Clubs dried out

By Paul Pickering
FOOTBALL clubs say they face a financial drought with the introduction of stage three water restrictions.
And Belgrave and South Belgrave clubs say they face a ban on playing on their home ovals because of the water shortage.
They are two of up to 10 Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League (YVMDFL) clubs which face having to find new home grounds.
The clubs fear a cash squeeze because of the drop in gate takings and loss of income from their bars and canteens.
The early onset of stage three restrictions dictates that only venues that have acquired watering exemptions or have on-site water are permitted to irrigate before round one of the season.
The application process, which incorporates the Yarra Ranges, Knox and Cardinia councils, has forged a divide between the YVMDFL’s haves and have-nots.
At present, six clubs – including Upwey-Tecoma – have been granted exemptions for their ovals.
This means that just nine grounds will be permitted to irrigate before the season begins on 21 April.
The remaining 10 clubs – including Belgrave and South Belgrave – have been asked to nominate their preferred surrogate-home venues.
The prospect of ground-sharing has been met with trepidation by clubs on both sides of the issue.
The concerns of displaced clubs are most apparent.
South Belgrave president David McLennan says: “We’re a small club with loyal supporters, but you’re just not going to get the people that drive by for a look every now and then.
“The biggest impact will be on the social side of things,” he said.
Equally, host clubs are worried about increased traffic on their grounds.
Emerald president Bill Kuys said: “I’m not happy about it.
“We’ve put a lot of money into keeping it shi-shape and the ground is going to get chopped up pretty quickly.”
While Mr McLennan understands the reservations of host clubs, he said: “They’re fortunate enough to be able to play on their grounds. We’d love to have that opportunity. It’s a bit of give and take, really.”
Financial matters are sure to be another sticking point for clubs with the allocation of gate takings and bar-canteen profits still to be decided upon.
The logistics of an eight-venue competition is likely to cause further headaches for league CEO Ben O’Brien.
With eight grounds being forced to accommodate nine matches, the league has flagged the possibility of one Sunday game each week.
While he admits that the drought is a major concern for clubs, Mr O’Brien is pragmatic about the situation.
“It is important to remember that most other country football leagues have faced similar problems over past years, but with cooperation between clubs and leagues, the world hasn’t ended.
“Footy has continued to be played and clubs have continued to prosper.”
A preliminary 2007 fixture has been released, however, changes seem inevitable.
Mr O’Brien said: “While the fixtures say we will be starting in April, there is the very real prospect of a disrupted start to the season, if we don’t get rain.”
The Shire of Yarra Ranges has also forbidden its winter tenants from using their grounds for pre-season preparation, while the Knox and Cardinia councils are continuing to monitor their own facilities.