Lexton Plains Football League

[Scoots]

Anyone with any news about LPFL?

Who's coming and who's going from each club?

[CranktheAnchors]

About time this league was started.

James McNamee Natte Bealiba's full forward is now coach.
Natte have been recruiting hard and may have the team to take it all the way. Any other developments from other clubs?

[KingRich]

About time this league was started.

James McNamee Natte Bealiba's full forward is now coach.
Natte have been recruiting hard and may have the team to take it all the way. Any other developments from other clubs?

Very Very young Senior Coach. Is he cut out for the Job? Who have they lost and who have they recruited?

[KingRich]

Nick Goiun from Skipton is leaving due to work commitments. Will be playing Mickey Mouse in disney land!

Apparently he is leaving after constant ridicule from team mates after organising the worst footy trip EVA!

[Shamui]

Anyone with any news about LPFL?

Who's coming and who's going from each club?


Heard on the grapevine (not sure how much truth is in it) that Illabrook have been chasing a few and are on the verge of signing some handy recruits....

[Velvetsledgehammer]

Anyone with any news about LPFL?

Who's coming and who's going from each club?

Grapevine tells me that there has been a fair turnover at Lexton this year. Some big losses in Nunn back to Redan, Box, and Dridan heading to Dunnstown.
They have picked up a few quality players also in Eamon Johnson & Adrian Chew.

[Gadget]

Grapevine tells me that there has been a fair turnover at Lexton this year. Some big losses in Nunn back to Redan, Box, and Dridan heading to Dunnstown.
They have picked up a few quality players also in Eamon Johnson & Adrian Chew.
Is nunn a big loss Velvet? Didn't really get much out of him last year. Heard Dave Stenhuis is back at bungaree.

[Scoots]

Is nunn a big loss Velvet? Didn't really get much out of him last year. Heard Dave Stenhuis is back at bungaree.

Considering he only played a game and a half last year - probably not. Word is he's fit and training well at Redan at the moment though, so if Lexton had got him playing fit he would have been good for them.

Mason is training with Ballarat and would be good enough to play consistant senior BFL next year in the couple of games I saw him play last season.

What about Rokewood? any news out there? I heard Grenfell decided not to coach again and that Rick Wilson might be doing it. Can anyone confirm or deny?

[Velvetsledgehammer]

Is nunn a big loss Velvet? Didn't really get much out of him last year. Heard Dave Stenhuis is back at bungaree.


Nunny didn't play too many out there last year so I would say it would be hard for Lexton to judge, but he is a dual premiership player at Redan and only young still. Will have a big influence at Redan this season if he can stay fit.

[Shamui]

Very Very young Senior Coach. Is he cut out for the Job? Who have they lost and who have they recruited?

Natte are chasing Justin Tapner from Avoca real hard. Would probably be a handy aquisition to their side. Would not be surprised if he signs with them after xmas.

[Gadget]

Considering he only played a game and a half last year - probably not. Word is he's fit and training well at Redan at the moment though, so if Lexton had got him playing fit he would have been good for them.

Mason is training with Ballarat and would be good enough to play consistant senior BFL next year in the couple of games I saw him play last season.

What about Rokewood? any news out there? I heard Grenfell decided not to coach again and that Rick Wilson might be doing it. Can anyone confirm or deny?
Word is he's fit? He's the size of a house! Agree that he can play but can't see him worrying too many opponents in the bfl, I've heard he may be chance to play with knowles at bungaree?

[Picador]

What is news down at Navarre?

Who is coaching them next year?

[localfootyguru]

Think you will find the Swans will be a real challenger in 2007. They certainly werent far away with their relatively young team this year and havent lost too many either. McNamee will do a good job coaching the team and is a good leader. From what I have heard there will be a few new faces putting on the Swans jumper in 2007 that will add to their depth and quality of the playing list.

Justin Tapner and a couple of other Bulldogs are good chances to be playing for Natte Bealiba in 2007 considering some of the recent problems at the kennel.

[MasterOfRoc]

What is news down at Navarre?

Who is coaching them next year?

As far as i know, Driscoll has stepped down...and if im not mistaken... Bigmore has the job...

[Gadget]

Anyone know when Natte start pre-season?

[Shamui]

Think you will find the Swans will be a real challenger in 2007. They certainly werent far away with their relatively young team this year and havent lost too many either. McNamee will do a good job coaching the team and is a good leader. From what I have heard there will be a few new faces putting on the Swans jumper in 2007 that will add to their depth and quality of the playing list.

Justin Tapner and a couple of other Bulldogs are good chances to be playing for Natte Bealiba in 2007 considering some of the recent problems at the kennel.

Heard that Taps was a chance, but interested to know which other players may be headed out to Natte?

[CranktheAnchors]

Anyone know when Natte start pre-season?

Last Friday.

[Gadget]

Last Friday.
Beautiful.... See you after christmas!

[Mobbenfuhrer]

Do Natte still swap between the two grounds? Last I heard they were going to use Natte Yallock for ALL home matches? Did that transpire?

Is there still a bunch of something that looks like bamboo on the Riverbank there?

Does Bealiba's ground still have a yard like a playground full of old mineshafts behind it?

Ahhh memories.

[Gadget]

Do Natte still swap between the two grounds? Last I heard they were going to use Natte Yallock for ALL home matches? Did that transpire?

Is there still a bunch of something that looks like bamboo on the Riverbank there?

Does Bealiba's ground still have a yard like a playground full of old mineshafts behind it?

Ahhh memories.
It's not far behing the MCG! Best oval in the district!!!!!

[whodatbabydaddy]

Can anybody confirm the talk of Jason Hill (ex Clunes, Ballarat, Lake Wendouree etc) being keenly sought after by the boys out C/Linton way after a year up the Murray.

