All Divisions General NFNL Discussion Thread

[Clarky98]

Has the new Umpiring Manager been appointed?

Yep and he hasn't got an ounce of umpiring experience or knowledge. No idea how he is expected to appoint umpires and manage the umpiring group knowing nothing about umpiring. Have already heard quite a few of the top umpires will be leaving at seasons end.

 

[Denny Crane]

Yep and he hasn't got an ounce of umpiring experience or knowledge. No idea how he is expected to appoint umpires and manage the umpiring group knowing nothing about umpiring. Have already heard quite a few of the top umpires will be leaving at seasons end.

So, jobs for the boys, especially the NFNL looking after Cramer St like they have for many years.

I cannot wait until the ground at Watsonia is built and it becomes the new NFNL finals home (this will happen) and the leeches at Cramer St realise they have taken advantage of the NFNL for too long.

 

[Mappa]

Eltham and Banyule both have two U19s sides. Kudos to them for having the numbers to do so.

On a weekend when Div3 is the standalone division though, why wouldn’t the league fixture those two clubs against each other?
That way if they want to drop their Div1 players back, then it’s fair game. Kilmore has been the best team in Div3 so far this year yet gets beaten by 10 goals against Eltham. Last time around, the Blues won by 100 points. OPs get done by a Banyule side that had players who hadn’t played a single game in Div3 this season.
I guess it’s always been the way, but this seems like a pretty easy way to keep things on an even keel.

 

[Frank Green]

Eltham and Banyule both have two U19s sides. Kudos to them for having the numbers to do so.

On a weekend when Div3 is the standalone division though, why wouldn’t the league fixture those two clubs against each other?
That way if they want to drop their Div1 players back, then it’s fair game. Kilmore has been the best team in Div3 so far this year yet gets beaten by 10 goals against Eltham. Last time around, the Blues won by 100 points. OPs get done by a Banyule side that had players who hadn’t played a single game in Div3 this season.
I guess it’s always been the way, but this seems like a pretty easy way to keep things on an even keel.

Pretty pathetic by Eltham & Banyule in my book if they have stacked the sides

 

[oldtimer]

Eltham and Banyule both have two U19s sides. Kudos to them for having the numbers to do so.

On a weekend when Div3 is the standalone division though, why wouldn’t the league fixture those two clubs against each other?
That way if they want to drop their Div1 players back, then it’s fair game. Kilmore has been the best team in Div3 so far this year yet gets beaten by 10 goals against Eltham. Last time around, the Blues won by 100 points. OPs get done by a Banyule side that had players who hadn’t played a single game in Div3 this season.
I guess it’s always been the way, but this seems like a pretty easy way to keep things on an even

Who won between OP and Banyule last time??

Eltham have obviously gone beyond the parameters if they have won after losing by 100 last time

Banyule had 2 out of 24 that hadn’t played Div 3

 

[baggersforflaggers]

Kilmore only had 18 players today? Maybe had some injuries? Kids from assumption went home for long weekend? How many players dropped down?

 

[10571z]

Eltham and Banyule both have two U19s sides. Kudos to them for having the numbers to do so.

On a weekend when Div3 is the standalone division though, why wouldn’t the league fixture those two clubs against each other?
That way if they want to drop their Div1 players back, then it’s fair game. Kilmore has been the best team in Div3 so far this year yet gets beaten by 10 goals against Eltham. Last time around, the Blues won by 100 points. OPs get done by a Banyule side that had players who hadn’t played a single game in Div3 this season.
I guess it’s always been the way, but this seems like a pretty easy way to keep things on an even keel.

3 sides have a bye next weekend and they made all but 1 play kings birthday…

Don’t try and make sense of their moronic fixtures

 

[Mappa]

Pretty pathetic by Eltham & Banyule in my book if they have stacked the sides

I’m not suggesting that they necessarily stacked the sides. It was more a post to suggest that there is an easy fix if they felt that way inclined.

 

[10571z]

I’m not suggesting that they necessarily stacked the sides. It was more a post to suggest that there is an easy fix if they felt that way inclined.

I still can’t believe they collected $30 odd every single registered player in the NFNL.

 

[Post op]

Yep and he hasn't got an ounce of umpiring experience or knowledge. No idea how he is expected to appoint umpires and manage the umpiring group knowing nothing about umpiring. Have already heard quite a few of the top umpires will be leaving at seasons end.

The job wasn’t advertised and the appointment was made within 24 hours of the resignation lm hearing. Unbelievable!!

 

[Clarky98]

The job wasn’t advertised and the appointment was made within 24 hours of the resignation lm hearing. Unbelievable!!

That has suspicious written all over it. Heard he came down to training the week of his appointment and didn't introduce himself to any of the coaches. NUA apparently seething at the appointment

 

[NFNL Member]

Yep and he hasn't got an ounce of umpiring experience or knowledge. No idea how he is expected to appoint umpires and manage the umpiring group knowing nothing about umpiring. Have already heard quite a few of the top umpires will be leaving at seasons end.

hopefully that includes Peanut Pekin and Boots the cheating dogs.

