HFL Division 2 (Country)

[Dutchy]

Birdwood forfeiting both grades this weekend

Hmm yeah just read that on Facebook. Surely they can pull together one team?

Probably less about numbers than what happened earlier in the year Id say

Agree, no one can blame them.

How did Div 2 get to play last weekend? A concession due to Gather round Im guessing?

[saintal]

Birdwood forfeiting both grades this weekend

Hmm yeah just read that on Facebook. Surely they can pull together one team?

Probably less about numbers than what happened earlier in the year Id say

Agree, no one can blame them.

How did Div 2 get to play last weekend? A concession due to Gather round Im guessing?

Ahhhh, PlayHQ has the game listed to be played at Birdwood, but seems it was re-scheduled to Gum after a previous swap. That does complicate things a little.

[Shortman]

Birdwood forfeiting both grades this weekend

Hmm yeah just read that on Facebook. Surely they can pull together one team?

Probably less about numbers than what happened earlier in the year Id say

Agree, no one can blame them.

How did Div 2 get to play last weekend? A concession due to Gather round Im guessing?

I disagree.

I think you NEED to go and play. Did Nathan Lyon or Steve Smith stop playing on the SCG after Phil Hughes died. Do we stop driving on a road if one of our mates has an accident there ??

It was a horrific, tragic accident, but it could have happened on any oval.

[Chappy]

I'm sure they will play there next year. Not sure that's a fair comparison, Everyone will have their own views though.

I think we can give them a pass on this. Seems both clubs have been very supportive, understanding through the whole process. commend them both.

[Dutchy]

Everyone handles things differently, if the majority of the team would struggle to play then you are doing the right thing by them. Suggest it wouldn't be easy for some of the Gum players either.

[Toto]

I’m sure the young man would want his team mates to play on in his name.

I have heard through a few people today (not sure how true, don’t shoot the messenger)
That the majority of Birdwood players want to play…. It’s the coach making the decision….. Didn’t their coach previously coach Gumeracha? The tragedy aside, seams strange. If the players want to play, the club has to step in and let them I would think.

[Bluedemon]

Why has Birdwood forfeited?

[Dutchy]

Club president Brendan Loechel said both the A and B Grade sides had decided not to go ahead with their games against Gumeracha this weekend as they continued to deal with Mr Loiacono’s passing.

“It’s a moving beast which rears its head every so often and the boys made a pact that if it was still impacting part of the squad then the rest of the squad would stick by them,” Loechel said.

“We’ve been led by the lads here as well as the coaching staff and decided that it was the best call to make at the moment.”

Loechel said the club had been in discussion with the Hills Football League and Gumeracha ahead of making the decision.

“We’ve had ongoing discussions with them.

“Each club is feeling their way through it all as best they can but as long as we’ve got individuals who are still processing it we’re going to respect that.

“I think everyone recognises what the club is going through and we’re going to stick by our players and staff.”

Birdwood is set to face Meadows next week, while Gumeracha will clash with Kangarilla.

[Chappy]

Club president Brendan Loechel said both the A and B Grade sides had decided not to go ahead with their games against Gumeracha this weekend as they continued to deal with Mr Loiacono’s passing.

“It’s a moving beast which rears its head every so often and the boys made a pact that if it was still impacting part of the squad then the rest of the squad would stick by them,” Loechel said.

“We’ve been led by the lads here as well as the coaching staff and decided that it was the best call to make at the moment.”

Loechel said the club had been in discussion with the Hills Football League and Gumeracha ahead of making the decision.

“We’ve had ongoing discussions with them.

“Each club is feeling their way through it all as best they can but as long as we’ve got individuals who are still processing it we’re going to respect that.

“I think everyone recognises what the club is going through and we’re going to stick by our players and staff.”

Birdwood is set to face Meadows next week, while Gumeracha will clash with Kangarilla.

On the face of it these two clubs have been nothing short of exceptional in their attitude and decision making. Fantastic to hear of such a pact that would have them unite if there are some struggling more than others may. Love that Birdwood and the players are putting there own mental well being first.
Not everyone will agree but if you are not involved with Birdwood I don't think you have a right to tell them its the wrong decision.

[Cougar]

I’m sure the young man would want his team mates to play on in his name.

I have heard through a few people today (not sure how true, don’t shoot the messenger)
That the majority of Birdwood players want to play…. It’s the coach making the decision….. Didn’t their coach previously coach Gumeracha? The tragedy aside, seams strange. If the players want to play, the club has to step in and let them I would think.

