published in the Wimmera Mail-Times on December 21.
Interesting if nothing else.
FOOTY FOR THOUGHT
First published by:
Wimmera Mail-Times
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
By Dean Lawson
The movement of footballers between neighbouring Wimmera, North Central, Mallee and Horsham District leagues must be of constant fascination to anyone monitoring developments from afar.
With a salary cap gone, clubs are in an off-season bidding war for the relatively few individuals who might be the difference between winning and losing next year.
There are footballers shifting all over the place.
The willingness of people to travel in modern football is staggering and we’re wondering if the game in our part of the world is due for another boundary change.
In the past, our foundation football administrators drew up competitions based on simple rules.
Travelling distances separated major country leagues and standard, based on community drawing power, facilities and money separated major from minor or social competitions.
And it wasn’t easy for those early bush pioneers.
Wimmera football enthusiasts, for example, took seven goes before and after the First World War before coming up with the Wimmera League in 1937.
Things have changed dramatically over time and the tyranny of distance is no longer a great evil.
Relatively good roads and quick and comfortable vehicles mean footballers, in some circumstances, can easily slip up the highway after work or on Saturday morning to play as semi-professionals in neighbouring leagues.
Standards in facilities are probably no longer an issue and it seems, with a harvest in full swing, that money is no issue for some clubs any more.
Wimmera League clubs Horsham United and Horsham Saints are among the latest to deal with circumstances where leading players have left to play in other leagues.
But they’re not on their own, it is probably just their turn to cop it in the complicated regional player trade process.
It all suggest our football boundaries are becoming irrelevant and tells us that instead of concentrating on regions and leagues, our main focus should be to strengthen our football clubs and communities.
That means, in theory at least, we should dissolve all leagues throughout the Wimmera and Mallee and get back to the drawing board.
It’s ludicrous that clubs from major Wimmera centres Horsham, Stawell, Ararat, Warracknabeal, Nhill, Dimboola, Minyip and Murtoa don’t get an opportunity to play against teams from Donald, St Arnaud or even Birchip or Charlton.
It also doesn’t make sense that in the Horsham District and Mallee leagues find themselves in dreadful mismatches.
What a fascinating exercise it would be to pool the clubs and, armed with all the things we know today, redesign the game in our region.
Ala with what happened with cricket in this area... Travelling massive distances to play games...
Jock Clark 2
9 Jan 2006, 10:37
:thumbsu: GRETGRIX has officially signed with Eaglehawk.
Mail is that they will try him at CHB. Need a bit of height in key positions, so G's. best mate Robbins should slot in at CHF.
sticks25
9 Jan 2006, 10:45
Stil a handy player , I dont think the boort idea went down real well with Martins rellies in Whichy they are now reconsidering.Collin Durie is still one of country victoria's premier on ballers.What ever happens they will play together.Also talk that a ruckmen called Steven Orr wants to play with them.Dont know much about him though.
BlueBoy41
9 Jan 2006, 11:43
not sure who the other person is that you're talking about (Walklate)......
Aaron Walklate got a job in Boort but will play at Charlton this year. His co-captain from last year, Anthony Judd, will also play for Charlton after getting a job locally.
With Gretgrix on the move, it appears the reigning premier will have a bit of trouble defending their flag!
On The Money
9 Jan 2006, 12:10
Stil a handy player , I dont think the boort idea went down real well with Martins rellies in Whichy they are now reconsidering.Collin Durie is still one of country victoria's premier on ballers.What ever happens they will play together.Also talk that a ruckmen called Steven Orr wants to play with them.Dont know much about him though.
The ruckman Steven Orr is a Morrison Medalist in the Goulburn Valley F.L in 1997 I think. He also played in 3 senior Premierships there hasn't played for a couple of years though but would be a handy pick up.
So do Boort have Durie or just talking to him at this stage?
sticks25
9 Jan 2006, 14:58
The ruckman Steven Orr is a Morrison Medalist in the Goulburn Valley F.L in 1997 I think. He also played in 3 senior Premierships there hasn't played for a couple of years though but would be a handy pick up.
So do Boort have Durie or just talking to him at this stage?
sorting out the finer details
sorting out the finer details
Hopefully Boort will be able to recruit the two of them...
Has Lance signed up yet????
Pratt_Attack
9 Jan 2006, 20:45
Hopefully Boort will be able to recruit the two of them...
Has Lance signed up yet????
picione?
picione?
Yeah... thats what i wanna know... is it fact or fiction???
