Phil Cleary is Delusional

[1980GFVideo]

''I've met Damien Hardwick. I like him. But he's not Coburg,'' Cleary said. ''Coburg doesn't matter to him. The Coburg history that I am a part of doesn't matter to him.''

Loved the VFA even though I only caught the last decade of its heyday.

Phil Cleary seems desperate to make out that Coburg of old still exists. Now a club where its best players see it as a demotion or in the eyes of Raines, a club where players of his ilk rot. VFA (now VFL) was once an alternative to VFL (now AFL) that some footy nuts found a preferable one but seems that Phil is holding on to an identity that just doesnt exist anymore.

Coburg versus Port Melbourne rivalry games that were classics are now pissed off Richmond players playing pissed off North Melbourne players.

I would have thought that a Coburg die hard would only feel patronised with thier feeder status. Of course Hardwick is not going to be Coburg. Hope we get our own Ressies soon.

 

[Bazzar]

Cleary probably realises when our association with them ends, the chance they will fold is very high. Already the council want to redevelop the oval as a community based space that dose not focus solely on footy and cricket. And that would be the perfect opportunity for them to proceed. Coburg will no doubt continue its association with Craigieburn, but it would be the beginning of the end.

Benny strongly hinted Saturday night it was on the cards, and why not, 3 of the last 4 flags have come from teams with their own reserves side.

Bring it on Benny

 

[DoItForCaptBlood]

My one and only senior game of VFA I was told to tag him...skinny 18 year old me vs scary bearded solid him....didn't do too well!!

Thanks for dragging that name up for me

Sundays playing after Saturday partying was never a good idea...but yeah, good community footy it was!

 

[Goldust]

The Coburg situation is kinda like his political career. Back in the day, Coburg were a powerhouse in a relevant competition, or as 1980 aptly put, an ‘alterantive’ to VFL, but no longer.
His political career saw him shoot to prominence as a high-profile independent MP, succeeding Bob Hawke as the Member for Wills in 1992 before being voted out in ’96. He attempted to eneter State Parliament late last year but voters deemed him irrelevant and was soundly beaten in his bid to win the seat of Brunswick!!! He’s holding on to a past that is outdated!!

 

[Bazzar]

Phil kicks 7

[YOUTUBE]LeLlkGaHVn8&feature=related[/YOUTUBE]

 

[UpTheGuts]

Give him a break. He is lamenting the viability of the club that he loves.

Haven't heard him say anyone is to blame in particular, as he's just peeved that the way of the world means Coburg probably won't survive.

No crime in that, and not at all delusional.

 

[DoItForCaptBlood]

He destroyed my football career...time for some payback.

A ressies team for the Tigers...and Cleary's Coburg can merge with Coburg Districts Football Club and play in Pascoe Vale!

 

[Goldust]

Give him a break. He is lamenting the viability of the club that he loves.

Haven't heard him say anyone is to blame in particular, as he's just peeved that the way of the world means Coburg probably won't survive.

No crime in that, and not at all delusional.

No, not delusional, simply lamenting his club's future prospects.
But as Bazzar pointed out, Coburg as he knew it wouldn't be around were it not for the Richmond FC.
They would have gone the way of Yarraville, Oakleigh, Sunshine, Mordialloc, Caulfield and the rest!!!

 

[UpTheGuts]

No, not delusional, simply lamenting his club's future prospects.
But as Bazzar pointed out, Coburg as he knew it wouldn't be around were it not for the Richmond FC.
They would have gone the way of Yarraville, Oakleigh, Sunshine, Mordialloc, Caulfield and the rest!!!

Correct, but no probs him having his say. Vale Coburg and we should extend a bit of thanks, too...

 

[Bazzar]

They would have gone the way of Yarraville, Oakleigh, Sunshine, Mordialloc, Caulfield and the rest!!!

And Camberwell. Spent lots of time as a kid at my Uncles home in Rowell ave in Camberwell, and his back fence was also the footy grounds fence. On top of his back shed were chairs etc, and it was the best spot to watch the footy. Ahh good ol days.

 

[Bazzar]

The link to the story.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/tigers-to-endanger-coburgs-survival-20110213-1as0z.html

The only hope they have is for Balakis to demand Newett follows Dimmas team directions to the letter. He was quoted recently saying whilst following Richmonds guide lines, he will be putting his coaching stamp on the team. Thats not good enough, and no wonder Dimma and Benny are looking to alternatives

 

[1980GFVideo]

Give him a break. He is lamenting the viability of the club that he loves.

Haven't heard him say anyone is to blame in particular, as he's just peeved that the way of the world means Coburg probably won't survive.

No crime in that, and not at all delusional.

It more questioning as to whether he really believes that being called Coburg and wearing the Coburg colors is adequate for what he sees as the continuation of the club he was a very good presence for. I actually like him.