[KingRich]

Can anybody confirm the talk of Jason Hill (ex Clunes, Ballarat, Lake Wendouree etc) being keenly sought after by the boys out C/Linton way after a year up the Murray.

Well from I know he is definately not going back to Clunes. Not sure about CL though.

[Montyposty]

Well from I know he is definately not going back to Clunes. Not sure about CL though.
Signed as assistant coach at the Lakers this week. Talk is.

[KingRich]

Signed as assistant coach at the Lakers this week. Talk is.

Good pick up for them if true.

[learmonth]

Good pick up for them if true.

Has played in teh BFL before and was not a stand out player.. Great minor league player, struggles in major league...

[KingRich]

Has played in teh BFL before and was not a stand out player.. Great minor league player, struggles in major league...

Well in all honesty I have only seen him play for Clunes once and he went just average. All the Clunes boys rave he is a gun though.

[jockstrap jim]

Heard the c/linton boy's have picked up Clint Ladiges after he kicked a lazy ton @ Maldon. Would be handy to have him back. May replace Porter who rumour has it is leaving the club. Dose anybody know of any other inclusions at the club?

[Grimmett]

What is news down at Navarre?

Who is coaching them next year?

From Friday's Stawell Times-News:

Harney joins Bigmore at helm

Justin Harney will join Zane Bigmore as joint senior coach of the Navarre Football Club next year.
Harney, a runner up in this year's club best and fairest, has filled the vacancy left by retiring veteran Wayne Driscoll.
Club president Gary Hannett said he was pleased to have the pair on board with Harney having already been in some lead roles with the club.
"Justin was assistant coach two years ago and captain last year, they are both pretty well respected in the league," he said.
"Zane has been a joint coach, he was obviously the junior member last year and he grew into the job as the season went on."
Hannett said due to work commitments, Bigmore took time in making his decision.
"Because of work commitments, Zane took a while to make up his mind and really wanted someone to help out in case work stopped him from being there all the time," Hannett said.
Under 14 premiership winning coach Tim Bibby has stepped up to a joint reserves coaching role with Tim Lanagan.
Andrew Murphy will look to claim back-to-back premierships when he continues the under 17 role, while Hannett said the under 14 job was yet to be filled.
Hannett said the club had been in talks with some players in regards to their recruiting for next season, but would know more into the new year.
Bill Driscoll, from North Ballarat, is one of the club's key targets, as is gaining the services of some big men.
"We just need to recruit some new players, we are looking for big players because we haven't got many of them," Hannett said.
Navarre best and fairest Jason Andison has headed overseas, leaving a hole in the club's rucking stocks.
However, the return of Barry Fletcher, a 1999 premiership player, could see the role filled.
Meanwhile, Josh Monaghan who missed almost the entire 2006 campaign is expected to return sometime early in the 2007 season.
From an administrative side, Hannett said last year was a successful one for the club, with sponsors and members being the highest ever.
While the committee is relatively unchanged, former senior coach Wayne Driscoll has replaced long time member Joe Peacock as the senior vice president for the new season.
Peacock, who remains on the committee, has filled the role for nine years after serving as president for 14 years.
On the back of the $50,000 grant the club received last year, Hannett expected the general works, such as upgrade of the women's toilets and new umpires rooms, to begin shortly after the school holidays in time for the 2007 season.

[MasterOfRoc]

Navarre best and fairest Jason Andison has headed overseas, leaving a hole in the club's rucking stocks.

Coughz BS :) latest i heard it was Kalgoolie...its a fair way away, but not overseas lol :P


saw him in town last weekend

[KingRich]

Coughz BS :) latest i heard it was Kalgoolie...its a fair way away, but not overseas lol :P


saw him in town last weekend

It may as well be overseas! Either way its a long way away!

[MasterOfRoc]

It may as well be overseas! Either way its a long way away!

lol yea...hes home at the moment...all goes well he doesnt end up over there, and we get him back here... one handy player!

[learmonth]

lol yea...hes home at the moment...all goes well he doesnt end up over there, and we get him back here... one handy player!

Hill and Ladiges have both signed with C-Linton... Will make them very hard to beat in that league....

[Sticks23]

How did big Justin Porter go in 2006??? I used to play with him a few years ago and had untapped talent. He must be getting on now. Is he staying at CL or moving on ???

[KingRich]

How did big Justin Porter go in 2006??? I used to play with him a few years ago and had untapped talent. He must be getting on now. Is he staying at CL or moving on ???

Done his knee last year and going to Buninyong this year by all reports.

[Thoroughbred]

Hill and Ladiges have both signed with C-Linton... Will make them very hard to beat in that league....

They had Ladiges 2 years ago when they lost the flag. I have heard that they have lost both Porter, Head and Ross Waters.

I would take those three players over Hill and Ladiges.

[KingRich]

Just read on MCDFL thread that Matt Brown from Lexton is going to Clunes. Will be a loss for Lexton and will severely dent their goal scoring power.

[Grimmett]

Rob Bretherton has been appointed coach of the Ararat Eagles for 2007. Was a member of the coaching structure at Great Western in 2006. Adds another player to their roster and a coach with quite a few years experience as an assistant but they'll still be a mile off the pace.

[Thoroughbred]

Rob Bretherton has been appointed coach of the Ararat Eagles for 2007. Was a member of the coaching structure at Great Western in 2006. Adds another player to their roster and a coach with quite a few years experience as an assistant but they'll still be a mile off the pace.

Huge job ahead of him. Good on him for taking it. They seem to be the only team a mile off the pace in that league.

