VFL 2026

[Yoda_]

Not Bachar Houli
Eddie Betts Academy

yep, apologies, got my academies mixed up

 

[Walshawk]

It won't be in January. Most likely February 20ish if we're lucky. AFL clubs decide when their seconds side will play. They try to align it to when they play. It is total bull***t. Being a member of 2 standalone clubs it's frustrating. Richmond and Box Hill need to find a home ground this year so itll take longer depending on the local councils.

I was under the impression that Box Hill would be playing at Dingley this year. As for Richmond, I've heard rumours they want to use Kinetic Stadium.

Why can't Box Hill play at Glenferrie?

Box Hill will play at City Oval. The old pavilion with the away rooms has been demolished, but they are spitting the home rooms in the new (circa 2005) building in half. The toilets are still there but they will have to set up some temporary food and beverage areas.
View attachment 2510735


This will be ready mid 2027.
View attachment 2510734

 

[Walshawk]

Box Hill City Oval - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[The_General#1]

Yes extended it in 2021 for 5 years, ending this year. I honestly can't see them going their seperate ways.

Hawthorn never had game change rooms at Waverley. From I understand was a major factor with them having to align with a VFL club. Time will tell but I suspect they will part ways at the end of 2026. Maybe the redevelopment at BH will become the new home of the EFNL.

 

[Flyingleslieskite]

Hawthorn never had game change rooms at Waverley. From I understand was a major factor with them having to align with a VFL club. Time will tell but I suspect they will part ways at the end of 2026. Maybe the redevelopment at BH will become the new home of the EFNL.

Nothing to do with not having change rooms at waverley.
Hawthorn and Box Hill aligned in 2000 because hawthorn needed to have their reserves play somewhere, while box hill werent sure if they could stand alone.
Both clubs shared the same colours and their supporters were based in the same area so it was perfect.

 

[Bunk Moreland]

I'd say a fair bit will be mandated by how Hawthorn are required to use the new facility. Some of the funding for it came from all three levels of government so there are requirements there. It needs to be open to community groups for a certain amount of time each week for example. I'm sure the hosting of AFLW, VFL and VFLW would've been discussed. There is allowance for fans (I think there's a small grandstand) so you would think there'll be games there.

Hawthorn have complete control of the Box Hill football program so it wouldn't be a huge leap for them to go alone at some stage and be based at Dingley.

 

[Yoda_]

I'd say a fair bit will be mandated by how Hawthorn are required to use the new facility. Some of the funding for it came from all three levels of government so there are requirements there. It needs to be open to community groups for a certain amount of time each week for example. I'm sure the hosting of AFLW, VFL and VFLW would've been discussed. There is allowance for fans (I think there's a small grandstand) so you would think there'll be games there.

Hawthorn have complete control of the Box Hill football program so it wouldn't be a huge leap for them to go alone at some stage and be based at Dingley.

Pretty sure Dingley was built to host AFLW games in mind, media centre, grandstands etc.

 

[hansie]

never coached at Highett, Vermont perhaps?

Cross talk!

Bunk was talking about ex Port legend George Allen who did win flags coaching Highett - Harmit Singh did NOT coach Highett (but did coach Vermont among others)

 

[Yoda_]

Cross talk!

Bunk was talking about ex Port legend George Allen who did win flags coaching Highett - Harmit Singh did NOT coach Highett (but did coach Vermont among others)

apologies Bunk Moreland for the mix up

 

[SeaSide]

Anyone got any signing rumours or news? Been remarkably quiet lately

Probably because of Christmas, New Year, and families on holiday.

 

[Flyingleslieskite]

Probably because of Christmas, New Year, and families on holiday.

Yeah but we are halfway through January, christmas was nearly a month ago

 

[bedford]

Good luck to the Borough with the new GM

 

[Flyingleslieskite]

Good luck to the Borough with the new GM

Not a fan?

 

[bedford]

Not a fan?

Doesn't stay too long at any appointment

 

[MegaA]

Doesn't stay too long at any appointment

I don't think Port had had a GM stay for longer than 2 years since the departure of Barry. 5th in 8 years ?

 

[bedford]

I don't think Port had had a GM stay for longer than 2 years since the departure of Barry. 5th in 8 years ?

I hird the one that departed was asked to take a big pay cut , so the new one who knows.
Spoke to Barry before Xmas and he hasn't been too well , but he said he's still standing , an absolute legend

 

[SeaSide]

Yeah but we are halfway through January, christmas was nearly a month ago

New Year's and holidays weren't.

 

[AussieNick1999]

Don't clubs generally close their offices for a period over Christmas? Between that and pre-season only starting up in the past week or so, things are probably not moving that quickly.

 

[Flyingleslieskite]

Don't clubs generally close their offices for a period over Christmas? Between that and pre-season only starting up in the past week or so, things are probably not moving that quickly.

Yes but theres always other things going on in the background

 

[Flyingleslieskite]

Looks like Box Hill will be playing some games at Dingley in 2026

 

[bedford]

Looks like Box Hill will be playing some games at Dingley in 2026

Always were

 

[AussieNick1999]

Looks like Box Hill will be playing some games at Dingley in 2026

I thought this was going to be the norm for this year. Given they're aligned with Hawthorn it'd make sense to use their facility as their main ground until BHCO is rebuilt.

 

[MegaA]

I hird the one that departed was asked to take a big pay cut , so the new one who knows.
Spoke to Barry before Xmas and he hasn't been too well , but he said he's still standing , an absolute legend

Yes hard to disagree with that character assessment, knew the club inside out and once he got to know you made you feel very welcome. I'm saddened to hear he isn't doing well. Hope he is on the mend and hopefully some day pops in for a visit.

I also heard those whisperings regarding the salary and not surprised looking at last year's financial statement. Needs to turn... can't cop successive financial losses. Do we find out the details of the Rex deal ? I thought it was stated that all would be revealed 2 weeks after the agm ?

 

[Flyingleslieskite]

I don't think Port had had a GM stay for longer than 2 years since the departure of Barry. 5th in 8 years ?

Paul Malcolm had 4 years through the COVID period

 

[Walshawk]

Hawthorn never had game change rooms at Waverley. From I understand was a major factor with them having to align with a VFL club. Time will tell but I suspect they will part ways at the end of 2026. Maybe the redevelopment at BH will become the new home of the EFNL.

Absolutely zero chance that it will end any time soon.