The Birdwood current mentor did coach Gum to a flag.

I did hear that return bout was marred by some ugly comments. It may have been too raw for a few to deal with being such a short turnaround in a 7 team comp. I too hope they get back playing against each other sooner rather than later. The Northern Hills club's need to keep the rivalry between them all.

[Barkeroo]

Birdwood forfeiting both grades this weekend

Hmm yeah just read that on Facebook. Surely they can pull together one team?

Yeah nothing to do with numbers and more about what happened earlier in the year.

[B&F]

Pretty close contest after Gumeracha and Meadows. 4 teams all on the same amount of wins. Is Macclesfield, Torrens Valley, Kangarilla or Kersbrook challenging the top two?
Also with Gumeracha's impressive win against Meadows lately, that would have to put them even favourites to take it out?
Is it Gumerachas to lose now?

[Cougar]

Pretty close contest after Gumeracha and Meadows. 4 teams all on the same amount of wins. Is Macclesfield, Torrens Valley, Kangarilla or Kersbrook challenging the top two?
Also with Gumeracha's impressive win against Meadows lately, that would have to put them even favourites to take it out?
Is it Gumerachas to lose now?

Would be very surprised if one of those four make the GF but instead will be jostling for finals participation. Has looked a Gum v Meadows GF for a long while with Gum at short odds to win it.

Kersbrook defeated TV for the first time in 2023 on Saturday to put the four teams level.
Kudos to the medical staff of both clubs for their attention of a Kersbrook B grade player who suffered a horrific injury on Saturday. Resulting in the game being abandoned just after half time.

[FlyingHigh]

Pretty close contest after Gumeracha and Meadows. 4 teams all on the same amount of wins. Is Macclesfield, Torrens Valley, Kangarilla or Kersbrook challenging the top two?
Also with Gumeracha's impressive win against Meadows lately, that would have to put them even favourites to take it out?
Is it Gumerachas to lose now?

Would be very surprised if one of those four make the GF but instead will be jostling for finals participation. Has looked a Gum v Meadows GF for a long while with Gum at short odds to win it.

Kersbrook defeated TV for the first time in 2023 on Saturday to put the four teams level.
Kudos to the medical staff of both clubs for their attention of a Kersbrook B grade player who suffered a horrific injury on Saturday. Resulting in the game being abandoned just after half time.

Saw the scores were virtually unchanged after half time. Who got hurt and how did it happen?

Thought Torrens Valley might have been a chance to upset Meadows in a Prelim, but they really seem to have come back to the field since the June long weekend. Have they copped any injuries or lost players since then?

Are there any advances on the rumour on this thread at the start of the season that Gum were going to fold at the end of the year?

[Cougar]

Pretty close contest after Gumeracha and Meadows. 4 teams all on the same amount of wins. Is Macclesfield, Torrens Valley, Kangarilla or Kersbrook challenging the top two?
Also with Gumeracha's impressive win against Meadows lately, that would have to put them even favourites to take it out?
Is it Gumerachas to lose now?

Would be very surprised if one of those four make the GF but instead will be jostling for finals participation. Has looked a Gum v Meadows GF for a long while with Gum at short odds to win it.

Kersbrook defeated TV for the first time in 2023 on Saturday to put the four teams level.
Kudos to the medical staff of both clubs for their attention of a Kersbrook B grade player who suffered a horrific injury on Saturday. Resulting in the game being abandoned just after half time.

Saw the scores were virtually unchanged after half time. Who got hurt and how did it happen?

Thought Torrens Valley might have been a chance to upset Meadows in a Prelim, but they really seem to have come back to the field since the June long weekend. Have they copped any injuries or lost players since then?

Are there any advances on the rumour on this thread at the start of the season that Gum were going to fold at the end of the year?

Not sure on the player injured, but it was pretty graphic ankle break and dislocation. The incident was innocuous, and the experienced TV player involved was a little shook up. Medical attention and care for the bloke was great by the two clubs.

TV looked like they had a few out on Saturday from their ones. And who knows re Gum, but it must be tough with no juniors.

[cracka]

MEDIA RELEASE: Hills Football League Inc.