[KingRich]

Huge job ahead of him. Good on him for taking it. They seem to be the only team a mile off the pace in that league.

What is wrong with the Ararat Eagles? They are in a large town but obviously have a more powerful team in the town, why cant they go any good?

[Thoroughbred]

What is wrong with the Ararat Eagles? They are in a large town but obviously have a more powerful team in the town, why cant they go any good?

From what I hear there are only 2 teams, including the Eagles, in Ararat. Very strange for a town that size to have only two teams and one of them be so weak.

The travel in the LPFL must $hit them big time.

[KingRich]

From what I hear there are only 2 teams, including the Eagles, in Ararat. Very strange for a town that size to have only two teams and one of them be so weak.

The travel in the LPFL must $hit them big time.

Is the travel that bad? What would be the furtherest distance? Natte maybe?? That be only 90 mins max I would think. So why with only 2 teams in that size of town is one so good and one so so so crap?

[Thoroughbred]

Is the travel that bad? What would be the furtherest distance? Natte maybe?? That be only 90 mins max I would think. So why with only 2 teams in that size of town is one so good and one so so so crap?

I'd say Rokewood would be a fair hike. The travel sucks especially when you know you are going there for a beating.

[Mobbenfuhrer]

From memory :
- 1995ish there were Ararat (Wimmera FL), St Marys, Caledonians, Miners, Prestige & Trinity (all Ararat & DFA)
- 1998ish there were Ararat (Wimmera FL), St Marys, Caledonians-Miners & Prestige-Trinity (all Ararat & DFA)
- 2001ish there were Ararat (Wimmera FL), Ararat Eagles (Horsham & DFL) & Ararat United (Mininera & DFL)
- 2004ish there were Ararat (Wimmera FL), Ararat Eagles (Lexton Plains FL) & Ararat United (Mininera & DFL)
- 2007ish there were Ararat (Wimmera FL) & Ararat Eagles (Lexton Plains FL).

Also nearby clubs Landsborough (folded), Moyston & Willaura (merged); and the Rats haven't exactly dominated the WFL, what's going on!?

[KingRich]

How do Ararat go in the Wimmera League??

[footyfan001]

How do Ararat go in the Wimmera League??

Were a powerhouse in the late 90's early 2000's, always up there and about.. Struggled for numbers in the last few years but picked up this year and played finals...

[KingRich]

Were a powerhouse in the late 90's early 2000's, always up there and about.. Struggled for numbers in the last few years but picked up this year and played finals...

So is there a lack of players in the town or a lack of money at the clubs to draw players? Has always seemed strange to me that a team like Ararat Eagles cannot fire a shot in the Lexton Plains League.

[Thoroughbred]

So is there a lack of players in the town or a lack of money at the clubs to draw players? Has always seemed strange to me that a team like Ararat Eagles cannot fire a shot in the Lexton Plains League.

It's the same as Rovers and Bushy not firing a shot in the MCDFL. The Ballarat based teams make that league really hard to do well in. MCDFL is lucky they don't have to contend with teams too close to a major city.

[KingRich]

It's the same as Rovers and Bushy not firing a shot in the MCDFL. The Ballarat based teams make that league really hard to do well in. MCDFL is lucky they don't have to contend with teams too close to a major city.

Yeah agreed, but their is a big difference between not firing a shot and being flogged every week and not winning a game like Ararat is. You would think a town of that size could muster a half competitive football side. Anyone from around that way know what the underlying problem is? Culture, lack of cash, poor committee?

[Off Season]

Well from I know he is definately not going back to Clunes. Not sure about CL though.

Why isn't he going back out to Clunes? I thought he was born & bred out there, as well as being a premiership player...

[KingRich]

Why isn't he going back out to Clunes? I thought he was born & bred out there, as well as being a premiership player...

Not sure of the reasons why but Handley tells me he wont be going back there next year as far as he knows at this stage.

[Grimmett]

Yeah agreed, but their is a big difference between not firing a shot and being flogged every week and not winning a game like Ararat is. You would think a town of that size could muster a half competitive football side. Anyone from around that way know what the underlying problem is? Culture, lack of cash, poor committee?

