Mid Murray League

[On The Pine]

Haven't got any info BOM, just commenting that if the good players leave then it becomes harder to maintain the enthusiasm and things go downhill from there. It's great MC have some pickups, and will fill a B grade. Hopefully they can get a premiership, as it would do wonders for the club and area. Agree with bionic, good bunch of lads, but all the clubs have some good blokes, even Robby. So what is the word on Max?

[Dogwatcher]

I've heard mixed things about the Tiges.
Have been told by some that things are looking good on the track, while others have said numbers poor.
Was told to Riverland clubs, one A grade, one Independent, were keeping a close eye on Baddack, not sure if there's a move afoot.
While I've also been told the Coombs boys are heading to Cobdogla.

[aceman]

Not much happening here so I thought I'd bring up a topic that's sure to feature down the track.

What are people's thoughts on the future of the Mid Murray?

IMO the league can't continue as is. Word is players are deserting the clubs due to lack of interest in a four team comp and a declining standard. Morgan already is unsure if they will field a B grade, Robby and Sedan will struggle for B's and BSR have lost six or seven from their B grade team. This on top of a 19 man A grade, and declining junior no's.

Options as I see it.

1) Get some more clubs to join fast ( although word has it some Hills country teams are interested.)
2) Give up with Robby to APFL ( they would be able to attract a lot of good players back from surrounding leagues i believe to be competitve), Sedan, Morgan and BSR to join Ramco in the RIFL. BSR would be the biggest loser here though due to their junior no's especially, but three clubs joining would make the league very interesting.
3) Give up, Robby to APFL, Morgan to RIFL, Sedan and BSR to Hills country, Sedan would struggle unless a 3rd division is created.
4) Give up, Robby to APFL, Morgan to RIFL, Sedan/BSR to merge and join Hills Country, or River Murray or Barossa ( River Murray or Barossa would be long shots with a lot of effort and cash required)
5) If Morgan look like folding merge with Ramco, the other options for the other clubs remain

I am sure everyone would agree joining Mallee is not an option. Better to discuss now rather than having to make forced decisions at seasons end.

Unfortunately, I think minor leagues(4-5 clubs) are doomed! Mallee & Mid Murray come to mind unless they find other clubs to join them.
It is probably better that the SANFL country leagues look into who should go where in relation to strength of clubs and try to get the deal operational before clubs fold.
For instance, have a look at Karoonda, last year talking of merger with Tailem, this year have allbut gutted another club because they appointed a particular coach.
Do you want this to happen to your club? I reckon not so start lobbying through your club reps to the Affiliated Leagues Council before it happens to you.

[bionic_knee13]

Haven't got any info BOM, just commenting that if the good players leave then it becomes harder to maintain the enthusiasm and things go downhill from there. It's great MC have some pickups, and will fill a B grade. Hopefully they can get a premiership, as it would do wonders for the club and area. Agree with bionic, good bunch of lads, but all the clubs have some good blokes, even Robby. So what is the word on Max?

I hadn't heard anything of where Max was/wasn't playing, having played against him and then with him in the Inter-Association game i figured a few clubs would have chased him and i was just interested to find out where he has ended up.
Would be very handy at my Div 6 club!

[sparky]

It did sound like you were chasing him down at West Croydon there Bionic. How's everything going down there? Numbers looking good. Hope everything goes well for the season.

[On The Pine]

So how are the ins and outs looking this year for each club? Anyone from Robby able to give an update from out that way? Heard a few have left because they stayed in the Mid Murray.

[vilidog]

how is jamie o'callaghan rated in the mid murray? just noticed he'd put a clearance in at nuri

[On The Pine]

Jamie is a handy player. With the extra training and fitness should do ok. Played key positions if I remember correctly at MC, should be flank/wing type player in the BL&G.

[bionic_knee13]

It did sound like you were chasing him down at West Croydon there Bionic. How's everything going down there? Numbers looking good. Hope everything goes well for the season.

Hey Sparky.
I would love to have Max running around in my side
Numbers have been good out there, and it help they can all kick and catch! Lol
Got out first hit out this week so it should be interesting
I tried to organise to bring my mob up next weekend for a trial but it didn't fit with you guys or something...not sure of the exact reasons we couldn't make it work. Pity coz it would have been a good trip and also a good hit out for both sides.

