16 December 2014
Pictured :
1. Rick Macgowan with Shawn Fitzgerald 2011
2. Brett and Kyle Chalmers at the State Acquatic Centre Adelaide
3. Nigel Fiegert with family
The "Boomerangs?", "Barbarians?", "Homecomers?", "__________?", what will our new Mortlock challengers be known as?
Their back, some of Eyre Peninsula's best exports will take on the current crop of league representatives at the 2015 Mortlock Shield and likely for at least three years, completing an eighth team at the Championships and creating some real interest in a new concept.
Matches will return to full games, moving away from the shorter mach format used in recent years.
The team was devised by Joe Pedler and Daniel Girdham, with approaches to Rick Macgowan, Nigel Fiegert and Brett Chalmers to help lead the side. Potentially boasting eight state country players and many who have played at SANFL and AFL levels. At this point it is understood that over 100 members are registered on facebook from former Eyre Peninsula players and interested people, so places for a spot will be at a premium.
Colours, guernseys and details will be worked on in the very near future, with trainings to be held at Railways Oval Adelaide and Henley Oval Adelaide prior to the Carnival. The team is very serious and are looking at where they will be displaying their Mortlock Shield!
Mortlock Shield committee chairman Peter Tokarski said the decision was made for the best interests of the carnival to allow it to return to full length games.
"This is what the players and the spectators want," he said.
"Players want full games and that convinces us this is the right decision."
Mr Tokarski said a name for the team had not been confirmed but would likely be announced by next week.
He commended the organisers of the proposed ex-pats team Joe Pedler and Daniel Girdham for their efforts putting the idea together.
Mr Pedler said he and Mr Girdham were very excited the idea had finally come to fruition.
"This means quite a bit to us other EP guys," he said.
"We're thrilled to have this opportunity."
Mr Pedler said the idea was developed by Mr Girdham and was often laughed at in its early stages.
The next step has already begun for the ex-pats side with Mr Pedler contacting team coach and former Hawthorn assistant and Darke Peak local Rick Macgowan on Sunday night.
Mr Pedler said they would now work on building a committee and seeking sponsorship before allocating the smaller responsibilities like guernseys, travel and accommodation to committee members.
He also said the team was likely to attract a keen and talented playing group after a Facebook group, was created and received a strong response, attracting 112 members.
Mr Tokarski said the Norwood Football Club, as the club now linked to the Eyre Peninsula as a development zone, was still interested in being involved in the carnival in some capacity.
Last Modified on 17/12/2014 11:21