Combination of all KingRich.
The Ararat & District FA folded at the end of 1999. Until the mid-90s this minor league served the Ararat and Stawell region as the local competition. Nine clubs made up the league: Swifts and Warriors were based in Stawell, Prestige, Trinity, St Marys, Caledonians and Miners based in Ararat with Moyston and Great Western the small regional villages fielding teams. Moyston were predominantly Ararat based players and Great Western was usually made up of Stawell based players.
At the same time as this competition was running the northern clubs of the Mininera District FL in Tatyoon and Willaura also recruited heavily out of Ararat so the town was providing footballers to Ararat in the Wimmera FL, six ADFA clubs and two MDFL teams.
Until the early 90s Ararat was a government town. The railways had a large employment base here, the SEC and Gas & Fuel were also large employers and the mental asylum at Aradale was enormous. Then they placed the lunatics in community housing and slashed the staff numbers, the railways closed the locomotive sheds and passenger services were taken away meaning the staff left and the utilities companies were privatised and more staff left. Population numbers declined dramatically in the region meaning the number of clubs now outstripped the number of available players.
The major league club, Ararat, has been around since 1871 and was always going to survive but the ADFA clubs struggled. Mergers started to happen in the mid to late 90s. Prestige and Trinity became the Ararat Dragons while Caledonians and Miners became Ararat United. So by 1999 the league was down from nine teams to seven and rumours abounded that Moyston were set to jump leagues. Within a matter of weeks the whole league fell apart with Ararat United moving to the MDFL before they eventually folded a few years later. Moyston merged with Willaura and play, poorly, in the MDFL. Warriors merged with Stawell in the Wimmera FL. Swifts and Great Western moved to the Horsham District FL where they still play. That left Ararat Dragons and St Marys. They merged and formed the Ararat Eagles. They tried for acceptance into the LPFL on their first season but were knocked back by the league and the VCFL so they played in the HDFL for a year. They transferred to the LPFL the next year and I guess you guys who follow the league know the rest of the story.
In essence the Eagles are struggling to overcome the historical reasons behind the creation of the club. Prestige were very much a working class club that took pride in their physical approach but were not known for a hugely successful past. Trinity were a former powerhouse from the 60s and 70s who gradually declined to a shadow of their former glories. St Marys were the Catholic club with a long and healthy history of good football. The league started life as a predominantly church based league and many of the rivalries were quite bitter. Ararat United officials (formerly Caledonians and Miners, who started life as Methodist) preferred to let their club fold rather than merge with any entity that had any part of an old St Marys structure, for example.
So the Eagles were formed through the uneasy merger of three clubs and even now there are factions within the club and on the committee that are based around the original clubs. The culture of the member entities were all significantly different and even now are probably still having an effect on the overall structure of the club.
Lastly, the local community is not overly interested in the LPFL in my opinion. The Wimmera FL and Ararat has been at the forefront of local football in the public's mind for more than half a century. The Mininera District FL has always been viewed as the regional minor league of the region while the ADFA was seen as the town's minor league. Sponsors prefer to support Ararat, Tatyoon or Moyston/Willaura as they see their dollar reaching more of their potential customers. Surely a Skipton, Carngham-Linton or Rokewood-Corindhap supporter is more likely to see Ballarat as the centre where they will spend their hard earned.
The Eagles were unsuccessful in trying to switch to the MDFL this year so they will definitely be around in the LPFL for at least 2007. I guess they need to develop some decent rivalries and put a squad together that can win some games. While they are getting belted and Ararat are playing finals in the WFL they are always going to struggle. The Rats won the reserves and under-17 flags in 2006 while the under-14 team was runner-up. Unfortunately for the Eagles many of the junior players families see the Rats as the more viable alternative for their children. Some because of perceived poor culture within the Eagles, some because of the travel within the LPFL and some because they still cannot let go of old enmities from the ADFA days.

Overall it's a very difficult situation that many in Ararat hope will be improved in the next few years. Even many of the Rats followers hope the Eagles improve their lot as it won't help anybody if the town ends up with only one football team based within its boundaries.

Long winded but I hope that helps.

[Mobbenfuhrer]

From the school of implausability, how about they aim for the Elmhurs/Amphi/Landsborough/Moonambel market?

( anything to give Navarre the ********s, for mine :D )

[Grimmett]

Already sewn up by Natte Bealiba, Mobs. ;)

[Snail]

They had Ladiges 2 years ago when they lost the flag. I have heard that they have lost both Porter, Head and Ross Waters.

I would take those three players over Hill and Ladiges.
Ladiges will enjoy being the key foward & do well, Hill will be in top couple of players in league from what ive seen of his chfl days although i think he'd be getting on now

[RetiredYoung]

Another problem the Eagles had was with junior players not coming on, a few seasons back (2004/2005) there was some promise in the junior ranks the U/14s made a GF and the U17s had a great season before going out in straight sets. After these seasons a lot of youth left the club (including some from the Elmhurst/Amphi/Landsborough/Moonambel market :)) Some of the better players including S Verdon, B Miller and D Moncrieff left, all played key roles in the U/17 season that year and the fact that they didnt take the next step into senior football hurt the club. They lost some very promising midfielders and a decent full foward along with a number of other players, and remember young O'Connell left half way through the season last year but will be back this season.

They have had some big problems over the last few seasons and I hope they can get up and win a few games this year.

[KingRich]

Any word on any Ararat Recruits??

Natte I would think would be close to flag favourites this year. Few good pick ups, not losing too many. Word is Ash Evans coming back from Queensland which will be a massive boost. Carnham and Skipton have both lost a few with Carnham gaining a couple back including Ladiges. Top 3 wont change much one would think. Lexton lost a lot but have gained a few quality players including Eamon Johnson who is very handy.

[localfootyguru]

Great summary Grimmett re. the Eagles situation. My thoughts are similar in that there is no real connection between the club and the league due to its location. The club belongs either in the Mininera or Horsham DFL's where more local rivalries exist. Moving into either of these leagues would encourage more financial support and more on field success due to more possibilities to recruit. What have the Ararat Eagles got in common with clubs like Illabrook or Rokewood Corindhap? This is also a similar situation for clubs like Natte and Navarre.

The VCFL got it totally wrong when the two competitions were merged and really stuffed a healthy and viable league in the old Lexton FL - big changes are needed to keep some of these clubs alive in the future.

[Thoroughbred]

Any word on any Ararat Recruits??

Natte I would think would be close to flag favourites this year. Few good pick ups, not losing too many. Word is Ash Evans coming back from Queensland which will be a massive boost. Carnham and Skipton have both lost a few with Carnham gaining a couple back including Ladiges. Top 3 wont change much one would think. Lexton lost a lot but have gained a few quality players including Eamon Johnson who is very handy.

I've heard that about Ash but I was talking to his brother the other night and he said that Ash is up in QLD for good. If he came back, he'd go to Natte but I've heard QLD is his destination for a while yet.

Carnham is a revolving door. They lose a heap every year and pick up just as many.

[Thoroughbred]

The VCFL got it totally wrong when the two competitions were merged and really stuffed a healthy and viable league in the old Lexton FL - big changes are needed to keep some of these clubs alive in the future.

