The Coburg Tigers have made a bold move by choosing to play their Round 11 home game this weekend in Shepparton against the Bendigo Gold.
The Tigers will be promoting the Peter Jackson VFL far and wide this season, by taking VFL Football out to Victoria’s rural areas for two matches.
Coburg’s General Manager, Jake McCauley chose to take a leaf out of the Seagulls book due to their recent accomplishments.
“The idea was first thought of after we saw the success of the Williamstown vs Geelong VFL match in Torquay in 2011. Over 5,000 people were in attendance and it proved to us the strength of support for VFL football in major regional centres.”
The Club did not take the decision lightly and therefore went through a lengthy planning process to ensure it ran smoothly.
“Once we had confirmed our interest to take a couple of home matches regionally, we short-listed some potential venues. Finding playing venues up to AFL/VFL standard was the first selection criteria and with Deakin Reserve, Shepparton having hosted NAB Challenge AFL matches previously we knew that facility was up to standard. Additionally, Reid Oval in Warrnambool has previously hosted VFL and TAC Cup matches so we knew that facility was up to standard.
“Shepparton and Warrnambool are both very strong football towns, with strong football leagues from juniors through to seniors underpinning the local football community. In addition to that, both Local Councils have been outstanding in their support of the events.”
AFL affiliated partner, Richmond Football Club backed Coburg’s initiative and supported them throughout the whole process.
“They were extremely supportive of the idea of hosting matches in Shepparton and Warrnambool. Richmond has over 2,000 regional members & registered supporters in Shepparton and a further 1,150 in Warrnambool. Knowing this, we knew we had an instant supporter base in both regional centres.
Richmond has been heavily involved in supporting both matches. This includes direct marketing to their Regional Members and Registered Supporters in both areas.”
The Club’s have put in a collective effort to ensure the project is a fun filled day for everyone involved.
“Coburg and Richmond are working closely together to leverage fan engagement activities off both events. We are looking at hosting a free football clinic for local juniors in Warrnambool on the morning of that match.
“The Richmond mascot will be in attendance at both matches with merchandise giveaways throughout the day. Additionally, Richmond has provided some signed memorabilia items that will be donated to the local leagues for fundraising activities,” McCauley said.
The Coburg Tigers and Bendigo Gold both hold personal ties to the region that they will be competing in on Saturday.
Coburg players Willie Wheeler and Ben Clifton originate from Seymour, Richmond-listed player Daniel Connors hails from Echuca and Andrew Browne from Mansfield.
Bendigo Gold’s links lie with Nathan McCarty, Brad Collins, Ben McPhee and Sam Vale (all Rochester), James Martin (Mooroopna), Jordan Williams (Echuca) and Jeremy Lambden (Rushworth).
In three weeks time, Coburg will be on the road again, travelling along the coast to Warrnambool where they will play against Geelong on Sunday 1st July at Reid Oval.
Last Modified on 08/06/2012 14:26