2023 Grand Final Venues and Summit Sports Park venue:
The Hills Football League is pleased to announce the confirmed venues for the Division 1 and Country Division Grand Finals for Season 2023.
The venues are:
Division 1 Grand Finals: Lobethal Oval hosted by the Lobethal Football Club
Country Division Grand Finals: Kersbrook Oval (Kersbrook Soldiers Memorial Park) hosted by the Kersbrook Football Club.
We believe that these clubs will provide two outstanding days of country football at its finest and that the many excellent and dedicated volunteers will ensure a memorable experience for players, officials, media and spectators alike. We thank all clubs who sent in submissions to host these two significant events on the community calendar.
Questions were asked last year and no doubt will be again this year as to why these games could not be held at the Summit Sports Park Oval and we would like to address those directly. One of the key reasons is that there is very little lasting infrastructure remaining, due to the ‘bump in’ and ‘bump out’ nature of the AFL Gather Round fixture. The cost prohibitive nature of a club seeking to host local matches and grand finals at such a venue is significant. We do acknowledge the outstanding playing surface and base facilities that have been provided at the Summit, however there are major reasons as to why this venue is not a viable alternative to hosting these games at dedicated club facilities such as Lobethal and Kersbrook.
The Hills Football League recently informed the Mount Barker District Council of the difficulties in utilising the Summit Sports Park Oval to host major matches and/or Grand Finals. The league outlined several major issues including:
-The lack of permanent or even temporary fencing, enabling the ground to be closed off completely for an event.
-The need to restrict entry to a maximum of two entry points so admission to any event can be controlled for authorised entry and to ensure admission is paid on entry.
It was pointed out that these conditions were a league requirement for any finals venue to be considered and at this point in time we have not received any proposal from the Mount Barker council in terms of how this might be addressed. The Hills Football League relies heavily on the ability to charge a modest admission fee to finals matches which is used to cover many of the costs associated with running the events with any surplus forming part of the annual general revenue which allows the league to operate from a base of financial security and certainty.
Additionally, the Mount Barker Football Club has been seeking sustainable ways to utilise this facility and to date they have made significant capital contributions towards upgrading the kitchen and interior facilities. These works were required in order for them to be able to host a full game day experience including BBQ, prepared meals, bar facilities and spaces for patrons to participate in a day of country football matches.
No contribution or financial relief from usage fees has been received from the council to assist in this process and this has made the situation untenable for the club on any permanent basis, as the return from a game day is minimal to break even at best. All HFL Clubs rely on home games to generate enough revenue to run multiple football programs from Auskick and Modified rules teams through to Junior and Senior Colts. This is in addition of course to Senior Football Teams across multiple grades in Men’s and Women’s football. The inability to promote awareness of sponsors and to truly create a ‘Home Game’ experience, has directly led to a decrease in sponsorship revenues and activity on which the HFL and clubs rely on for their continued viability and future success.
The league was initially excited to have this development in the region, however ongoing usage fees, licence arrangements, facility issues, liquor licensing issues and the inability to use this facility for premier matches within the season and at finals time, has rendered it as an unviable venue choice. To date the council has not been responsive to the needs of the Hills Football League or the Mount Barker Football Club. It would be a great shame that in one of the fastest growing areas in the state, that there was a facility that could not be utilised to its full potential due to an unwillingness to hear the concerns of the Hills Football League and the football community generally. As it stands, we cannot foresee any way, without meaningful dialogue and engagement, that Summit Sports Park Oval will be a viable facility for use by any of the clubs in the Hills Football League for the foreseeable future. The Summit Sports Park Oval has been excluded as a venue for the 2023 Hills Football League Grand Final matches.

For comment or clarification, please contact Joanne Purdie, President, Hills Football League Inc.
Email: hflincpresident@gmail.com

[whufc]

Not familiar with your comp but what a shitshow the Summit Oval seems.

All made sense except for one part....why cant Mount Barker FC make a profit on game day.....do they have to pay a hire fee or something? I would presume all the bbq, bar etc would be run by volunteers so was confused to how they couldnt make money.

[Toto]

I believe that Mount Barker do pay a lease fee. If I was them I’d be going back to their home next year.

[Shortman]

I believe that Mount Barker do pay a lease fee. If I was them I’d be going back to their home next year.

But according to the Mount Barker Council, there is no issues with Summit Sports Park because "we had an AFL game there"

[field of dreams]

I believe that Mount Barker do pay a lease fee. If I was them I’d be going back to their home next year.

A very large one. Unsustainable.