Here is how the Ballarat/Maryborough Region should be. VCFL take note.

CHFL Division 1.

1. Waubra
2. Hepburn
3. Daylesford
4. Bungaree
5. Learmonth
6. Ballan
7. Dunnstown
8. Bunningyong
9. Carnham-Linton
10. Skipton

CHFL Division 2

1. Newlyn
2. Springbank
3. Clunes
4. Beaufort
5. Creswick
6. Gordon
7. Rokewood
8. Lexton
9. Illabrook
10. Trentham

MCDFL

1. Harcourt
2. Newstead
3. Rovers
4. Carisbrook
5. Royal Park
6. Maldon
7. Avoca
8. Talbot
9. Campbells Creek
10. Dunolly
11. Natte
12. Navarre

Ararat Eagles to the Minninera League.

The bottom 2 teams in CHFL 1 drop down to CHFL 2. The grand finalists in division 2 are promoted. Why makes this idea brilliant? Well, the poor teams such as Creswick, Trentham and Illabrook don’t have to worry about playing the super strong teams. Division 2 teams can actually aim at winning a flag where in the current situation they seem to be destined for years of poor results.

Natte and Navarre go into the District League which makes sense geographically. Another thing is that they are small town teams quite some distance from a major city. To have them competing against the Ballarat based teams is ridiculous.

[Snail]

Here is how the Ballarat/Maryborough Region should be. VCFL take note.

CHFL Division 1.

1. Waubra
2. Hepburn
3. Daylesford
4. Bungaree
5. Learmonth
6. Ballan
7. Dunnstown
8. Bunningyong
9. Carnham-Linton
10. Skipton

CHFL Division 2

1. Newlyn
2. Springbank
3. Clunes
4. Beaufort
5. Creswick
6. Gordon
7. Rokewood
8. Lexton
9. Illabrook
10. Trentham

MCDFL

1. Harcourt
2. Newstead
3. Rovers
4. Carisbrook
5. Royal Park
6. Maldon
7. Avoca
8. Talbot
9. Campbells Creek
10. Dunolly
11. Natte
12. Navarre

Ararat Eagles to the Minninera League.

The bottom 2 teams in CHFL 1 drop down to CHFL 2. The grand finalists in division 2 are promoted. Why makes this idea brilliant? Well, the poor teams such as Creswick, Trentham and Illabrook don’t have to worry about playing the super strong teams. Division 2 teams can actually aim at winning a flag where in the current situation they seem to be destined for years of poor results.

Natte and Navarre go into the District League which makes sense geographically. Another thing is that they are small town teams quite some distance from a major city. To have them competing against the Ballarat based teams is ridiculous.
Think you've hit the nail fair on the head geographically and in terms of club strength. Only question would be clunes in div 2. have won 3 chfl flags and played in about 7 or 8 grand finals including 05,06

[KingRich]

Think you've hit the nail fair on the head geographically and in terms of club strength. Only question would be clunes in div 2. have won 3 chfl flags and played in about 7 or 8 grand finals including 05,06

Yeah granted but on current form you would have to suggest that they start there if you were picking it from this years ladder. Minor details.

[Scoots]

Think you've hit the nail fair on the head geographically and in terms of club strength. Only question would be clunes in div 2. have won 3 chfl flags and played in about 7 or 8 grand finals including 05,06

Thorobread I reckon you've done a pretty fair job with that, unfortunatley unless the VCFL step in the CHFL will not even consider doing anything that jepadises their strong league. Lexton plains' clock is ticking, I believe unless drastic measures are taken, such as what you've stated with your system, the league will start to loose more and more teams it cannot afford to loose.

Teams like Gordon, Creswick, and to an extent Beaufort, really need to start looking at the LPFL. They are never going to be any sort of contenders in the CHFL lets be honest...

[Thoroughbred]

Think you've hit the nail fair on the head geographically and in terms of club strength. Only question would be clunes in div 2. have won 3 chfl flags and played in about 7 or 8 grand finals including 05,06

I did it on last seasons ladders. Nottingham Forest has won a few Premier League titles and they are way down in Division 2.

Current form only.

[KingRich]

Beaufort geopgraphically could fit in fine with the Lexton Plains and be competitive. It was only 3 or so years ago that Beaufort were in the granny and a few uni boys were out there. Think they will improve a little this year.

[Thoroughbred]

Thorobread I reckon you've done a pretty fair job with that, unfortunatley unless the VCFL step in the CHFL will not even consider doing anything that jepadises their strong league. Lexton plains' clock is ticking, I believe unless drastic measures are taken, such as what you've stated with your system, the league will start to loose more and more teams it cannot afford to loose.

Teams like Gordon, Creswick, and to an extent Beaufort, really need to start looking at the LPFL. They are never going to be any sort of contenders in the CHFL lets be honest...

The CHFL is coming up to some interesting times though. Big money teams are dominating and making it very hard for the little teams to get anywhere.

That is why the Div 1 and 2 would work perfectly. A team like Creswick, Trentham or Illabrook would have a tough time recruiting seeing they won very few games. Yet in Div 2 they might get a few more wins on the board and that always helps the recruiting process.

[Velvetsledgehammer]

[quote=Thoroughbred;6522639]Here is how the Ballarat/Maryborough Region should be. VCFL take note.

CHFL Division 1.

1. Waubra
2. Hepburn
3. Daylesford
4. Bungaree
5. Learmonth
6. Ballan
7. Dunnstown
8. Bunningyong
9. Carnham-Linton
10. Skipton

CHFL Division 2

1. Newlyn
2. Springbank
3. Clunes
4. Beaufort
5. Creswick
6. Gordon
7. Rokewood
8. Lexton
9. Illabrook
10. Trentham

MCDFL

1. Harcourt
2. Newstead
3. Rovers
4. Carisbrook
5. Royal Park
6. Maldon
7. Avoca
8. Talbot
9. Campbells Creek
10. Dunolly
11. Natte
12. Navarre


Not a bad effort - I would make a couple of changes.