[On The Pine]

Bionic, see the story re RMFL umpires walking out for more cash in the MMFL? Bet you and ya bro wished that had happened last year!!!!!

[The Riddler]

We played Sedan-Cambrai on the weekend and although we won easily there were still some good signs for them...they were missing quite a few players but some of their kids stood up well, i think if they can stay fit they could be in for a good year.

[bionic_knee13]

Bionic, see the story re RMFL umpires walking out for more cash in the MMFL? Bet you and ya bro wished that had happened last year!!!!!

HaHa..Most definately!
While you don't want to rely on frees from umpires to get a kick, it would be nice to not be cruicified on an ALMOST weekly basis. And that goes for the whole BSR side mind you, just THE CHEAT hated Brett and myself just that little bit more. For some reason he even tried to ruin the U/16's Grand Final......QUALITY PERSON!!!!!
I think every other umpire we had throughout the year were good....one bad egg ruined it.

[On The Pine]

In's and out's on RFL thread doesn't have any clearances from East Murray to Morgan. How's those recruits coming along? Sporting pulse has Andriske to BSR pending, any others? Can anyone from the MMFL get some info up on their Sporting Pulse page, would be good to follow the lead of other associations and give us something to talk about!!!!! Speaking of East Murray, saw them advertise in the Barossa for players, anyone have an update?

[Signman1972]

Bionic, see the story re RMFL umpires walking out for more cash in the MMFL? Bet you and ya bro wished that had happened last year!!!!!

You guys are getting 4 or 5 quality umpires. All umpired 1 or 2 SAAFL games in Div 2 last year
when not at Murray Bridge 3 of them Umpired last years Grand Final.

[On The Pine]

Nice, I'm sure all the clubs will appreciate the new faces and better quality/consistency.

[On The Pine]

Reports had Adam Schutz leaving Sedan to play for Barossa because he knew ex Sedan player Simon Schwartz there, who is now leaving BDFC for Hummocks. Wonder if he'll be back?????

Also, the country footy liftout in the sunday mail had BSR season favorites with Sedan as the smokey (I think!)
What's the prediction for the ladder at the end of the minor round?

I'll go
1) BSR - Look to have recruited to offset the McPhersons leaving
2) MC - If the recruits materialise
3) Robby - Few loses apparently, but probably have half of Roxby come back for finals
4) SC - Key losses, no recruits to speak of

At least everyone will play finals!

[old farmer]

bumped into a young fella i know in the pub on saturday and he tells me he had signed with sedan cambrai. he's name is Todd Keough, i played with him at Ingle Farm and he should go alright in your comp. As an ex BSR player (93 -95 ) i told him what a good comp it is and what a great time he'll have. Good luck for the season guy's and keep an eye out for Todd , i'm sure you'll know who he is by the end of the year.

[On The Pine]

Hadn't heard he was leaving but if he has, big loss for Morgan on top of O'Callaghan going to Nuri. The end would be getting closer!

not from what i hear. apartenly they have picked up a number of players from Ramco and east murray and they will be fairly good this year. they even have a B grade coach and plan to have a B Grade on the park by round 1 from what i hear. So i dont know where you are getting your info "on the pine"

see www.rivernews.com.au/sports.htm

[BOM]

Hadn't heard he was leaving but if he has, big loss for Morgan on top of O'Callaghan going to Nuri. The end would be getting closer!

not from what i hear. apartenly they have picked up a number of players from Ramco and east murray and they will be fairly good this year. they even have a B grade coach and plan to have a B Grade on the park by round 1 from what i hear. So i dont know where you are getting your info "on the pine"

see http://www.rivernews.com.au/sports.htm

yep well obviously the info i was told back then was wrong because they are fairly short. we beat them by about 55 goals. latest news is that they are asking to use the prisoners again. not sure if this will happen either its just what i was told. i do know that clubs were asked if they would be for or against it

[On The Pine]

Yeah not good there in tigerland. Saw Max ended up at Waikerie after all. Hopefully they can see out the season. It's a shame they have lost so many of their players, they had a group that were on the edge of some success I thought!