June 2007 WFC Editorial - 2Nd Tier Review Response Williamstown Football Club
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June 2007 WFC Editorial - 2nd Tier Review Response Williamstown Football Club P.O Box 307 Over recent weeks a number of articles have appeared in the print media and discussion has raged on Williamstown 3016 talkback radio in relation to the state of football in Victoria, the lack of success of Victorian based AFL Clubs and the status of second tier football throughout Australia and in particular the VFL competition. Ph: (03) 9390-0611 Fax: (03) 9390-0644 E: [email protected] Speculation indicates that a number of Melbourne based AFL clubs may choose to field their own team in the VFL instead of remaining in an aligned arrangement. Such talk has resulted in many queries being directed at the club as to the status of our alignment with Collingwood and also the status of the VFL competition. To keep members, sponsors and supporters updated on these issues the Board of Directors believe that it is important to outline the current AFL Second Tier Review, WFC Discussions with Collingwood and feedback from AFL Victoria. To paint a clear picture of all the facts it is important to know the following information: • Williamstown and Collingwood is in its seventh year of an alignment which expires at the completion of the 2008 season. 3 3 • The AFL have set up a Review Committee which is currently looking at all the second tier competitions throughout Australia e.g. VFL, SANFL, WAFL etc. This committee has met with all AFL clubs, managers of all TAC Cup clubs and is in the process of meeting all VFL clubs. Williamstown Directors Trevor Monti, Barry Round, Andrew Howlett and myself met this committee on Tuesday 15th May. • President Trevor Monti and myself have met with Collingwood’s Acting CEO Eugene Arocca and Chief of Football Geoff Walsh to discuss this AFL Review and to obtain their thoughts on this process and their club’s preferred plans for the future. In our discussion with Collingwood it has been made clear that they are happy with the current arrangement but as with all AFL clubs, some members of the Football Department believe that from a development point of view it would be advantageous to have total control over their players by having their own “Reserves” side. The current scenario allows all AFL clubs to field their own “Reserves” side in the VFL but only Geelong has opted to retain their own side. Collingwood fielded its own side in 2000 but opted to seek an alignment with Williamstown at the end of the 2000 season because of the extra cost, staffing, personnel and top up players which was required. From a VFL clubs perspective, all VFL clubs are unanimous with AFL Victoria in vehemently opposing any move for AFL clubs re-inventing an AFL Reserves competition which would reduce the VFL to a third tier competition with no AFL players participating. Such a move would dismantle our current competition and would be an unmitigated disaster. The Williamstown Football Club believes that the lack of success of Victorian based AFL clubs and the on and off field strength of interstate AFL Clubs is the catalyst for this review. At the moment each AFL club in an alignment makes a significant financial saving which assists their financial bottom line. Speculation is that assistance could be forthcoming from the AFL as a result of recommendations from the Review Committee which will make it more affordable for AFL clubs to field their own side in the VFL. Many issues have to be addressed if it is feasible for more AFL clubs to use the “Geelong model” and field their own 49 1954 49 19551956 1958 1959 1969 1976 1986 1990 200 side in the VFL. Such issues include: • List sides of AFL clubs (currently 44) • Access to top up players from the TAC Cup and local leagues • Availability of venues to play games • Inability to play curtain raisers at MCG and Telstra Dome • Hassle of AFL clubs duplicating staff for reserves games • Costs In our open and frank discussions with Collingwood we have agreed to maintain dialogue with each other but Collingwood has assured us that they have made no decision to change the current arrangement. They are awaiting the outcome of this Review Committee and any resultant recommendations which may arise. The Williamstown Football Club Board believes that the best option for our club is to remain in an aligned agreement with Collingwood but if that was not to continue, we would consider our options in order to remain a viable club in any revamped second tier competition. WILLIAMSTOWN FOOTBALL CLUB The Williamstown Football Club believe that it has demonstrated over the last 8 years with firstly the Western Bulldogs in 2000 and Collingwood since 2001 that it can work in a harmonious manner with an AFL partner and deliver positive outcomes in development of young players, establishing a winning environment and on williamstown.footballvic.com.au williamstown.footballvic.com.au field success. Williamstown will keep Members, Sponsors and supporters informed as events develop over the next few months. Brendan Curry Williamstown Football Club The Word From Williamstown—JUNE 2007 Williamstown—JUNE From Word The General Manager ESTABLISHED1864 PREMIERS 1907 1921 193919 1945 Head to Head with Captain Brett Johnson The Word from Williamstown sat down with Williamstown captain Brett Johnson leading up to our Round 8 game against Box Hill. Brett answers a range of questions and demonstrates to all Seagull supporters his passion and determination in bringing ultimate success to Williamstown. Q Congratulations on the role you played in the VFL’s huge win over Western Australia last week. How was the experience and was it strange wearing the “Big V” as you are a born and bred West Australian and captained WA at Under 18 level? It was very strange wearing the ‘Big V’ growing up and playing for WA. We looked upon the Vics as the enemy and arrogant mainly because they were always the ‘ones’ to beat. It was a great experience to wear the ‘Big V’ and to represent the VFL after playing VFL footy for 7+ years it was an honour to play with some of the best players in the comp. Q How have you seen Williamstown’s on field results in the first third of the season? I am reasonably happy to be sitting 4th at the moment. I believe we are better placed then we were this time last year. I still think we have a bit of ground to make up on the likes of Sandy & Geelong, however we have a much younger list and hopefully this will translate into improved performances both in our Reserves and Seniors teams as the year goes on. Q In your second season at Williamstown, how have you enjoyed the opportunity to captain the club and the influence you now exert over a young VFL player group and with the Collingwood players selected at VFL level? Its an enormous honour to captain the Williamstown Football Club and it has been a great experience so far. The leadership Group is very close and enjoy each others company and really enjoy watching all of our younger team mates develop both as footballers and people. It’s been great to see some of the Seapies get their opportunity at AFL level and showcase their talent. Q Former Williamstown Premiership Full Forward Greg Boxall has had an influence over your career. How important has Greg been and how many times have you been forced to watch the 1976 Williamstown / Mordialloc Grand Final? Greg has been a loyal friend and given me enormous support throughout my football career. I first met Greg 7 1/2 years ago when I arrived at Hawthorn and he hasn’t managed to lead me astray as yet. I haven’t seen the Grand Final yet, however I’ve heard about it as many times as I've heard him belt out an Elvis Presley number! Q You are studying to become a Physiotherapist – how important has it been to maintain your studies and plan for life after football when you were a full time AFL footballer with Hawthorn and Carlton? It was very important to me because I knew footy wouldn't last forever. I’ve almost finished the course and I’m looking forward to starting work. It’s an area I’ve always been interested in and I’ve been fortunate to have dealt with some great physios throughout my footy career. Q After losing in the Preliminary Final to Geelong last year, how driven are you to be part of a premiership side with the Seagulls? I was shattered losing the Prelim last year, it has made me even more determined to go one better this year. I am excited about our prospects this year. I believe we are ‘up to’ something special and capable of taking the next step. Q Do you harbour any ambitious to return to Western Australia or is Melbourne now your permanent home for football and career opportunities? Melbourne is definitely my home for football. I have lived in Melbourne my whole ‘adult life’ and my girlfriend Hayley is a Melbournian. But, who knows I would like to get back maybe one day. Q How do you view our alignment with Collingwood as you have played with Box Hill and the Northern Bullants as an AFL listed player and now at Williamstown as a VFL listed player? It has been different for me, because I was usually coming back from the AFL with Box Hill and Northern Bullants.