Clunes, & Beaufort to stay in Div 1
Skipton & Carnham Linto back to Div 2.

I would also include into Div 2 to make a 12 team comp -Lismore/Derrinallum & SMW Rovers (geographically both only 45 mins from Ballarat). Both clubs are strong and successful, and recruit bulk of their players from Ballarat.

[Snail]

I did it on last seasons ladders. Nottingham Forest has won a few Premier League titles and they are way down in Division 2.

Current form only.
Yep, well i agree then. Our region has the strongest minor leagues in vic but the gap between top & botom in each league is getting wider so your formular would work a treat. It would be great to see this happen in the future. What effect do people think this would have on the Ballarat fl?
I think it would further demise crowd numbers, which are low to start with(finals crowds aside)

[Thoroughbred]

Yep, well i agree then. Our region has the strongest minor leagues in vic but the gap between top & botom in each league is getting wider so your formular would work a treat. It would be great to see this happen in the future. What effect do people think this would have on the Ballarat fl?
I think it would further demise crowd numbers, which are low to start with(finals crowds aside)

I think it would make matches far more interesting in the CHFL. IE bottom teams will be fighting against relegation. So bottom of the table matches actually become a spectacle in Div 1.

The Div 1 would bridge the gap between CHFL and BFL. Tough games every week only strengthens a competition.

[Mobbenfuhrer]

Beaufort geopgraphically could fit in fine with the Lexton Plains and be competitive. It was only 3 or so years ago that Beaufort were in the granny and a few uni boys were out there. Think they will improve a little this year.

Beaufort would go full circle then! Used to be a Lexton league club, before going to the Ballarat for a short stint.

[Snail]

I'ts only early i know but does anyone have any thoughts on who will be the contenders for 07 flag & who will be standout players at clubs

[Thoroughbred]

I'ts only early i know but does anyone have any thoughts on who will be the contenders for 07 flag & who will be standout players at clubs

My prediction with the top 3 players for each team.

1. Carnham. Head, Ross Waters, Porter
2. Natte. James McNamee, Brent Mortlock, Stephen Ross
3. Skipton. McKay, Fletcher, Boyer.

Although my top 3 at Carnham are apparently all gone.

Rokewood could be a dark horse but the word is that they lack commitment. IE 50+ players had a game in the 1's last year. Should have beaten Carnham but went down by a point in the finals and look where Carnham ended up.

[Scoots]

My prediction with the top 3 players for each team.

1. Carnham. Head, Ross Waters, Porter
2. Natte. James McNamee, Brent Mortlock, Stephen Ross
3. Skipton. McKay, Fletcher, Boyer.

Although my top 3 at Carnham are apparently all gone.

Rokewood could be a dark horse but the word is that they lack commitment. IE 50+ players had a game in the 1's last year. Should have beaten Carnham but went down by a point in the finals and look where Carnham ended up.

Year 2006 in review

Skipton - Don't forget Molloy! Nearly the best player in the league. They were the best team all year

Carnham - Greenbank and Aaron Thompson also 2 very good players. Finals experiance helped then in the end.

Rokewood - Had plenty of quality but lacked a bit of class and leadership

Natte - Played inspirational footy in patches, leg speed and fitness were their strengths. Jardine sorely missed in the finals.

Lexton - Perenial under acheivers. To many good players to finish where they did. Questions needed to be asked..

Illabarook, Navarre and Ararat - not to much to tell there.

[gotiger33]

Are Lexton clubs usually willing to part with a bit of a coin for a few young players? im not talkin a heap of money just as a thought wouldnt it be smart for them to get a few of the young Uni students flocking into the area year in year out, get them out there for a praccy match or couple of trainin sessions if they are any good offer them a bit of coin and fill your stocks that way, often they would have come from playing footy in leagues back home with no offence intended but of a higher standard than that of the LPFL and those clubs are only givin the boys just enough money to get home and as the generalisation goes Uni students arent going to knock back a bit of extra cash in the back pocket and as Redan proved in the BFL that you can stumble across some real talent and they ended up with premiership medalions around their necks (not saying that they offer them money just merely the way they have so many uni students)

[Snail]

Does LPFL have interleague & if so who do they play. Also i read earlier luke berlund natte 06 b&f winner is going elswhere this year, thats gotta hurt there chances & hear a whisper skipton have picked up 3 decent young fellas from dunnstown, dont know who tho? mite be carn/skip gf again

[Mobbenfuhrer]

Does LPFL have interleague & if so who do they play. Also i read earlier luke berlund natte 06 b&f winner is going elswhere this year, thats gotta hurt there chances & hear a whisper skipton have picked up 3 decent young fellas from dunnstown, dont know who tho? mite be carn/skip gf again

Lexton FL used to play Western Plains FL! Now they're merged, I dunno who they play, maybe Horsham DFL? Loddon Valley FL? Not sure.

[helmut]

Does LPFL have interleague & if so who do they play. Also i read earlier luke berlund natte 06 b&f winner is going elswhere this year, thats gotta hurt there chances & hear a whisper skipton have picked up 3 decent young fellas from dunnstown, dont know who tho? mite be carn/skip gf again

Conroy and George are 2 of the Dunnstown blokes Snail and referring to an earlier thread on Jason Hill I think he would be only late 20's so should have plenty of good footy in him.

