IS loyalty dying at local football level? I ask this because of a few events I have heard about in recent weeks. One involves a playing group getting the coach the sack because they did not like his style. Another involves a player who agreed to play for one club, who got him employment, then reneged when offered more money by a rival club. I believe he kept the job. Player power to this degree is not healthy for the game, when they can dictate terms, walk out on contracts and control the big picture at a club, it is akin to the lunatics running the asylum. Clubs that allow this to happen are going to pay the price in the future.
THE Bulldogs made the news last week after making a few changes to the structure of its cheer squad. While I understand the emotive reaction from the long-standing members of the cheer squad the club has every right to take control of how the cheer squad is run. The cheer squad belongs to the club not any individuals. Gary, Lorraine and David have done a great job over a long period of time but it is not their cheer squad. They have not been sacked from the club. I no longer host the president’s lunch nor the best-and-fairest, which I did for over a decade. Look at the history of current president of the club Peter Gordon, he is a great example of putting his love for the club above anything else. It might be a cliche, but the club is bigger than any individual.
I HAVE to say I was surprised to hear Ryan Griffen named as Bulldogs captain last week. I did a function with him on Monday night and he gave no indication what was about to be announced the next day. ‘Griffo’ is an interesting choice because to be honest, I don’t see him as a natural leader, but obviously Brendan McCartney sees something else. There is no doubt he leads by example on the field as he is one of the elite players of the game. In retrospect I didn’t think Matty Boyd was a natural leader either and I was wrong there, hope I am again. One thing Ryan does have is a very balanced outlook on life and a realistic view where football sits in the order of importance. He loves nothing more than getting away from the city and going fishing.
GREAT to see two terrific football people appointed to representative coaching roles last week. Former Bulldogs champion Brian Royal will coach the AFL Vic Metro team to play the Peter knights coached Vic Country next year. The Metro side will be chosen after the Vic Metro league play off at Visy Park on 29 March. The WRFL team in that series will be coached by Brett Jacobs from the Sunshine Kangaroos who was named WRFL Coach of the Year. Brian and Brett are perfect choices for what they bring in football knowledge and the way they go about imparting that knowledge.
THE Rotary Club of Altona City has their 12th annual golf day coming up on Friday 28 February, at Kooringal Golf Club. The day is very popular so it is advisable to get in early if you want to play or sponsor the day which raises funds for Very Special Kids and other Rotary projects. For more details contact Charlie Montebello on 0412 257 723 or email charles.montebello@bigpond.com. The Rotary Clob of Werribee is also holding a charity golf day on the same date at Werribee Park and you can get all the information from Graham Roper ropergh@optusnet.com.au or 0403 437 349
IF you have any news or events please let me know on email kevin@howdypartnersmedia.com.au and you can follow me on Twitter @KevinHillier and check out the website howdypartnersmedia.com.au
