View Full Version : Essendon considers dumping Bendigo
Ludwig van Bertstare
4 Jun 2009, 00:35
ESSENDON appears likely to ditch its VFL partner, the Bendigo Bombers, and enter a stand-alone team in the competition next season.
The Dons, whose affiliation with Bendigo expires at the end of the season, are expected to join Geelong and Collingwood as stand-alone VFL clubs. It is a decision that would put Bendigo at risk of folding in the VFL due to its shallow talent pool.
"We've been looking at different models and stand-alone is one of them," Essendon football manager Paul Hamilton said.
"Our first aim is to review what our options are and we're in discussions with our Bendigo group, that's where we're at at the moment."
It is understood Essendon is frustrated at seeing its fringe senior players, most recently Scott Lucas, Brent Prismall, Andrew Welsh and Darcy Daniher, compete in a team that is being beaten by large margins.
http://www.theage.com.au/news/rfnews/essendon-considers-dumping-bendigo/2009/06/03/1243708507024.html
Wow, that's big news. Wait until tomorrow; people will be all over this.
stay true
4 Jun 2009, 01:00
Interesting but not too surprising that the partnership is being reviewed. For me personally I'd be more interested in a stand alone side that plays at Windy Hill. That's based purely on the fact that I can't justify driving to Bendigo to watch us get smashed, but a 5 minute drive to Windy Hill to watch us get smashed isn't so bad lol.
Talent pool wouldn't be a problem for us with plenty of decent kids coming out of the EDFL etc.
I dunno enough about the VFL to provide anything insightful, but I'd like to see what Ant or any others in the know think.
Wow, that's big news. Wait until tomorrow; people will be all over this.
Why would people wait until friday to discuss this?
Ludwig van Bertstare
4 Jun 2009, 01:12
Why would people wait until friday to discuss this?
I assume he's referring to people waking up in the morning.
SirJimi05
4 Jun 2009, 01:22
Why would people wait until friday to discuss this?
I hope you are being sarcastic. :p
I assume he's referring to people waking up in the morning.
Yes, I was just having fun with the technicality that he posted it on thursday so "tomorrow" was incorrect.
I hope you are being sarcastic. :p
You've found me out, damn it.
Although technically I was being facetious, not sarcastic.
keepzitreal
4 Jun 2009, 01:49
Awesome news... stand alone is definitely the way to go...
Ludwig van Bertstare
4 Jun 2009, 01:53
Yes, I was just having fun with the technicality that he posted it on thursday so "tomorrow" was incorrect.
I apologize I'm tired and have worked my brain into oblivion.
No need to apologise. Most ordinary people aren't at their sharpest at 1:00 in the morning. ;)
Especially when they have worked their brain into oblivion, which sounds uncomfortable to say the least.
No need to apologise. Most ordinary people aren't at their sharpest at 1:00 in the morning. ;)
Especially when they have worked their brain into oblivion, which sounds uncomfortable to say the least.Which explains my 'tomorrow' brain lapse. Bugger me, 2am. Time for this zombie to get some sleep.
BringBackCransberg
4 Jun 2009, 02:33
There's always been something heartless about the partnership. I've got origins in Bendigo and I'm a lifelong, diehard EFC supporter -- the alliance has always made me:
1. Slightly disappointed with Essendon (lots of little things, and the genuine 'Let's use Bendigo' attitude)
2. Kinda feeling ashamed of Bendigo, for not supporting the team as well as it could, or providing players that could give the team a shot at success.
It all leaves me sad. It's either got to end, or be fixed. Obviously I'd prefer it to be fixed. Most of that responsibility lies with Essendon I think, as Bendigo (the city) are going to find it hard to support a club (Bendigo Bombers) that has a whole cold feeling about it, and most of that feeling is due to the EFC's unashamedly use-focused approach to the team. But maybe it just can't be fixed because of the modern day AFL and the position of Bendigo.
Carn the Diggers. There was a team with heart (if barely a win to its name).
Interesting but not too surprising that the partnership is being reviewed. For me personally I'd be more interested in a stand alone side that plays at Windy Hill. That's based purely on the fact that I can't justify driving to Bendigo to watch us get smashed, but a 5 minute drive to Windy Hill to watch us get smashed isn't so bad lol.
Talent pool wouldn't be a problem for us with plenty of decent kids coming out of the EDFL etc.