Pratt_Attack
10 Jan 2006, 15:43
Yeah... thats what i wanna know... is it fact or fiction???
stress less pal, did u see him play for North Melbourne this year?
stress less pal, did u see him play for North Melbourne this year?
Not overly concerned if he does or doesn't... Would be great for the league and for boort if he did...
Pratt_Attack
10 Jan 2006, 18:27
Not overly concerned if he does or doesn't... Would be great for the league and for boort if he did...
yes thats exactly right, the club has not had much success in the seniors or reserves in the past. However i thought there u16's have the record of an unbeaten streak about 7 years ago, but i spose there is not much in boort career wise unless your a teacher!
yes thats exactly right, the club has not had much success in the seniors or reserves in the past. However i thought there u16's have the record of an unbeaten streak about 7 years ago, but i spose there is not much in boort career wise unless your a teacher!
Yeah and all the teachers they employ end up playin footy for Charlton ;)
But its funny how Boort was unable to keep their core group of young kids who went through... very disappointing for the town.. but i think thats starting to change... they've been recently giving their young blokes a fair go in teh seniors...
soapyJNR
17 Jan 2006, 21:35
It looks like it is on in the NCFL as the cheque books open again at Boort ala Big Carl. The threads in the EDFL have Lance P confirmed despite the interest from East Keilor before Christmas. It also looks like Lance is not coming alone it appears he is bringing a car load with him each week. With this in mind has the pursuit of Durie and Martin as coaches dropped off.
It sounds like the only team that is not actively recruiting is Birchip-Watchem.
The amount of recruitment out of the Wimmera league this year harks back to the mid 80's when Donald and Watchem had a crack at the Minyip team and Watchem recruited Greg Dax and a couple of players while Donald recruited "Flossy" Wood and some extras. Donald may have got their flag out of it but the fierce rivalry that already existed was blasted to a new level with Dax and Wood. The games were some of the toughest I have ever witnessed and know I will never see anything like it again.
Pratt_Attack
17 Jan 2006, 22:15
It looks like it is on in the NCFL as the cheque books open again at Boort ala Big Carl. The threads in the EDFL have Lance P confirmed despite the interest from East Keilor before Christmas. It also looks like Lance is not coming alone it appears he is bringing a car load with him each week. With this in mind has the pursuit of Durie and Martin as coaches dropped off.
It sounds like the only team that is not actively recruiting is Birchip-Watchem.
The amount of recruitment out of the Wimmera league this year harks back to the mid 80's when Donald and Watchem had a crack at the Minyip team and Watchem recruited Greg Dax and a couple of players while Donald recruited "Flossy" Wood and some extras. Donald may have got their flag out of it but the fierce rivalry that already existed was blasted to a new level with Dax and Wood. The games were some of the toughest I have ever witnessed and know I will never see anything like it again.
obviously his brother is playing for boort too? wonder what he would be on a year? those olives up there must be going alright
obviously his brother is playing for boort too? wonder what he would be on a year? those olives up there must be going alright
olives are going fantastic up at boort... provide the club with heaps of $$$$$$...
unfortunately in the last few years they have wasted heaps of it on very ordinary players wanting big $$$$$
They seemed to get their fingers burnt with Big Carl and the vast sums they paid out for his assistance on a thursday night and a saturday....But it still has stopped them forking out big bikkies...
I'm guessing that he would be on at least 800 a week plus... Either that or 500 - 600 + some optional extras... eg car... boat... maybe house in boort... maybe 3 local women a weekend... or maybe some shares in timbercorp ;)
Im pretty sure you will find that Martin and Durie are staying on at their clubs from last year, Martin - Torquay and Durie in Echuca.
With Funcke coaching Donald the return of many ex-junior players will be eagerly pursued by the club. The number of guys who went to school with Funcke and played in successful Donald junior and senior teams that have shown interest in "coming home" to play together has only been amplified with the christmas period and the annual gathering at the Murtoa cup.
While clubs look to recruit outside talent it looks like the returning ex-juniors and the always strong up and coming kids will be the telling factor this year in the NCFL. Only further displaying why the major league status is still there for however long it lasts. Here's one out of left feild !!!! Robbie Lee,did he coach up that way last season....how did he go coaching wise and playing wise.It's a bit hard when your team finished bottom i hear.
Here's one out of left feild !!!! Robbie Lee,did he coach up that way last season....how did he go coaching wise and playing wise.It's a bit hard when your team finished bottom i hear.
