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Goulburn Valley FL 2026

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We came up with a structure for Central Victoria a few years ago on the Bendigo league page with the BFNL as Division 1 then the clubs from the other regional leagues forming Division 2 East and West and Division 3 East and West. I think there was even a single-team division for the strugglers that had issues fielding reserves or under 18 so they could regroup and work their way back up the system.

The biggest issue is buy-in from all leagues in a region, as most are suspicious of the motives of others (e.g. Heathcote with the CV hub due to the club transfers that did not proceed). The other major issue is where netball stands in it all (a football club at Division 2 or 3 could have a netball team that could be competitive in Div 1 and have no challenge playing in Div 2 or 3, causing players to move to a club with netball in a higher division).

Leagues like the North Central will not buy in due to them having hockey.

Leagues also have different age groups for juniors that could cause problems for clubs if they were forced to restructure juniors.

Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all scenario as leagues have different formats.
 
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We came up with a structure for Central Victoria a few years ago on the Bendigo league page with the BFNL as Division 1 then the clubs from the other regional leagues forming Division 2 East and West and Division 3 East and West. I think there was even a single-team division for the strugglers that had issues fielding reserves or under 18 so they could regroup and work their way back up the system.

The biggest issue is buy-in from all leagues in a region, as most are suspicious of the motives of others (e.g. Heathcote with the CV hub due to the club transfers that did not proceed). The other major issue is where netball stands in it all (a football club at Division 2 or 3 could have a netball team that could be competitive in Div 1 and have no challenge playing in Div 2 or 3, causing players to move to a club with netball in a higher division).

Leagues like the North Central will not buy in due to them having hockey.

Leagues also have different age groups for juniors that could cause problems for clubs if they were forced to restructure juniors.

Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all scenario as leagues have different formats.
junior sport needs to be about development understanding its community footy not winning at all cost which is a major issue.
Line coaches , stats and sophisticated game plans with a team that can’t perform basic kicking , marking or tacking skills is unfortunately a common occurance .
If everyone took an approach to do whatever is possible to have as many people as possible playing the game at the their highest possible level between the age of 22-29 alot of player shortage and player payment issues would be mitigated if not eradicated.
Instead we have clubs pursuing kids at as young as 12-13 with fake promises .
And then the player fallout and playing bidding begins.
I’m actually quite optimistic that community , minor level football will continue to have a place, that’s not to say it won’t have its challenges .
The future of major / premier leagues is intriguing IMO , there seems to be some intent by some to drive toward elitism with little concerns for the community aspect and assumption everything should be tailored toward premier league . Whilst there are also many within premier leagues who believe their club should be representative of their region and place community engagement as a high priority .
This alone is causing a major issue at premier league level across the state ATM , with spot fires developing everywhere .
AFL Vic’s statement acknowledging RAC’s were detrimental was viewed as an intent to listen and make decisions to increase participation .
Some pretty publicised decisions / statements since have been viewed to be in contrary .
AFLGM’s statements re RAC , Gisbourne , Kyneton’s girls and woman's , Barooga’s girls and woman’s .
 
junior sport needs to be about development understanding its community footy not winning at all cost which is a major issue.
Line coaches , stats and sophisticated game plans with a team that can’t perform basic kicking , marking or tacking skills is unfortunately a common occurance .
If everyone took an approach to do whatever is possible to have as many people as possible playing the game at the their highest possible level between the age of 22-29 alot of player shortage and player payment issues would be mitigated if not eradicated.
Instead we have clubs pursuing kids at as young as 12-13 with fake promises .
And then the player fallout and playing bidding begins.
I’m actually quite optimistic that community , minor level football will continue to have a place, that’s not to say it won’t have its challenges .
The future of major / premier leagues is intriguing IMO , there seems to be some intent by some to drive toward elitism with little concerns for the community aspect and assumption everything should be tailored toward premier league . Whilst there are also many within premier leagues who believe their club should be representative of their region and place community engagement as a high priority .
This alone is causing a major issue at premier league level across the state ATM , with spot fires developing everywhere .
AFL Vic’s statement acknowledging RAC’s were detrimental was viewed as an intent to listen and make decisions to increase participation .
Some pretty publicised decisions / statements since have been viewed to be in contrary .
AFLGM’s statements re RAC , Gisbourne , Kyneton’s girls and woman's , Barooga’s girls and woman’s .
One of the first things community level junior football clubs need to do is stop having multiple coaches and line coaches. It’s crazy. As you have stated just concentrate on fundamental skill development with basic team rules and game plan. The notion that kids are listening to line coaches in small groups at the breaks is preposterous and needs to stop.
 

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One of the first things community level junior football clubs need to do is stop having multiple coaches and line coaches. It’s crazy. As you have stated just concentrate on fundamental skill development with basic team rules and game plan. The notion that kids are listening to line coaches in small groups at the breaks is preposterous and needs to stop.
It should all be about skill acquistion. Junior coaches that have the kids running 400's etc are not helping.
 
just stirring he moved away for work up in Albury is moving back home will be better off for the experience playing in a rough Hume league was nicknamed meatball for a bit but will be a good pick up for the dogs
15 senior games for 1 best players for Tatura back in 2023. Only 5 games in total in 2024 and then played Hume league football this year. Doesn't seem anything special? However really think James Bennett is set to help the dogs survive in 2026.
 

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15 senior games for 1 best players for Tatura back in 2023. Only 5 games in total in 2024 and then played Hume league football this year. Doesn't seem anything special? However really think James Bennett is set to help the dogs survive in 2026.
They've done the right thing, they would be aiming for 5 wins this year, get some local experience behind some of their better thirds, then look for 8 wins in 2027. Then theyll have a nucleus of a good side to recruit
 
They've done the right thing, they would be aiming for 5 wins this year, get some local experience behind some of their better thirds, then look for 8 wins in 2027. Then theyll have a nucleus of a good side to recruit
They need good juniors coming through to have the nucleus of a good side in the future.. barnards 50k across multiple years could have been better spent and the locals will say the same thing
 
Great to see the sparks name at rochy again, shows why we need a father son rule in Country footy, should be a 1 pointer
Yeah was wondering when the Tigers were going to announce Tom Sparks. noosaboy might be able to fill us in. I think he had a serious knee in 2024 and worked his way back this year.
 

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Yeah was wondering when the Tigers were going to announce Tom Sparks. noosaboy might be able to fill us in. I think he had a serious knee in 2024 and worked his way back this year.
Yeah Tommy just a ripping fella! An ‘A grade’ human who will be a fantastic club person at Rochy. Came back from a knee reco earlier this year and was super consistent in the Reserves and got a couple of Senior games.Hasnt missed a pre season session and has always had the idea to play where his Dad was obviously a gun and local favourite.We wish him all the best, more a running back flanker or wingman with plenty of pace and quite creative👍
 

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Goulburn Valley FL 2026

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