Adelaide Plains Football League

[Hazbeen]

Just having a look at the HWE site, what was Gilly thinking letting his hair grow this long? Looks evil.

Plays a mean banjo as well

[norm11]

Yeah i like my spot always use to love kicking a goal.

great - its a winning half forward line then - lots of goal potential - norm and DB will slot a few as well.

Love to slot a few through as i did spend most of my playing carreer in the back lines

[Wizard]

Well done to Opitz on the birth of the little one!!!!! I doubt if his kids will play at united considering they way they have treated him over the years!!! He played there for fourteen years, won numerous medals, coached for one year then gets shafted and no talk of life membership????United have to wake up and realise you can't treat stalwarts of the club like that!!!No wonder they can't keep quality players there!! and stop beeing bridemaids!!!

Wizard, you obviously have nothing to do with either the United FC or Trav Opitz (very interested to know what club you are involved with???). Easy to make assumption about what you think might be happening!! Trav never re-applied for the coaching position after his one year & from my last chat, has withdrawn from A-grade availability due to the birth of his new son & work commitments which make it hard for Trav put in the preparation that he requires off himself. Definate possibility that he will be playing B-grade for the remainder of the season. Agree that he his dissapointed with some of the less commited people in the club as we all are at times but Travs on field passion is rarely matched by other players (as much as we wish it was). Trust me, all players & supporters of United have enormous respect for Trav & what he has done over the years. He has made many lifelong freindships there. He loves the club & the club loves him. He will have clashes with some hierachy as we all do with some of the older generation there but at the end of the day everyone wants the best for the club. As for life membership, don't know what happens at whichever club you're involved with, but as good as Trav's playing record is (& we all acklnowledge it), there is more that can be done off the field before life membership is mentioned. It's early days & Trav will be involved with the club for years to come.

Moon Unit you have no idea!!! By marking the boundary lines, working the canteen or maning the gate doesn't mean you should not get life membership!!!What about the fourteen years of driving up there for training and games???Doesn't that account for anything??? The problem at United as a out sider looking in is They don't like change and don't want change.I agree that most adelaide blokes stay because of the great people there!!I've had many crazy nights there Myself!!! Great bunch of blokes!!! I think the way forward for united is that they are stuck in old times and have to realise they are in a modern world with new ideas... "out with the old, in with the new" Maybe Micheal Trussell should Put his hand up for President!!!What a President he would!!! Time for Change... The old guys running the show there have to realise when its time to hand the reigns over to someone else....

[uncle_fester]

Well done to Opitz on the birth of the little one!!!!! I doubt if his kids will play at united considering they way they have treated him over the years!!! He played there for fourteen years, won numerous medals, coached for one year then gets shafted and no talk of life membership????United have to wake up and realise you can't treat stalwarts of the club like that!!!No wonder they can't keep quality players there!! and stop beeing bridemaids!!!

Wizard, you obviously have nothing to do with either the United FC or Trav Opitz (very interested to know what club you are involved with???). Easy to make assumption about what you think might be happening!! Trav never re-applied for the coaching position after his one year & from my last chat, has withdrawn from A-grade availability due to the birth of his new son & work commitments which make it hard for Trav put in the preparation that he requires off himself. Definate possibility that he will be playing B-grade for the remainder of the season. Agree that he his dissapointed with some of the less commited people in the club as we all are at times but Travs on field passion is rarely matched by other players (as much as we wish it was). Trust me, all players & supporters of United have enormous respect for Trav & what he has done over the years. He has made many lifelong freindships there. He loves the club & the club loves him. He will have clashes with some hierachy as we all do with some of the older generation there but at the end of the day everyone wants the best for the club. As for life membership, don't know what happens at whichever club you're involved with, but as good as Trav's playing record is (& we all acklnowledge it), there is more that can be done off the field before life membership is mentioned. It's early days & Trav will be involved with the club for years to come.