Robbie didn't have a very good year injury wise... A 'mate' caught up with him during a practice match they played and broke his jaw... Miss a quite a bit of the season... came back and then i think he got injured again... Birchip had a pretty ordinary year with injuries and when you cant' get the cattle on the park...
They were actually what i would call embarassing in a couple of games... they didn't worry about playing footy just tried to smash as many blokes as they could... Ask the two walklate boys... After father rick said on radio that it would better going to watch the netball rather than watch the senior's play... Aaron and Ben, had a pretty tough day at the office that day...
Robbie didn't have a very good year injury wise... A 'mate' caught up with him during a practice match they played and broke his jaw... Miss a quite a bit of the season... came back and then i think he got injured again... Birchip had a pretty ordinary year with injuries and when you cant' get the cattle on the park...
They were actually what i would call embarassing in a couple of games... they didn't worry about playing footy just tried to smash as many blokes as they could... Ask the two walklate boys... After father rick said on radio that it would better going to watch the netball rather than watch the senior's play... Aaron and Ben, had a pretty tough day at the office that day...
That wouldn't be Sheehan and Lee's brother would it. They have been doing it for years. If you can't play you might as well take out the one's who can.
That wouldn't be Sheehan and Lee's brother would it. They have been doing it for years. If you can't play you might as well take out the one's who can.
Ding ding ding... we have a winner... how could u guess it would have been them??
Grimmett
24 Jan 2006, 20:33
It's old news but still good for the league I think.
BOOST FOR BOORT AND N.C.F.L.
First published by:
The Buloke Times
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
By David Rees
In a major coup for the Boort Football Club, ex-A.F.L. player Lance Picioane has agreed to line up with the Magpies for the upcoming season of football.
Picioane is keen to play with his older brother Leigh, a Boort player for the past two seasons. He leaves the A.F.L. having played four matches with the Adelaide Crows, then 58 games for Hawthorn. He finished off making 15 appearances for the Kangaroos last season, bringing his total to 77 A.F.L. games. The appearance of such an experienced player on North Central grounds this year should create great interest amongst all supporters of the league.
Boort kicked its season off on Sunday, with the club holding a training session consisting of some exhaustive stretching – in fact Sam Gross would leave a contortionist red faced with his routine!
This was followed by some running and the ball work to get the players talking and thinking football for the coming season.
After the training session players and supporters were invited to a barbecue by the lake followed by some water skiing. Certainly a far cry from the late 1940s when Boort, coached by the good Doctor Ian Leembruggen, would have a light run, some calisthenics and work out with the medicine ball to tune the players up. Following this the lads would have a shared bath at Mrs. Dehne’s and then down to Facey’s Café for the traditional pie night.
Making a welcome return to Boort was best and fairest winner of 1998, Heldene Nelson, returning home after stints at Redan and Nyah Nyah West United. Nelson returns with an excellent reputation and will give Magpie coach Mark Perryman much greater flexibility at both ends of the ground.
With good numbers at both events there is a buzz about the club. New president Tim Byrne had the players spellbound with his stirring speech; he later mentioned the club has a couple more players in the pipeline to add to the talented local group. Boort most certainly will field a very competitive unit in 2006, which is excellent for the town and the league.
It's old news but still good for the league I think.
BOOST FOR BOORT AND N.C.F.L.
First published by:
The Buloke Times
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
By David Rees
In a major coup for the Boort Football Club, ex-A.F.L. player Lance Picioane has agreed to line up with the Magpies for the upcoming season of football.
Picioane is keen to play with his older brother Leigh, a Boort player for the past two seasons. He leaves the A.F.L. having played four matches with the Adelaide Crows, then 58 games for Hawthorn. He finished off making 15 appearances for the Kangaroos last season, bringing his total to 77 A.F.L. games. The appearance of such an experienced player on North Central grounds this year should create great interest amongst all supporters of the league.
Boort kicked its season off on Sunday, with the club holding a training session consisting of some exhaustive stretching – in fact Sam Gross would leave a contortionist red faced with his routine!
This was followed by some running and the ball work to get the players talking and thinking football for the coming season.
After the training session players and supporters were invited to a barbecue by the lake followed by some water skiing. Certainly a far cry from the late 1940s when Boort, coached by the good Doctor Ian Leembruggen, would have a light run, some calisthenics and work out with the medicine ball to tune the players up. Following this the lads would have a shared bath at Mrs. Dehne’s and then down to Facey’s Café for the traditional pie night.