 

[Clarky98]

hopefully that includes Peanut Pekin and Boots the cheating dogs.

Boots was the one who engaged with a spectator at Whittlesea a few weeks back. The least suprising thing you'll hear for some time.

 

[NFNL Member]

Boots was the one who engaged with a spectator at Whittlesea a few weeks back. The least suprising thing you'll hear for some time.

he is a complete flog who i think most people would love to bump into when hes out of his big boy bully yellow shirt.

 

[just ask!!!]

he is a complete flog who i think most people would love to bump into when hes out of his big boy bully yellow shirt.

He still have the personalised Number plates ? HAHA

 

[Denny Crane]

Final's locations has raised its head. I read the release online and immediately saw so many negative comments about the Div 1 decision move to Epping. I cannot see the NFNL changing Div 2 and 3 from Whittlesea and Lalor, they seem happy there.

Personally, Epping is better than PCO. This is just a personal opinion. I know some liked PCO or would prefer Diamo or Eltham be locations.

For mine the Epping v PCO argument is the easiest one.

Players - Better warm up area (whole oval). At the moment I think surface is better. Regarding wind, its Spring, we get wind on most grounds. Wind has been an issue near every year. Yes, it does get windy at Coventry and Panther Place. The actual game is the most important part of the finals, not viewing or transport or canteens, it's the game, players should have optimal access to prepare and play and I feel Epping wins this argument.

Travel - Heaps more parking, lack of trains is issue for some.

A proactive League would already be engaging with say Dysons and get busses at a sponsors cost and transport people to and from rooms of teams playing, this would work 2-fold, gets more people there and means more will pay admittance, eat more have a few extra beers as they are not driving..... I know some clubs would consider this, but the League should investigate how this can support Clubs.

Viewing - Old days they had the temp grandstands; cannot see why they would not do that again. From the pavilion around to northern goals is a large 'hill'. As long as they don't do what they have done in the past (put a bar on top taking vital viewing from spectators, maybe move bar down the back of the hill ya peanuts) But for mine its decent viewing from there. Basically, all around is not bad, still think grandstands would be helpful on far side. If we get rain we are getting wet, but really how many could sit in PCO grandstand, and should that be the seller to stay?

Never going to make everyone happy and I have no doubt there is financial issues with PCO and current state of Bullant's, maybe they were asking too much, we know they made money of this agreement and were never told how much but this could also be a brutal blow to the Bullant's bottom line (which is not a NFNL issue at all)

 

[the little kahuna]

Final's locations has raised its head. I read the release online and immediately saw so many negative comments about the Div 1 decision move to Epping. I cannot see the NFNL changing Div 2 and 3 from Whittlesea and Lalor, they seem happy there.

Personally, Epping is better than PCO. This is just a personal opinion. I know some liked PCO or would prefer Diamo or Eltham be locations.

For mine the Epping v PCO argument is the easiest one.

Players - Better warm up area (whole oval). At the moment I think surface is better. Regarding wind, its Spring, we get wind on most grounds. Wind has been an issue near every year. Yes, it does get windy at Coventry and Panther Place. The actual game is the most important part of the finals, not viewing or transport or canteens, it's the game, players should have optimal access to prepare and play and I feel Epping wins this argument.

Travel - Heaps more parking, lack of trains is issue for some.

A proactive League would already be engaging with say Dysons and get busses at a sponsors cost and transport people to and from rooms of teams playing, this would work 2-fold, gets more people there and means more will pay admittance, eat more have a few extra beers as they are not driving..... I know some clubs would consider this, but the League should investigate how this can support Clubs.

Viewing - Old days they had the temp grandstands; cannot see why they would not do that again. From the pavilion around to northern goals is a large 'hill'. As long as they don't do what they have done in the past (put a bar on top taking vital viewing from spectators, maybe move bar down the back of the hill ya peanuts) But for mine its decent viewing from there. Basically, all around is not bad, still think grandstands would be helpful on far side. If we get rain we are getting wet, but really how many could sit in PCO grandstand, and should that be the seller to stay?

Never going to make everyone happy and I have no doubt there is financial issues with PCO and current state of Bullant's, maybe they were asking too much, we know they made money of this agreement and were never told how much but this could also be a brutal blow to the Bullant's bottom line (which is not a NFNL issue at all)

Agree with the sentiment that Epping is better for the players in regard to warmups/preparation, which is pivotal. I just think Epping lacks atmosphere.

I enjoy the trip to Preston but perhaps that is just what I'm used to but see your point about the struggles of the Bullant's and how that would have impacted the decision.

In regard to D2 & D3, I can understand Lalor but can't for the life of me understand Whittlesea. Not in any way central, ground gets bogged, horribly lacks character - could think of a hand full of other venues that could hold a better finals series.