I dunno enough about the VFL to provide anything insightful, but I'd like to see what Ant or any others in the know think.
There is no guarantee that the VFL will give Essendon a licence.
Whome pasted a small part of the article and the complete article,mentions the possibility of liasing with Frankston.
The travel time from Essendon to Bendigo or Frankston is not much different, although you assume that there will be a greater pool of players to draw from the peninsula.
Dont assume that young players from the EDFL would necessarily play for Essendon Reserves - As many younger players prefer to play 'for money', rather than impressing in the VFL.
Finally, Is EFC prepared to spend extra money to fund a stand alone team - With no guarantee that onfield results will improve.
bOmBeR_BoY1
4 Jun 2009, 07:47
That is some of the best news to come out of EFC all year.
The alliance has turned stale, the results are a joke and we can't afford to have players on our list consistently being in teams that are losing by 15-20 goals every week. A stand-alone Essendon VFL team, playing home games at Windy Hill, will be a much more competitive unit and have a greater talent pool to gather players from.
OzBomber
4 Jun 2009, 08:11
I bet you it will be another 'Hutchy Exclusive' tonight on the footy show.
But that's great news.
strategy
4 Jun 2009, 08:37
cost a lot of $$$$$ plus the structure of running the team , trainers , medics , etc etc .
Is it wise in this economic climate ?
Do or will the Bombers have a stand alone team plus reserves for the team ,strong enough to be competitive ?
Wahooti Fandango
4 Jun 2009, 09:14
BB are shit. Would be a good move.
table tennis
4 Jun 2009, 09:18
cost a lot of $$$$$ plus the structure of running the team , trainers , medics , etc etc .
Is it wise in this economic climate ?
Do or will the Bombers have a stand alone team plus reserves for the team ,strong enough to be competitive ?
Im sure they wouldnt do it if they couldnt afford it.
Bendigo getting flogged everyweek cant be a good thing. especially travelling all that way to get a hiding.
However, the players who get into the senior side, will give everything to ensure they dont get dropped and end up back there, so it could have a negative/positive response.
The ability to attract players to Windy Hill will be a lot stronger, with better players, a stronger base would be laid.
With Western Jets, Calder Cannons & northern knights in the not too distant radius, there are some good chance we could pinch a few good non draftees etc.
Obviously a stand alone works well for Geelong. Its too early to judge Collingwood.
IN terms of getting a license, If Bendigo fold, We Will get their license.
Longy413
4 Jun 2009, 09:35
cost a lot of $$$$$ plus the structure of running the team , trainers , medics , etc etc .
Is it wise in this economic climate ?
Do or will the Bombers have a stand alone team plus reserves for the team ,strong enough to be competitive ?
Bendigo as a club, have next to no money.
EFC have pumped dollars in to upgrade facilities, equipment etc.
Most of the medics and the like are EFC staff, most of the salary cap and recruitment is covered by EFC.
The only real greater expense we would have in going stand alone is the increase in the license fee. But given our sponsorship team would have a stronger brand to sell, this would be offset somewhat.
Bendigo never should have happened, and it should not have been extended as long as it has.
We are affecting the development of our young players and our players coming back from injury are also suffering.
I suspect the VFL might try and push us to staying, but Bendigo Bombers isn't working for EFC and it never really has.
Giggidy Giggidy
4 Jun 2009, 10:31
Other point not mentioned so far is the condition of Windy Hill surface vs QBE.
QBE surface was deemed unsatisfactory for Monday's VFL match. Doesn't provide me with much confidence in the safety of our players, particularly Prizz & co. returning from knee injuries.
I bet you it will be another 'Hutchy Exclusive' tonight on the footy show.Oh yeah, no doubt.
We should be playing all home games at Windy Hill! Bendigo means nothing to me and I'm sure it means nothing to the vast majority of Essendon supporters.
If we have even a slim chance to bail then we should take it!
There is one issue for everyone to remember here.
AFLV is on record several times this year and last year as saying they are not interested in any more stand alone sides in the VFL
Until you here anything different coming out of AFLV then there will be no stand alone side.
If anyone had been following the recent issues with AFLV they would have know that a vote to give the AFL more voting power on the AFLV board was defeated and one of the reasons was they did not want the AFL to have the power to turn the VFL into an AFL seconds comp.
As recently as three weeks ago there was a comment in the VFL/TAC Cup record about not having any interest in givning any more stand alone licenes.
