Williamstown unveiled its plans for the future as a stand alone VFL club last Friday at its ‘Dawn of a New Era’ luncheon. The club will enter its 150th year with a new set of guidelines but its objectives remain the same – to win premierships. Clubs talk about proud histories and tradition and for many it is not really true. Williamstown is different. They have been around forever and when you think about the players, officials and people who have shaped the club, it is something special. They will be playing finals this year and it will be interesting to see how the final days of the alignment with the Bulldogs works out.
Bulldogs CEO Simon Garlick told supporters in the Victory Room last Sunday a decision on the name of the VFL side will be announced soon. Will it be Footscray or the Western Bulldogs? A show of hands on Sunday voted overwhelmingly for Footscray. Garlick also said games would be played at the Whitten Oval. No doubt there is a bit of infrastructure to be done to make that happen with things like coaches boxes and umpire rooms needed. It will certainly be like the old days with local players lining up in the red white and blue. I wonder who will be the coach?
David Mitchell’s time as senior coach of Hoppers Crossing will end in two weeks after President Shane Buckingham told players and officials last week that the club will be advertising the position for 2014. It has been a very disappointing season for the Warriors who played in a preliminary final last year and this year will miss the five. The recruitment of Brodie Moles and James Mulligan was seen as the perfect top-up to a talented list but it was not to be. It will be interesting to see whether the club chases a “name” coach or looks internally. In other local footy news Spotswood is holding a fundraiser for club stalwart Lindsay Howarth who is facing some serious health issues. Lindsay is a life member of Spotswood and played over 400 games with the club. The event will be at McLean Reserve on Sunday 18 August from 12 noon. Contact Annette McLaren on 0419 734 812 for more details.
This Sunday the Werribee Sprint race returns to Avalon Airport Oval at half time in the Tigers Port Melbourne game. The three Hargreaves brothers from Werribee will be running. Matt is the current Athlete of the Year and his brothers Chris and Shaun will be keen to keep the cup and prize money in local hands. Sunday will be a big day with a huge contingent of past players and officials in attendance for their annual get together. Werribee sit in 6th spot on the ladder but have several teams breathing down their back after a spot in the eight and the dangerous Collingwood and Northern Blues left to play.
The Wyndham Vale Women’s and Youth Girls teams will play in preliminary finals this weekend. The Womens team defeated Melton Centrals last Sunday. Their season has been impressive and I wish the ladies the best for the rest of the finals. If you have any news or events please let me know on the e-mail kevin@howdypartnersmedia.com.au and you can follow me on twitter @KevinHillier and check out the website howdypartnersmedia.com.au