Moon Unit you have no idea!!! By marking the boundary lines, working the canteen or maning the gate doesn't mean you should not get life membership!!!What about the fourteen years of driving up there for training and games???Doesn't that account for anything??? The problem at United as a out sider looking in is They don't like change and don't want change.I agree that most adelaide blokes stay because of the great people there!!I've had many crazy nights there Myself!!! Great bunch of blokes!!! I think the way forward for united is that they are stuck in old times and have to realise they are in a modern world with new ideas... "out with the old, in with the new" Maybe Micheal Trussell should Put his hand up for President!!!What a President he would!!! Time for Change... The old guys running the show there have to realise when its time to hand the reigns over to someone else....

interesting topic.
not sure about united. but i would think that at most country clubs it takes 25+ years of service to get considered.
in the afl they give them out easier as they dont have "club men" to give them to. (ie. team manager of 30 years.)

what does everyone else think it takes to get life membership???
(i think the problem in country footy is also that clubs dont distinguish between A & B grade. so there are many people who have easily clocked 200+ games.)

[Dogwatcher]

This is a press release re: The Mid Murray issue.
Robertstown are still looking at other possibilities though.
We'll hear more in the next few weeks, the APFL is one of them.

Mid Murray Footy vows to fight on in 2009

Mid Murray Football Association will not fold at the end of the season following a delegates meeting at Blanchetown last night.
A proposal to merge with the Mallee Football League that was floated at the Murray Mallee Summit at Karoonda last month was rejected by all clubs.
A proposed summit follow-up this Sunday at Swan Reach to further discussion about the two leagues amalgamating has been cancelled as a result of last night’s meeting.
Mid Murray president Peter Zadow said despite widespread speculation in recent weeks that the league was set to fold, there was enough support at the meeting last night to keep the league going and perhaps expand the league in the seasons ahead.
Blanchetown-Swan Reach, Sedan-Cambrai and Morgan all indicated that their members preferred to stay in Mid Murray, while Mr Zadow is hopeful that Robertstown will also stick with the league once they have fully considered all their options.
Ramco Football Club officially notified the Mid Murray last night that their members had voted to join the Riverland Football League’s Independent competition, citing a lack of player numbers as the main reason.
Mr Zadow said that he was determined to keep the league going. “It is the best option for our kids and clubs. In many ways a four team comp will be better than five and there are a few leagues, like Kangaroo Island and Broken Hill, where four team competitions are doing well,” he said.
“All our clubs have gone back to their members after last month’s summit and received instructions, and the overwhelming feedback at last night’s meeting was that Mid Murray remains and every effort should be made to attract more clubs to our league,” he said.
“Over the next couple of weeks we will be looking at framing up at least a four-team competition for 2009, but we would certainly welcome any other club interested in joining our league.
“We think our league has a lot to offer clubs who might be really struggling to compete in stronger nearby leagues.
“That’s the beauty of Mid Murray – it is real grassroots football, there’s netball and football and very few, if any, paid players.
“A club who might be getting flogged every week in their current league can come to our league and know they are going to be competitive by playing locals and not outlaying money for players. We think that will appeal to a few around the place.
“We are all about giving locals a game of football and netball and keeping families together.”
Mr Zadow said he would like to hear from any club interested in joining Mid Murray.
“We are not going to fold this year, we have a culture that is more sustainable than some may appreciate.
“We are disappointed that Ramco has opted to go as they are a founding club of this association, but we respect their right to do what they think is best for their club.”
Mr Zadow said club delegates last night indicated that they will almost certainly increase the age limit for their senior colts competition from under 16 to under 17 next year to retain numbers in junior grades. Morgan Football Club indicated that it intends to field both a under 13s and senior team next year.

[jumbo]

So have I read that right - Mid Murray consists of only 4 teams, Morgan, Blanchetown, Swan Reach and Robertstown only now that Ramco has gone back to Independent League. If so, I would think the league is pretty much stuffed.

Does Independent league have Netball as well? Surely a Mid-Murray - Independent League is the logical amalgamation! Amalgamation with Mallee must have been for discussion only - can't imagine Robertstown wanting to travel to Murrayville - take all day to get there.

[Mythical Creature]

So have I read that right - Mid Murray consists of only 4 teams, Morgan, Blanchetown, Swan Reach and Robertstown only now that Ramco has gone back to Independent League. If so, I would think the league is pretty much stuffed.

Does Independent league have Netball as well? Surely a Mid-Murray - Independent League is the logical amalgamation! Amalgamation with Mallee must have been for discussion only - can't imagine Robertstown wanting to travel to Murrayville - take all day to get there.

Mid-Murray has Morgan, Blanchetown/SwanReach, Sedan/Cambrai, Robertstown & Ramco. If Ramco go to Independants that leaves 4 teams. I beleive that Independant doesn't have any netball or Junior grades. I may be mistaken but I'm not even sure if they have a B Grade either!