They where pushing ahead to improve the current VFL clubs with better alignments with the TAC Cup sides.
The story is pretty much made up of some Essendon comments to test the waters and some speculative assumptions to finish the story.
Wasn't the issue with Bendigo the fact that all their good players played in the local league instead of with BB?
Anyway this is great news I believe, we were considering doing this a couple of years ago, so i'm really happy it's finally happened. Hopefully this will be the end to our 100+ weekly smashings.
bacon buster
4 Jun 2009, 14:03
well if we don't get a stand alone side, why don't we just train and play all of our homes games at windy hill then, and still retain the 'bendigo bombers' name? :rolleyes:
Lance Uppercut
4 Jun 2009, 15:41
please god make it happen
There is one issue for everyone to remember here.
AFLV is on record several times this year and last year as saying they are not interested in any more stand alone sides in the VFL
Until you here anything different coming out of AFLV then there will be no stand alone side.
If anyone had been following the recent issues with AFLV they would have know that a vote to give the AFL more voting power on the AFLV board was defeated and one of the reasons was they did not want the AFL to have the power to turn the VFL into an AFL seconds comp.
As recently as three weeks ago there was a comment in the VFL/TAC Cup record about not having any interest in givning any more stand alone licenes.
They where pushing ahead to improve the current VFL clubs with better alignments with the TAC Cup sides.
The story is pretty much made up of some Essendon comments to test the waters and some speculative assumptions to finish the story.
**** the VFL.
Bring back the reserves and the afl can fund any extra costs, god knows they can afford it.
In its current guise the VFL is a ****ing joke anyway, the AFL clubs have development as their first and sometimes only priority. While the VFL half just want to and need to win and be successful. Cut the VFL loose i say, if it dies then bad luck i couldnt care less. When country footy and metro footy is more appealing than the so called second best comp in the state then that says it all really.
table tennis
4 Jun 2009, 16:09
There is one issue for everyone to remember here.
AFLV is on record several times this year and last year as saying they are not interested in any more stand alone sides in the VFL
Until you here anything different coming out of AFLV then there will be no stand alone side.
If anyone had been following the recent issues with AFLV they would have know that a vote to give the AFL more voting power on the AFLV board was defeated and one of the reasons was they did not want the AFL to have the power to turn the VFL into an AFL seconds comp.
As recently as three weeks ago there was a comment in the VFL/TAC Cup record about not having any interest in givning any more stand alone licenes.
They where pushing ahead to improve the current VFL clubs with better alignments with the TAC Cup sides.
The story is pretty much made up of some Essendon comments to test the waters and some speculative assumptions to finish the story.
Maybe the AFL will hold the VFL to ransom like it has done for the past 10 years.
The VFL used to be a big thing. now its a mere proving ground for AFL clubs in terms of stand alone reserve sides. There is no money in it as there are no crowds. there are no crowds as there are no locals in the sides.
The AFL should go back to a format similar to what it used to have. The game surely has developed far enough at the top end to have this as a second nationwide competition.
I.e 17/18 (when G.C & W.S are involved) Sides complete with Reserves, play each other in sequence to the Senior levels. Obviously this would cost money. But if the AFL has money to spend in the Hundereds of Millions of dollars to fund these two new teams, than surely a truly professional set up is not out of the question.
You cant have the elite going between semi-professional to Full on professional all the time.
If the TAC CUP can have sides flying from interstate week to week, then surely we set up those clubs who have been making the leauge $$$$.
Obviously this would mean something like the rookie list to be extended, and clubs would have fairly large squads. If the AFL brokers Better stadium deals and relaxed the salary cap to suit, then all clubs could afford.
The VFL may do one of the following 2.
1. Fall apart
2. have the best locals playing there, and steadily regain the crowds of the previous decades and start to flourish again.
Thoughts????
numchuks
4 Jun 2009, 16:19
Gold Coast will play in the VFL next year, which will open a spot for you guys to enter a team and even up the comp.
Agree with those talking about bringing back the AFL reserves. Bring the reserves back as an Eastern Seaboard comp, and have the VFL revert back to the VFA and restore some pride to the league.
CrowdedHouse
4 Jun 2009, 16:36
As I posted on the BB Forum...
An Essendon alignment with Coburg CAN and SHOULD happen.
