Hall joins Fev in country footy

Updated May 10, 2012 12:42:20

Former AFL forward Barry Hall is pulling on the boots again to play football in country Victoria.

Hall has been recruited by Wangaratta Rovers in the second major signing for the Ovens and Murray League this season.

Former Carlton and Brisbane forward Brendan Fevola is playing for Yarrawonga Pigeons.

Wangaratta coach Mick Caruso says he is confident Hall will be just as big a drawcard as Fevola.

"He'll play at least three games possibly four games," he said.

"Of course they will be all home games for us in the back end of the season, if we are lucky enough to make the finals we would be expecting that a lot of people would come to watch Barry Hall play, absolutely."

Hall played 289 matches for St Kilda, Sydney and Western Bulldogs, booting 746 goals.

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, footscray-3011

First posted May 10, 2012 12:42:20

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What Makes A Country Into A Sporting Giant?

Country football review recommends merger

Peter Lenaghan

Updated October 14, 2011 14:30:26

A review of football in country Victoria has recommended big changes to the way the sport is governed.

The AFL ordered the report by AFL Victoria's chairman Peter Jackson earlier this year.

His 25 recommendations include merging AFL Victoria and the Victorian Country Football League and establishing independent regional commissions.

Mr Jackson says the proposal should not been seen as a takeover, but a chance to free up resources and increase the role of country Victorians in decision-making.

The report also includes calls to boost country football funding by $750,000 and recommendations to address a looming shortage of umpires and volunteers.

Mr Jackson says the proposals are designed to help the state's 700 country football clubs.

"The current governance structure overall is just too costly, whether you look at league structures, umpire associations or head office," he said.

"So we've got to look at the best interests of the club, and that's what the recommendation's based on."

Mr Jackson says the changes should be made in time for the 2013 season.

Tags: victorian-football-league-vfl, australian-football-league, sports-organisations, vic

First posted October 14, 2011 14:29:29

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Cousins returns to country footy

Posted July 6, 2011 13:22:00

Ben Cousins will make a return to Australian rules when he plays for country Victorian club Romsey this season.

Cousins has signed to play at least one match with the Redbacks, who are top of the ladder in the Riddell District Football League, north of Melbourne.

The club hopes he will play at least two home and away matches and up to four finals.

The Brownlow medallist will play at the earliest in the club's next home match on July 23.

Romsey Football Club vice-president Alan Lever says the town is abuzz with the news.

"The reaction has been phenomenal. Just not only around the club," he said.

"It's about our little town and all that sort of stuff.

"It's abuzz at the moment with everyone talking about it and excited about the day.

"So everyone's asking the same question - what day's it going to be?"

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, vic, romsey-3434

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Country footy under review as VCFL boss quits

Updated May 18, 2011 08:18:00

The AFL has ordered a review of country football in Victoria after the sudden departure of the Victorian Country Football League's (VCFL) chief executive.

Glenn Scott has resigned after nine years in the role and will be replaced by the former central Victorian footballer, Stephen Reaper.

The AFL's chief executive, Andrew Demetriou, issued a strongly worded statement yesterday, saying he was alarmed by Mr Scott's departure and disappointed that country football was losing someone of his calibre and experience.

Mr Demetriou has criticised the VCFL's board, saying he is disappointed with the process and the outcome.

He also stated the review is needed to ensure everyone can work together.

VCFL chairman Nicholas Rolfe has denied that there were tensions between Mr Scott and the board and says it was a positive working relationship.

The review's terms of reference are due to be decided next week.

Tags: sport, victorian-football-league-vfl, vic, ballarat-3350, bendigo-3550, horsham-3400, mildura-3500, sale-3850, shepparton-3630, wodonga-3690

First posted May 18, 2011 08:09:00

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