Making a welcome return to Boort was best and fairest winner of 1998, Heldene Nelson, returning home after stints at Redan and Nyah Nyah West United. Nelson returns with an excellent reputation and will give Magpie coach Mark Perryman much greater flexibility at both ends of the ground.
With good numbers at both events there is a buzz about the club. New president Tim Byrne had the players spellbound with his stirring speech; he later mentioned the club has a couple more players in the pipeline to add to the talented local group. Boort most certainly will field a very competitive unit in 2006, which is excellent for the town and the league.
Good old Reesy... His articles are always excellent value... Gives you the details and a history lesson all at the same time :)
They are going to have to keep recruiting cause the boys at Donald are having a fair crack. Anyone willing to have a go at the ladder?
On The Money
25 Jan 2006, 13:05
They are going to have to keep recruiting cause the boys at Donald are having a fair crack. Anyone willing to have a go at the ladder?
Yer why not...
Donald
Boort
Charlton
Birchip
Wedderburn
St.Arnaud
Wchyeproof
Yer why not...
Donald
Boort
Charlton
Birchip
Wedderburn
St.Arnaud
Wchyeproof
From what i've heard i would have St Arnaud higher than that... I would have Charlton and Birchip lower...
I'd go
Donald
Boort
St Arnaud
Then throw a blanket over the rest..... I'm tipping will be a very even season... Obviously a couple of stand out teams...
Jock Clark 2
25 Jan 2006, 16:18
IS Windsall staying put with Charlton in the NCFL and not joining others in signing with BFL clubs.
Gretgrix, f'r instance, has gone to Eaglehawk.
IS Windsall staying put with Charlton in the NCFL and not joining others in signing with BFL clubs.
Gretgrix, f'r instance, has gone to Eaglehawk.
I dunno... this isn't the first time he has been linked to other clubs... it usually happens most years... I think last year or the year before he put in a clearance to Mt Pleasant... But ended back in Charlton when the price was right... ;)
Birchip is making, and needed to, signing a few from CMFL team Lake Boga. Ben Coloe will be assistant to Lee, Cliff Ryan and a couple of others. Coburg boys returning. Maybe they will have a decent crack this year too.
Maybe:
Donald
Boort
Birchip
St Arnaud
Charlton
Wyche
Wederburn
Beluah
football365
26 Jan 2006, 09:52
[QUOTE=Weapo]Birchip is making, and needed to, signing a few from CMFL team Lake Boga. Ben Coloe will be assistant to Lee, Cliff Ryan and a couple of others. Coburg boys returning. Maybe they will have a decent crack this year too.
Maybe:
Donald
Boort
Birchip
St Arnaud
Charlton
Wyche
Wederburn
Beluah
have they changed leagues from the mallee
[QUOTE=Weapo]Birchip is making, and needed to, signing a few from CMFL team Lake Boga. Ben Coloe will be assistant to Lee, Cliff Ryan and a couple of others. Coburg boys returning. Maybe they will have a decent crack this year too.
Maybe:
Donald
Boort
Birchip
St Arnaud
Charlton
Wyche
Wederburn
Beluah
have they changed leagues from the mallee
Mmm i can't remember if they did or didn't :s
opps
nevillebartos14
26 Jan 2006, 12:58
winsall leaving charlton would be interesting, rumour has it he has been courted by golden square, but in the bendigo addy, coach darren walsh strongly denied it. also circulating was he is to join colbinabbin,in the heathcote league. but having seen him play i honestly think he would be pushing to hold a position down in stronger teams
Grimmett
27 Jan 2006, 21:12
From the Wimmera Mail-Times on Wednesday, January 25. Jarrod Tyler played for Stawell in the Wimmera FL during 2004 and will be a handy addition for Birchip.
On the move
Former Rupanyup forward Jarrod Tyler will play in the North Central Football League this year. Tyler, 24, has moved to Birchip to teach at the town’s P-12 school and has signed for Birchip.
“Things are shaping up well for the club and we’re looking to move off the bottom of the ladder this season,” he said. “The league will be really strong this year. There are a lot of new players like former Wimmera League players Josh Mibus and Jay Tucker, who are playing for Donald.”
Tyler was Rupanyup’s assistant coach in 2005. Tim Webb has replaced Tyler on the Panthers’ coaching panel.
Watch this space...Apparently the olives over Boort way are growing quite well and Boort is opening the cheque book to ridiculous levels... Don't expect Lance to be their by himself... Boort are still recruiting heavily making some incredible offers to cerain players...