I really admired Coburg as a club when I was a kid and I barracked for Port Melbourne. It was Coburg players and not a feeder competition.

Some no bullshit players of the past would hate to watch McMahon and Raines running around feeling they are rotting in club colors that they thrived in.

Its more a case of do you want your club to continue in a form that is subservient to another club when in fact they were always a proud alternative to VFL football. VFA used have its own unique aroma.

 

[1980GFVideo]

My one and only senior game of VFA I was told to tag him...skinny 18 year old me vs scary bearded solid him....didn't do too well!!

Thanks for dragging that name up for me

Sundays playing after Saturday partying was never a good idea...but yeah, good community footy it was!

Who did you play for mate? What was it like being at a VFA club in those days other than liking to let the hair down the night before a game.

That would explain Camberwell scorelines I guess.

 

[DoItForCaptBlood]

Who did you play for mate? What was it like being at a VFA club in those days other than liking to let the hair down the night before a game.

Waverley Pathers!

Made it into 1st Div just as I was coming through U19's as I remember. Stephen James was a year or so behind me. The seniors were coached by Laurie Fowler... Ex Demons player. The seconds were always short so I would play U19's on Sat morning, then follow that up again Sun with the 2's. Waverley was never a strong team.

Used to love playing at Port, Sandi, Coburg and even Frankston, as there was always a crowd building even for the 2's. The people hurling abuse at me at the time I thought 'losers', but thinking back, VFA were the real football supporters. VFL was only on at 2.30 on Saturday afternoon, so all the people that 'love' their footy would have no choice but to head to their local VFA ground.

Club folded just as I was getting into it...thought about going to Preston with my mate, but yeah...got into the party life...(as you do!).

VFA was never like WAFL or SANFL though...if you were any good and had a go, you made it onto an VFL list from U19's. There weren't many top players playing VFA, but it was the Sunday comp, and had its role in Melb for many years..even one game live on TV. I can remember watching Geelong West all the time...with big Joe Radojevic dominating games.

Good memories....ahhh to be 18 again!~

 

[Bazzar]

.I really admired Coburg as a club when I was a kid and I barracked for Port Melbourne.

Would be a good thread, who you barracked for in the VFA, and was it influenced by a Richmond player. I went for Dandy, because my favourite as a kid was Paddy Guinane

 

[1980GFVideo]

Waverley Pathers!

Made it into 1st Div just as I was coming through U19's as I remember. Stephen James was a year or so behind me. The seniors were coached by Laurie Fowler... Ex Demons player. The seconds were always short so I would play U19's on Sat morning, then follow that up again Sun with the 2's. Waverley was never a strong team.

Used to love playing at Port, Sandi, Coburg and even Frankston, as there was always a crowd building even for the 2's. The people hurling abuse at me at the time I thought 'losers', but thinking back, VFA were the real football supporters. VFL was only on at 2.30 on Saturday afternoon, so all the people that 'love' their footy would have no choice but to head to their local VFA ground.

Club folded just as I was getting into it...thought about going to Preston with my mate, but yeah...got into the party life...(as you do!).

VFA was never like WAFL or SANFL though...if you were any good and had a go, you made it onto an VFL list from U19's. There weren't many top players playing VFA, but it was the Sunday comp, and had its role in Melb for many years..even one game live on TV. I can remember watching Geelong West all the time...with big Joe Radojevic dominating games.

Good memories....ahhh to be 18 again!~

Good stuff mate. I remember Joe Radojevic for Geelong West (Jan Smith is a name I remember also) and Stephen James. Yeah that takes me back to a bit earlier as I remember James only being two years older than me and wondering how the hell I would stand up in VFA in two years time. The answer was I wouldnt.

My Dad remembers the days when Box Hill were the redlegs and that ground on Cantebury road would be packed with real atmosphere.

 

[1980GFVideo]

Would be a good thread, who you barracked for in the VFA, and was it influenced by a Richmond player. I went for Dandy, because my favourite as a kid was Paddy Guinane

Dont remember that being an influence. Can only remember big Patty accompanying Tony Jewel in the coaches box. Looked a fit man at the time but obviously you have a few years on me.

Barracking for Port Melbourne was probably a bit based on Dane Swans dad and big Fred. Bit odd given they had more connections with Collingwood.

Big Rexs year at Sandringham was the only ex Richmond player I can remember playing in the VFA but I only knew him back then as the St Kilda player who was in the Footy Franks commercial and who looked 40 years old.

 

[smasha]

They wear the gay coloured sash and have a history with players such as blaggymouth Nicholls and Jezzawanko.

I want our own team playing from Punt Road in front of 20k rabid Richmond maniacs before the trudge to Richmond Paddock of the MIGHTY and ORIGINAL ARMY,THE TIGER ARMY!!!!!!!!!

Bring back the Tiger!