Remember Williamstown broke their alignment with Collingwood to hop back into bed with the Bulldogs again - with the Doggies leaving Werribee at the Altar.
The reason I believe we have a chance of aligning with Coburg is that Richmond is/has built a new facility at Craigieburn and have expressed interest in playing VFL games there.
It's know that the very small hardcore of Coburg supporters don't want to move from Coburg City Oval as it would no doubt be the death of the Coburg name.
So I suggest the Essendon board approaches Coburg and talks about an alignment from season 2010.
The advantages are...
Coburg has the Calder Cannons as their TAC Cup Club. That means both clubs and The Calder players are from the LOCAL area - giving Essendon alignment a real LOCAL feel.
Kids that grow up in the local area could litteraly come thru a system that from Under 18's to VFL to AFL keeps them in the local area.
Better Media Coverage - The Local Newspapers could give a Double Page spread on all 3 clubs - since we'd all be connected.
Essendon dollars to upgrade Coburg City Oval - We know the Moreland City Council won't spend any money, but the EFC could and help turn the ground into an asset for the local community - in conjuction with the EDFL both Windy Hill and Coburg could be used for local footy finals.
The Coburg alignment is the BEST for us - and the EFC need to get into talks NOW with Coburg to make it happen.
Peter.
SirJimi05
4 Jun 2009, 16:58
Jackson disappointed with Bendigo report
http://www.essendonfc.com.au/images/spacer.gif Thursday, 4 June 2009
for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1
Essendon managing director Peter Jackson said today he was disappointed with media reports that suggested the Club was set to drop its alignment with the Bendigo Bombers and field a stand-alone side in the VFL competition. Jackson said the Club was meeting with Bendigo to assess the current model.
http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news.asp?nid=6702
Darealrath
4 Jun 2009, 18:54
If we can't get a stand alone team please at least align with a Melbourne VFL club. What we have now is rubbish.
It is best to ask HFF whether a partnership with FFC would work ?
I believe that he has some links with the club !
Bombertastic
4 Jun 2009, 19:06
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
I guess it had to happen but it sucks for me. I live 5 mins from the QEO.
stay true
4 Jun 2009, 19:07
There is no guarantee that the VFL will give Essendon a licence.
Whome pasted a small part of the article and the complete article,mentions the possibility of liasing with Frankston.
The travel time from Essendon to Bendigo or Frankston is not much different, although you assume that there will be a greater pool of players to draw from the peninsula.
Dont assume that young players from the EDFL would necessarily play for Essendon Reserves - As many younger players prefer to play 'for money', rather than impressing in the VFL.
Finally, Is EFC prepared to spend extra money to fund a stand alone team - With no guarantee that onfield results will improve.
Yeah I read the full article and have to agree if we couldn't get a license that Frankston would be better alternative than Bendigo. I was just giving my personal preference.:)
As far as the kids from EDLF go, if they were serious about trying to break into the AFL, then surely playing VFL is a better option than playing in the EDFL. Ofcourse it all comes down to if they want it or not.
Also, just as table tennis mentioned, they guys from Calder, Western Jets and Northern Knights who were overlooked in the draft can use it as a 2nd chance to prove themselves worthy of making an AFL list.
The Dustbin
4 Jun 2009, 21:17
Please God let this happen.
From Adrian Hickmott... "I keep saying to these blokes, it's like going to Western Australia."
Enough said. Even Hickey has had enough. :)
**** the VFL.
Bring back the reserves and the afl can fund any extra costs, god knows they can afford it.
In its current guise the VFL is a ****ing joke anyway, the AFL clubs have development as their first and sometimes only priority. While the VFL half just want to and need to win and be successful. Cut the VFL loose i say, if it dies then bad luck i couldnt care less. When country footy and metro footy is more appealing than the so called second best comp in the state then that says it all really.
I agree but it is not going to happen. The AFL have said within the last two weeks that they are not going to be pushing for or funding an AFL reserves comp or even a East Coast reserves comp. The only thing they are looking at is maybe working with the Canberra comp when West Sydney come in.
Personally i would prefer an East coast ressies comp and have the former VFL sides form a premier league ( or the VFA) with 5 or 6 of the best sunburban sides.
Maybe the AFL will hold the VFL to ransom like it has done for the past 10 years.
The VFL used to be a big thing. now its a mere proving ground for AFL clubs in terms of stand alone reserve sides. There is no money in it as there are no crowds. there are no crowds as there are no locals in the sides.