[Snail]

Conroy and George are 2 of the Dunnstown blokes Snail and referring to an earlier thread on Jason Hill I think he would be only late 20's so should have plenty of good footy in him.
Are these 2 blokes likely to be guns in the LPFL and on Jason Hill thought he was older only cos it seems like he's been around a while. Also see on another thread Leigh Russell ex Waubra, Rokewood,Lake Bolac looks like heading back to Rokewood. Whats your opinion Helmut on top 5 for 07 & who will have major influences?

[The Train]

Just wondering how Tim Oliver from Lexton went last year, what sort of player is he.

[Snail]

Things been a bit quiet here of late, here's my opinion of what the 07 season will bring in regards to ladder position & why.
1. Skipton, no major losses, picked up a couple and have experience.
2. Natte, had a taste, getting good numbers will be fit i'm told by a player
and will be really hungry, biggest threat to skipton
3. Carnham, lost a couple, list is getting old, from what im told ross waters is huge, been on the pies & is lazy on the park.
4.Rokewood, should have finished higher in 06. If injuries are kind will play finals.
5.Lexton, recuits will only cover losses.
6.Illabrook, will improve a bit with kids getting better, will push sides
6.Navarre, much the same list will struggle
7.Ararat, winless last

[BETON5]

Things been a bit quiet here of late, here's my opinion of what the 07 season will bring in regards to ladder position & why.
1. Skipton, no major losses, picked up a couple and have experience.
2. Natte, had a taste, getting good numbers will be fit i'm told by a player
and will be really hungry, biggest threat to skipton
3. Carnham, lost a couple, list is getting old, from what im told ross waters is huge, been on the pies & is lazy on the park.
4.Rokewood, should have finished higher in 06. If injuries are kind will play finals.
5.Lexton, recuits will only cover losses.
6.Illabrook, will improve a bit with kids getting better, will push sides
6.Navarre, much the same list will struggle
7.Ararat, winless last
You have pretty much hit the nail on the head with your predictions,however i have heard that ararat eagles have picked up 5or 6 ararat wimmera players which if true will put them up in the top bracket would be good to see carnham and skipton getting smacked for a change which is about due...:thumbsu:

[natterock]

Played Against Tim Oliver Very Tall Tap Ruckman Heart The Size Of A Split Pea!! Good When Hes Out On His Own But If Near A Pack He Tends To Hear Foot Steps!!!

[natterock]

Heard My A Little Whisper That Craig Berger The Melton Gun Trained At C/linton During The Week At Pre Season Is Good Mates With The Coach There And If Signs Will Be Bringing Mark Cullen With Him Is There Any Truth Behind This?????

[Grimmett]

You have pretty much hit the nail on the head with your predictions,however i have heard that ararat eagles have picked up 5or 6 ararat wimmera players which if true will put them up in the top bracket would be good to see carnham and skipton getting smacked for a change which is about due...:thumbsu:

Would need to be 15 or 16.

[Don't Argue]

You have pretty much hit the nail on the head with your predictions,however i have heard that ararat eagles have picked up 5or 6 ararat wimmera players which if true will put them up in the top bracket would be good to see carnham and skipton getting smacked for a change which is about due...:thumbsu:

For them to smack Carngham or Skipton, they would need 5 or 6 AFL players. Putting them in 'the top bracket' would take a little more than a few Wimmera League players.

If they learned to play their ground properly, they could be a hard team to beat at home in the future.

[Mobbenfuhrer]

When I dropped in to a match at Avoca a couple of years back, there was no reserves match because Ararat weren't fielding a 2nds team. Is that still the case?

[Don't Argue]

When I dropped in to a match at Avoca a couple of years back, there was no reserves match because Ararat weren't fielding a 2nds team. Is that still the case?

Their 2's actually were runners up in 2005 which I thought was a positive sign for the club. They definetly went backwards last year as the 2's were poor and the seniors results speak for themselves.

[BETON5]

For them to smack Carngham or Skipton, they would need 5 or 6 AFL players. Putting them in 'the top bracket' would take a little more than a few Wimmera League players.

If they learned to play their ground properly, they could be a hard team to beat at home in the future.
Not taking nothing away from carnham and skipton who have been the yard sticks of the comp since 2000 and thouroughly deserve that title,however i have watched the past 2 gf and the standard has been ordinary,The eagles are a mile off the pace but with some good recruiting which is on the cards will be very competitive against all sides in the competition,good luck to them.

Over the past couple of seasons i have watched plenty of footy around the districts and i rate carnham and skipton good sides who would match the likes of Nhill and maybe Horsham Saints,Warrack Eagles in the Wimmera League,all sides are alike they have 2 to 5 top players who demand the coin then there list just falls away.:cool:

[Don't Argue]

Not taking nothing away from carnham and skipton who have been the yard sticks of the comp since 2000 and thouroughly deserve that title,however i have watched the past 2 gf and the standard has been ordinary,The eagles are a mile off the pace but with some good recruiting which is on the cards will be very competitive against all sides in the competition,good luck to them.

Over the past couple of seasons i have watched plenty of footy around the districts and i rate carnham and skipton good sides who would match the likes of Nhill and maybe Horsham Saints,Warrack Eagles in the Wimmera League,all sides are alike they have 2 to 5 top players who demand the coin then there list just falls away.:cool:

It is very hard to judge a league by it's Grand final.

Although, like any district league, some excellent recruiting can get you to the finals. Natte of 2005 was tipped to finish last by most clubs. They brought in around 5 or 6 new guys and came 3rd.

[Mobbenfuhrer]

Their 2's actually were runners up in 2005 which I thought was a positive sign for the club. They definetly went backwards last year as the 2's were poor and the seniors results speak for themselves.


