17 April 2019
At last it seems as though change is going to take place concerning the future of football on Eyre Peninsula.
The formation of the SANFL EP Football Council under the leadership of Tony Irvine is already having an impact.
Already it is evident that some football administrators are not happy with their perception of what the future holds.
The Far West Football League is not immune to change and as such it is important that our clubs take steps to remain strong and viable.
As a four team competition we are always susceptible to the danger of one of our clubs “falling over”.
The implications of that are clear, it would be the end of the Far West Football League in its present format.
This is why every club must strive to do its best and meet its responsibilities and ensure the future of our competition.
We are constantly dealing with recruitment of our players from adjoining Leagues, this is in effect weakening our clubs and league just to bolster clubs that are struggling to survive.
This is not in the spirit of the game, what value is there is forestalling the inevitable and bringing other clubs down with you.
Recruiting to win premierships is one thing, recruiting to survive is a “horse of a completely different colour”.
A number of clubs across Eyre Peninsula are in this unenviable position and I can understand their motives in trying to survive.
However it is time to limit the number of inter-league clearances, investigate vigorously the Salary Cap and Points System and instigate rules that will force clubs to face reality.
Reports concerning the problems facing Eyre Peninsula Football go back 40 years as I understand it, the Collins Anderson report was written in 2007, not much has happened because action has been left to passionate and parochial club stalwarts.
In fact is doubtful if many of the present club committee decision makers are even aware of the Collins Anderson Report.
Irvine and his committee in partnership with SANFL and local club committee personnel who can see the writing on the wall must be brave and prepared to confront the issues.
Sitting on the fence and chatting knowingly about issues that have been on the agenda for nearly fifty years achieves nothing but a sore backside.
As Hawthorn Great John Kennedy once told his players - “Don’t think - DO”
Ron Redford - President FWFL
Last Modified on 18/04/2019 10:24