The AFL should go back to a format similar to what it used to have. The game surely has developed far enough at the top end to have this as a second nationwide competition.
I.e 17/18 (when G.C & W.S are involved) Sides complete with Reserves, play each other in sequence to the Senior levels. Obviously this would cost money. But if the AFL has money to spend in the Hundereds of Millions of dollars to fund these two new teams, than surely a truly professional set up is not out of the question.
You cant have the elite going between semi-professional to Full on professional all the time.
If the TAC CUP can have sides flying from interstate week to week, then surely we set up those clubs who have been making the leauge $$$$.
Obviously this would mean something like the rookie list to be extended, and clubs would have fairly large squads. If the AFL brokers Better stadium deals and relaxed the salary cap to suit, then all clubs could afford.
The VFL may do one of the following 2.
1. Fall apart
2. have the best locals playing there, and steadily regain the crowds of the previous decades and start to flourish again.
Thoughts????
Nice try but you must have missed the recent vote.
The AFL wanted more voting power and control ( practicly all control ) on the AFLV board. They threatend to cut funding to AFLV if the board did not vote in its favour.
The board of the AFLV did not back down and the motion was defeated. The AFL have since backed away from VFL issues saying the funding levels will remain the same and that they are happy with the current VFL set up.
You cant have the elite going between semi-professional to Full on professional all the time.
As far as that option goes i have said above and previously that i would prefer an East Coast reserves comp.
There is no way that you can align the TAC Cup sides with this as WA and SA clubs source kids from TAC Cup in the draft as well but in saying that the TAC Cup comp could stay the same anyway.
The VFL should get its original clubs together and reform the VFA and look to invite 5 or 6 strong suburban clubs to join to make up a 12 team Premier league type comp under the VFA banner. They could still get the ABC to cover a sunday arvo game and it would be going back to their roots a bit with a real competetion.
Yeah I read the full article and have to agree if we couldn't get a license that Frankston would be better alternative than Bendigo. I was just giving my personal preference.:)
As far as the kids from EDLF go, if they were serious about trying to break into the AFL, then surely playing VFL is a better option than playing in the EDFL. Ofcourse it all comes down to if they want it or not.
Also, just as table tennis mentioned, they guys from Calder, Western Jets and Northern Knights who were overlooked in the draft can use it as a 2nd chance to prove themselves worthy of making an AFL list.
Ask Gary Ayres coach of Port Melbourne about young players wanting to prove it at VFL Level in the hope of being drafted into the AFL.
They dont attract the best talent because of $$$$$$$$
And I suggest that Port melbourne FC is a professionally run organisation.
I am interested in why the SA and WA teams dont appear to have the problems with their state Leagues - As we do in Victoria ?
stay true
5 Jun 2009, 02:30
Ask Gary Ayres coach of Port Melbourne about young players wanting to prove it at VFL Level in the hope of being drafted into the AFL.
They dont attract the best talent because of $$$$$$$$
And I suggest that Port melbourne FC is a professionally run organisation.
Yeah I totally understand and agree. :thumbsu:
I'm not expecting the very best of the undrafted to automatically want to play VFL and pass up better paying offers in local leagues. It's a comparison to the talent pool that's available to Bendigo for whatever reasons (travel distance etc).:)
lemon chicken
5 Jun 2009, 02:56
I am interested in why the SA and WA teams dont appear to have the problems with their state Leagues - As we do in Victoria ?
Better structure and distubution of playing talent. Lets not forget there is only 2 AFL clubs in each of those states and players from each club are drafted to their respective state league clubs as well as having much stronger links to the junior development side of things. Its taken till this year for VFL clubs to have the permission to select kids from the neighbouring U/18 sides to play and even still there is multiple rules to abide by.
Yeah I read the full article and have to agree if we couldn't get a license that Frankston would be better alternative than Bendigo. I was just giving my personal preference.:)
As far as the kids from EDLF go, if they were serious about trying to break into the AFL, then surely playing VFL is a better option than playing in the EDFL. Ofcourse it all comes down to if they want it or not.
Also, just as table tennis mentioned, they guys from Calder, Western Jets and Northern Knights who were overlooked in the draft can use it as a 2nd chance to prove themselves worthy of making an AFL list.