 

[tasmanlvr]

I think Epping provided a really good atmosphere until the car ban a few years back, then it became a lot more empty. Going to be very fascinated to see how it all plays out especially with the ongoing roadworks around High Street

Personally I think it's refreshing seeing it outside of Preston which is as much a wind vortex as anywhere

 

[NorthernBastard]

Epping is the ultimate wind vortex, but unfortunately all of Melbourne is generally battered by Northerly's in spring

 

[10571z]

Who knows what clubs even applied or wanted it.

Can’t imagine it’ll that interesting of a finals series with Bergs going to romp it home you’d imagine.

Besides an already established fence I can’t see any good reason to have it in Epping compared to many other grounds..

 

[Champ or Chump]

As you would expect some differing views on the 'change' for Div 1 finals venue this year.

I remember heading to Epping for finals years ago and it was great for all the reasons previously mentioned on here and other social media.

That said, I also understand the concerns some have expressed and hope things like reasonable car prices and portable stands for around the ground atmosphere is something that could still work well.

Prices remain the same and at around what other comps charge - although $8.50 a can of beer is a little OTT.

As for the wind - I've played finals in nearly all parts of the metropolitan region (due to VAFA allocations) and it's bloody windy everywhere that time of year - try Elsternwick Park or Craigieburn - it makes PCO seem like a gentle zephyr

It will be interesting to see where Div 2 and 3 end up - hopefully Eltham is one of them to see if it can work well as a finals venue? Lalor was good last year also for Div 3

 

[Denny Crane]

Todays HS Article:

Northern Football Netball League makes shock finals decision​

Where did negotiations between the Northern league and Northern Bullants break down? It’s seen the league end a near 20-year partnership and move its Division 1 finals to a new home.

A dispute over bar revenue prompted the Northern Football Netball League to pull out of a near 20-year partnership with VFL club Northern Bullants and take its finals elsewhere.

The Bullants had wanted a slice of bar and gate revenue from matches played at Preston City Oval but it is believed negotiations broke down around revenue sharing and the use of the club’s function room and bar.

Instead, the NFNL will play its top-flight Division 1 finals at Epping Reserve.

The league made the announcement on Wednesday night.

NFNL CEO Martin Stillman said while negotiations broke down he hoped the league could return to Preston in 2026.

“While both organisations entered negotiations in good faith and share a commitment to delivering a high-quality finals experience, the Northern Football Netball League and Northern Bullants were ultimately unable to reach an agreement on several key terms,” Stillman said.

“As a result the Northern Football Netball League proceeded with alternative arrangement for the 2025 finals series.

“The NFNL has the utmost confidence in the Epping Football Netball Club’s ability to host a Division 1 finals series, having a strong track record of successfully hosting during the Diamond Valley and Northern league era.

“The NFNL has worked in conjunction with the Northern Bullants for 20 years and unfortunately we weren’t able to come to an amicable arrangement to continue that for 2025.”

Division 2 and 3 and Women’s finals venues are yet to be confirmed after being played at Lalor and Epping last year, while Whittlesea has also been a regular host.

Cramer Street has been home to NFNL Division 1 finals and the Division 2 grand final since 2007, while Women’s deciders have been held there since the competition’s introduction in 2017.

The Bullants changed management mid-year with Neil Howard appointed club president.

Howard was disappointed with the NFNL’s negotiations, calling them “churlish and unprofessional”, and believed middle ground could have been found.

He said the league wanted control of all bar sales, gate takings and would give the Bullants the canteen, which he estimated at $35,000.

“Our want of taking 15 per cent of the gate and 15 per cent of the bar wasn’t going to meet with their (expectations), and that’s fair,” Howard said.

“We were expecting them to come back with a much lower percentage and we would move on from there but we were then given an offer, a monetary figure, which was insulting.

“We were prepared to grant them the function room for the grand final breakfast, until midday, and then operate the bar thereafter – but nowhere else, we wouldn’t sell alcohol anywhere else.

“That’s the disappointing thing, they didn’t come back and say ‘the board doesn’t like it, what about two or three per cent’ (of the gate and bar).”

The VFL club, which will revert to Preston Bullants in 2026, is struggling financially.

It is one of the main avenues for Northern league players to VFL and has helped the likes of Finnbar Maley (Eltham, North Melbourne) reach the AFL, while Saad El Hawli and Brandon Ryan have also been drafted out of the club.

The Bullants had 10 NFNL aligned players on their initial list this season, second most behind Coburg, and seven NFNL players featured in Saturday’s clash with Richmond.

In announcing the venue change, the league trumpeted its decision to freeze entry and beverage prices, while also offering free access to junior finals and grand finals and Women’s minor finals.

“These initiatives are part of the NFNL’s broader efforts to support clubs, players, and the local community insuring as many people as possible can share in the excitement and celebration of finals football 2025,” the statement said.

 

[10571z]

Wow. Sounds like Stillmans ego took over.

What a pathetic negotiation.

 

[just ask!!!]

Wow. Sounds like Stillmans ego took over.

What a pathetic negotiation.

His way or no way. Wonder if the Board had a say or just his decision?

 

[FootyNuff123]

The Bullants' dire financial position is common knowledge so Stillman had all the negotiating power and now the Bullants will get no revenue at all.