Ahh its a better sign if they're at least fielding sides again! I can't remember when I dropped in, I was on my way to Inglewood's 125th (at Inglewood v BLS), can't remember when that was.

[Snail]

Heard My A Little Whisper That Craig Berger The Melton Gun Trained At C/linton During The Week At Pre Season Is Good Mates With The Coach There And If Signs Will Be Bringing Mark Cullen With Him Is There Any Truth Behind This?????
Hows things travelling ova natte way, i'm told numbers are good and the boys will be as fit as ever. jimmy mac in for another big year? hope so as it would be good to see the boys do well

[Don't Argue]

Hows things travelling ova natte way, i'm told numbers are good and the boys will be as fit as ever. jimmy mac in for another big year? hope so as it would be good to see the boys do well

Here is a report out of Natte.

- Numbers are good by Natte standards
- The work rate is high and everybody is happy with that.
- A number of District League and Bendigo League players have opted to train with the club and hopefully sign.
- There are a few signed already. No names until clearances open though.
- Tuesday night sessions are being held in Ballarat in conjunction with the Talbot football club so that we could get decent numbers.
- Luke Berlund is the only player to part ways with the club. He will be tough to replace but a number of onballers are training with the club.

That's about all I have to say about that.

[Snail]

Here is a report out of Natte.

- Numbers are good by Natte standards
- The work rate is high and everybody is happy with that.
- A number of District League and Bendigo League players have opted to train with the club and hopefully sign.
- There are a few signed already. No names until clearances open though.
- Tuesday night sessions are being held in Ballarat in conjunction with the Talbot football club so that we could get decent numbers.
- Luke Berlund is the only player to part ways with the club. He will be tough to replace but a number of onballers are training with the club.

That's about all I have to say about that.
Berlands brothers still playing? good idea training with talbot for numbers etc. hats off to whoever came up with that. who will be the movers & shakers in the lpfl this yr player wise?

[Don't Argue]

Berlands brothers still playing? good idea training with talbot for numbers etc. hats off to whoever came up with that. who will be the movers & shakers in the lpfl this yr player wise?

I'll take the kudos as that was my idea. I noticed in the MCDFL thread they said that they were having a running session in Ballarat. Our Ballarat players generally only get to 1 session a week in the Preseason, so this gives them a couple. So we pitched it to them and they thought it sounded like a goer.

Leigh and Brendon have been training so I'd assume they are.

Movers and shakers?

I can't really comment on Natte as it might be biased but we are putting in the work.

* Carngham: Carngham has wanted to win the flag every year since the LPFL started so I can't see them taking it easy this year.

* Skipton: They would be pretty devastated about losing last year and I have heard they have recruited well.

* Rokewood: They must be wondering what could have been after losing to Carngham by a point. I'm sure Blackford and Wilson are going to try to work them towards a flag.

* Lexton: Who knows? I'd say they'll be there abouts again. I don't know enough about their recruits to comment. Matt Brown is leaving from all local reports.

* Illabrook: They are on the up. Lamb has changed them dramatically over the past two years and they were playing decent footy towards the end of last year. I can see them only going up. Not sure how far though.

* Navarre: Like Natte. Not based around Ballarat which makes training numbers and recruiting a hard task. The talk is they are trying for Bill Driscoll which would be a massive coup for the club.

* Ararat: I thought they were on the up with the 2's making the GF in 2005. A good coach, good recruits and their massive ground could make them a hard team to beat. I'd say it won't be this season though.

[The sloth]

D.A. you may be the man to ask.
Have the blokes at the mighty swans named an award in honour of Butch Jardine?? Great man that spent most of his time involved with the club be it with football or cricket. True champion.

[Don't Argue]

D.A. you may be the man to ask.
Have the blokes at the mighty swans named an award in honour of Butch Jardine?? Great man that spent most of his time involved with the club be it with football or cricket. True champion.

The Clubperson of the year (entire club) is now named after him which seems to be very fitting.

[The sloth]

The Clubperson of the year (entire club) is now named after him which seems to be very fitting.

Good stuff thanks D.A. Who was last years winner?? Hows the ground looking at the moment?? i know its bad every where but are you getting any water on it all?? eg bore water or river water.

[Don't Argue]

Good stuff thanks D.A. Who was last years winner?? Hows the ground looking at the moment?? i know its bad every where but are you getting any water on it all?? eg bore water or river water.

Strop & Debbie Weir won it in a tied performance.

The ground is looking okay. It basically has got this way every year so I'm not too concerned. Not sure what they are using to water it.

[natterock]

Lets Go Natte We Are A Huge Chance 2 Finish Top 2 This Year We Owe A Huhge Revenge To C/linton Who Doubted Us All Year And We Beat Them In The First Final This Year We Can Go Won Better Jump Aboard The Express Train This Year We Are Stoping For No One!!!

[Don't Argue]

Lets Go Natte We Are A Huge Chance 2 Finish Top 2 This Year We Owe A Huhge Revenge To C/linton Who Doubted Us All Year And We Beat Them In The First Final This Year We Can Go Won Better Jump Aboard The Express Train This Year We Are Stoping For No One!!!

I don't think you're from Natte.

[Velvetsledgehammer]

Lets Go Natte We Are A Huge Chance 2 Finish Top 2 This Year We Owe A Huhge Revenge To C/linton Who Doubted Us All Year And We Beat Them In The First Final This Year We Can Go Won Better Jump Aboard The Express Train This Year We Are Stoping For No One!!!


Natterock - You might want to turn the capslock button off and whack the spellcheck on big fella.

Agree that it would be good to see Natte or Lexton knock off the Carnham's and Skipton's for a change.