Why would kids from Calder, Jets and Knights want to drive to Frankston to train and play every week when they could go to Werribee or the Bullants? A Frankston alignment would be no better than the one we already have and Frankston would only be doing it for financial support rather than looking after Essendon's best interests.
stay true
5 Jun 2009, 03:00
I should have been more clear, but that was my reasons supporting a stand alone reserves team.
Longy413
5 Jun 2009, 08:40
There is one issue for everyone to remember here.
It shouldn't stop us dumping Bendigo though.
Bendigo isn't working and it never will. Stand alone or another alignment then we make it happen.
The story is pretty much made up of some Essendon comments to test the waters and some speculative assumptions to finish the story.
I don't think it is an assumption. The club is reviewing all three options.
table tennis
5 Jun 2009, 08:43
Ask Gary Ayres coach of Port Melbourne about young players wanting to prove it at VFL Level in the hope of being drafted into the AFL.
They dont attract the best talent because of $$$$$$$$
And I suggest that Port melbourne FC is a professionally run organisation.
There is a lot of money floating under tables at Port Melbourne. Blind Freddy can see that.
bacon buster
5 Jun 2009, 08:50
Jackson disappointed with Bendigo report
http://www.essendonfc.com.au/images/spacer.gif Thursday, 4 June 2009
for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1
Essendon managing director Peter Jackson said today he was disappointed with media reports that suggested the Club was set to drop its alignment with the Bendigo Bombers and field a stand-alone side in the VFL competition. Jackson said the Club was meeting with Bendigo to assess the current model.
http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news.asp?nid=6702
'disappointed with reports' is very different to 'categorically denied reports'
stand alone is the only way to go. i would love to see the return of a proper reserves comp. reserves played as the occasional curtain raiser would be awesome too.
It shouldn't stop us dumping Bendigo though.
Bendigo isn't working and it never will. Stand alone or another alignment then we make it happen.
I don't think it is an assumption. The club is reviewing all three options.
It was an article made up of assumptions and quotes taken out of context. You know a bit about what is going on at the club. Find out their opinion on the journo who wrote the piece and find how how the club feels about him taking snipets of what was said in interviews and using them totaly context.
The quotes from Hickmott where totaly wrong and only small parts of what he said where used.
The review is not big news. Both Bendigo and Essendon do a review around the half way mark of the season every year.
As much as i would like a stand alone side it won't be an option until you here otherwise from AFLV. That leaves Bendigo or Frankston unless there is a change in aligment with other clubs which at this stage looks unlikely.
I am not too sure about the Frankston option simply becasue there are a few involved at the club that like to have control of all issues including coaching appointments and which side the players line up in.
'disappointed with reports' is very different to 'categorically denied reports'
stand alone is the only way to go. i would love to see the return of a proper reserves comp. reserves played as the occasional curtain raiser would be awesome too.
Trust me the club is very angry with the story. A lot of the quotes from Hickmott and Hamilton where only small parts of a conversation and used totaly out of context.
From what i here this bloke has totaly burnt his bridge to the Essednon FC.
As far what you want why is it people wont listen.
Until you here from AFVL stand alone is not an option. Given AFLV have said as recently as 3 weeks ago they are not going down that road again it is safe to say at this stage stand alone is not an option unless there is a big change of thinking at AFLV.
The curtain raisers will never happen. MCG and the Dome dont want them.
Longy413
5 Jun 2009, 09:02
Ant, the only thing I would question is whether they're upset at the way to article is written or the fact that it got out in the first place.
I think the review is big news, because this is the first time it's actually not being conducted for the sake of a review and a move is seriously being considered and is at the forefront of thinking.
There has to be a better option.
bacon buster
5 Jun 2009, 10:13
Trust me the club is very angry with the story. A lot of the quotes from Hickmott and Hamilton where only small parts of a conversation and used totaly out of context.
From what i here this bloke has totaly burnt his bridge to the Essednon FC.
As far what you want why is it people wont listen.
Until you here from AFVL stand alone is not an option. Given AFLV have said as recently as 3 weeks ago they are not going down that road again it is safe to say at this stage stand alone is not an option unless there is a big change of thinking at AFLV.
The curtain raisers will never happen. MCG and the Dome dont want them.
i'm hearing what you're saying, i'm saying that ideally, we should be pushing for stand alone. we should be fighting for it.
curtain raisers are pipe dreams though, i know.
table tennis
5 Jun 2009, 10:31
i'm hearing what you're saying, i'm saying that ideally, we should be pushing for stand alone. we should be fighting for it.
curtain raisers are pipe dreams though, i know.