[Dogwatcher]

Independents have no B grade but has a Colts grade (under 17) which features kids from five to 17. It sounds ludicrous but it works - for now.
The Independents also have A/B grade netball.

I get the feeling that the APFL officials will go to Robby and have a look and will say "thanks but no thanks".

[Baron Greenback]

So have I read that right - Mid Murray consists of only 4 teams, Morgan, Blanchetown, Swan Reach and Robertstown only now that Ramco has gone back to Independent League. If so, I would think the league is pretty much stuffed.

Does Independent league have Netball as well? Surely a Mid-Murray - Independent League is the logical amalgamation! Amalgamation with Mallee must have been for discussion only - can't imagine Robertstown wanting to travel to Murrayville - take all day to get there.

Personally I'd rather they didn't amalgamate.
I live in Paringa which is at one end of the Independent league and a long trip to either Swan Reach or Robertstown does not interest me.

[Moon Unit]

Moon Unit you have no idea!!! By marking the boundary lines, working the canteen or maning the gate doesn't mean you should not get life membership!!!What about the fourteen years of driving up there for training and games???Doesn't that account for anything??? The problem at United as a out sider looking in is They don't like change and don't want change.I agree that most adelaide blokes stay because of the great people there!!I've had many crazy nights there Myself!!! Great bunch of blokes!!! I think the way forward for united is that they are stuck in old times and have to realise they are in a modern world with new ideas... "out with the old, in with the new" Maybe Micheal Trussell should Put his hand up for President!!!What a President he would!!! Time for Change... The old guys running the show there have to realise when its time to hand the reigns over to someone else....[/quote]

Not to sure how many people in this league have got life membership from just their playing records?? Think you will find even blokes like old man Ciccy & Shagga Pym did endless hours of the field for there clubs as well as play over 500 games. Also WIZARD, i think you will find many people have driven up for 14 years for trainings & games. Some paid players (emphasis on PAID) & some non paid players. Some are even locals who had to move to town for work & still trained & played for the home club rather than play footy in town. Don't know if you claim to be Trav Opitz mate or not but i think you would be embarrassing him by carrying on like you are!! The last thing Trav would be expecting is life membership.
Agree that some change at United would be a good idea but who's putting up there hand? Must admit we have a brilliant president in Mike Sharman, so why would you suggest Truss?? Another stupid comment on your behalf!

[Drop Bear]

Must admit we have a brilliant president in Mike Sharman, so why would you suggest Truss?? Another stupid comment on your behalf!

Yeah, I agree. Truss is best suited with his role as a Team Manager. Brilliant player - Brilliant Manager - Shit President.

[pint of ale?]

Truss would be a brilliant president. I can see it now, the first thing he'd do is get a 24 hour liquor license. Truss for president!

[Woofa]

I'm not too sure what you're on about here Wizard. Perhaps you're just out for a bit of a sh#t stir? I'm an outsider to United but over the years through a previous girlfriend, i've had the opportunity to attend some weddings, engagements birthdays etc involving Long Plains players. From what i've seen they are very close mates out there with past & current imports. Past players like the Baker boys, Truss, Derek Schulz, Stix Daniel, Boxhead McArdle etc are as thick as thieves with past & current imports like Opitz, Damian Wait, Bear Eichner, Schubert , Mansfield etc. Along with the current crop of locals in Pym, Lurch, East boys etc. From what i've witnessed these blokes are all as close as (most in each others weddings), great blokes at parties & never violent like some of the Balak meat heads. They have welcomed me in on the occasions i've been there & i've left feeling jealous that i'm not a permanent part of there inner circle. I can think of quite a few other clubs where the imports have not had anywhere near the same effect. I realise United have there share of administration problems but i think Wizard, that you are being unfair on this topic. I'n not the biggest United fan, especially over that last couple of years (recruiting etc) but you can't criticise them on this.

[Wizard]

Moon Unit you have no idea!!! By marking the boundary lines, working the canteen or maning the gate doesn't mean you should not get life membership!!!What about the fourteen years of driving up there for training and games???Doesn't that account for anything??? The problem at United as a out sider looking in is They don't like change and don't want change.I agree that most adelaide blokes stay because of the great people there!!I've had many crazy nights there Myself!!! Great bunch of blokes!!! I think the way forward for united is that they are stuck in old times and have to realise they are in a modern world with new ideas... "out with the old, in with the new" Maybe Micheal Trussell should Put his hand up for President!!!What a President he would!!! Time for Change... The old guys running the show there have to realise when its time to hand the reigns over to someone else....

Not to sure how many people in this league have got life membership from just their playing records?? Think you will find even blokes like old man Ciccy & Shagga Pym did endless hours of the field for there clubs as well as play over 500 games. Also WIZARD, i think you will find many people have driven up for 14 years for trainings & games. Some paid players (emphasis on PAID) & some non paid players. Some are even locals who had to move to town for work & still trained & played for the home club rather than play footy in town. Don't know if you claim to be Trav Opitz mate or not but i think you would be embarrassing him by carrying on like you are!! The last thing Trav would be expecting is life membership.
Agree that some change at United would be a good idea but who's putting up there hand? Must admit we have a brilliant president in Mike Sharman, so why would you suggest Truss?? Another stupid comment on your behalf![/quote]


Moon Unit lighten up... Its a forum of discussion not a forum of convincing me you are right and wise on all. The insinuation that Trav is expecting life membership is totally off the mark and was never suggested he thought so either. I thought the idea of this was to stir conversation, its obviously stirred yours. My Job is done.. TRUSS for PRESIDENT!!

[Moon Unit]

Moon Unit lighten up... Its a forum of discussion not a forum of convincing me you are right and wise on all. The insinuation that Trav is expecting life membership is totally off the mark and was never suggested he thought so either. I thought the idea of this was to stir conversation, its obviously stirred yours. My Job is done.. TRUSS for PRESIDENT!![/quote]

Wizzard, You're ripping me off!!!
Considered me lightened.....

[Moon Unit]

I'm not too sure what you're on about here Wizard. Perhaps you're just out for a bit of a sh#t stir? I'm an outsider to United but over the years through a previous girlfriend, i've had the opportunity to attend some weddings, engagements birthdays etc involving Long Plains players. From what i've seen they are very close mates out there with past & current imports. Past players like the Baker boys, Truss, Derek Schulz, Stix Daniel, Boxhead McArdle etc are as thick as thieves with past & current imports like Opitz, Damian Wait, Bear Eichner, Schubert , Mansfield etc. Along with the current crop of locals in Pym, Lurch, East boys etc. From what i've witnessed these blokes are all as close as (most in each others weddings), great blokes at parties & never violent like some of the Balak meat heads. They have welcomed me in on the occasions i've been there & i've left feeling jealous that i'm not a permanent part of there inner circle. I can think of quite a few other clubs where the imports have not had anywhere near the same effect. I realise United have there share of administration problems but i think Wizard, that you are being unfair on this topic. I'n not the biggest United fan, especially over that last couple of years (recruiting etc) but you can't criticise them on this.

Good post Woofa, you've mentioned a few blasts from the past there. Bear -what a massive unit he was & Waity was a wiz also!

[Drop Bear]

Moon Unit lighten up... Its a forum of discussion not a forum of convincing me you are right and wise on all. The insinuation that Trav is expecting life membership is totally off the mark and was never suggested he thought so either. I thought the idea of this was to stir conversation, its obviously stirred yours. My Job is done.. TRUSS for PRESIDENT!!

Wizzard, You're ripping me off!!!
Considered me lightened.....[/quote]

Boring. Keep ripping into each other.

[Mythical Creature]

Tips for the week:
Eagles by 10 goals
Mallala by 15 goals
Two Wells by 5 goals (Wishful thinking but it would help us Tigers out!)
Moon Unit and Wizard to make up and become best friends!!!

[twogood4u]

GEEEEZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ, MC Hope you are wrong with 15 goal win for the maggies V rams! After last weeks game we are looking for another good preformance from the lads. With yet another BYE coming up the boys will be hard at the ball.

[Swamp Donkey]

Tips for the week:
Eagles by 10 goals
Mallala by 15 goals
Two Wells by 5 goals (Wishful thinking but it would help us Tigers out!)
Moon Unit and Wizard to make up and become best friends!!!

Eagles over Hamley by 18 goals: Jericho to kick 12
Virginia over depleted Mallala by 4 points: Smootho, Dermie, Model and Moto to miss with table tennis elbow.
Balak over TW by 12 points