Curtain raisers are out of the question, your right.
My biggest fear with an improving side, that the day we do go deep into the finals, and bendigo cannot put up a whimper, we will have players playing AFL finals with no match fitness for blokes that are out of the selected 22.
So if injury was to happen, we would have to pick players that haven't played for a week or so.
Ant, the only thing I would question is whether they're upset at the way to article is written or the fact that it got out in the first place.
I think the review is big news, because this is the first time it's actually not being conducted for the sake of a review and a move is seriously being considered and is at the forefront of thinking.
There has to be a better option.
The review they did before the last contract signing had a similar sound to it. There was a look at other options then and a bit of news about it.
Even after last years review there was a bit of noise about the standard needing to be lifted which lead to the cleanout of the list and the new football setup with the regional coaches in Maryborough, Sheparton and Melbourne.
I know that the club is not impressed that a lot of stuff was used out of context. Like it or not Bendigo is still one of the options and they do not want to burn that bridge just yet.
Of course there could be a better option but things look limited at the moment as there is not a lot of room to manoeuvre. The club would love to get a stand alone licence at this stage but currently there are a number of things that need to happen to get that off the ground.
I think the Bendigo model can work but it would take more funding to get it going and the Bendigo end is limited as far as finding a lot of funding.
I guess they have to weigh up how much value for money and how much extra cost will be involved with making the Bendigo part work.
i'm hearing what you're saying, i'm saying that ideally, we should be pushing for stand alone. we should be fighting for it.
curtain raisers are pipe dreams though, i know.
They will enquire about a stand alone licence. They did last time the contracts where up as well.
Like i have said i am all for it but i am not going to get over excited about it becasue AFLV have the say in that one and they will do what they think is best for Victorian football and not what is in the best interests of the Essendon FC. The licence is very much out of our hands. We can only apply for one. Thats as far as we can go with it.
One thing i do notice and this is a broad issue for all suporters and that is i see people saying they would support a stand alone side and get to games at WH. My question is why havn't people bothered to go and see the Bendigo games in Melbourne ? I know it is Bendigo by name but most weeks they do/did wear an Essendon jumper and most of the venues are easy to get to.
I also want to add this for all to read and that is if we had a stand alone side this year and had the same injuries to the Essendon AFL listed players and the equivelant injuries ot Essendon VFL players that Bendigo have had ( Bendigo has been without 4 or 5 of the better recruits for most of the year) the Essendon stand alone side would be struggling to win games or be within 10 goals of the stronger VFL sides anyway.
There is no magic wand that says the stand alone side would be stronger if they had injuries.
As someone else mentioned being worried about going deep into the finals and having to pick players who are not match fit i would have to say that a stand alone side is not certain to be playing finals. Geelongs did when they had a lot of depth and a number of players who had been on their senior list for 5 or 6 years (players like Playfair, Charlie Gardiner etc) but it fell away quickly once those blokes where moved off the list. Collingwood has not looked close to being a finals side either.
While it would prove to be better than Bendigo this year i would not be expecting a finals side from an Essendon stand alone side. Not when the focus is on player development.
Curtain raisers are out of the question, your right.
My biggest fear with an improving side, that the day we do go deep into the finals, and bendigo cannot put up a whimper, we will have players playing AFL finals with no match fitness for blokes that are out of the selected 22.
So if injury was to happen, we would have to pick players that haven't played for a week or so.
There is no way that a stand alone side would be certain of going deap into the finals. Geelong have on a couple of occaisions but they have spent just as much time in the bottom half. They are 2/5 this year.
Collingwood has not really looked like being a genuine finals side either. They are 4/3 this year and looking at the bottom end of the 8.
If you look at 2008 Bendigo where 5/15 , Geelong 7/15 and Collingwood 7/13 so there was not a lot of difference there.
Unless you build a really strong list , remain injury free and have 6 or so really good quality VFL players the stand alone side is not going to be a strong finals sides.
The fact that when Essendon have had a better run injury wise , Bendigo have performed ok (2005 and 2007 playing finals). You will find that will be the case with a stand alone side.
bombers_4_ever
6 Jun 2009, 21:56
The BB don't train together as they live in different parts of Northern Victoria. So it can be a bit hard to get a bunch of blokes to play together.