Coach says ‘bring on MFC move’

By Elizabeth Hart
Melbourne Football Club’s move to Casey is a boon for local sport and for the community, Cranbourne Football Club president Gerry Kelly said yesterday.
Mr Kelly’s comments follow a deferral in the Casey Council meeting last week that delayed agreement on the move at the eleventh hour. The deal needs only the rubber stamp to proceed, after a year of negotiations between the council and MFC.
Mr Kelly praised the Demons’ plan to make Casey Fields in Cranbourne their training field, saying it would represent improved facilities for his club.
“I know of no local sports groups who oppose Melbourne’s coming to Casey,” he said. “It will be really important for the city and for our local groups.”
“We have been working closely with council officers over the past few weeks.
“Along with development of the racecourse, this will really give Cranbourne a place on the map.”
Casey chief executive Mike Tyler recommended the council endorse the agreement at last week’s meeting.
Under the deal, Melbourne Football Club would occupy part of a $2.1 million extension to the pavilion for 30 years, the construction jointly funded by the council, MFC, and the State Government.
The club would contribute $630,000 a year to a community partnership with schools, businesses, sports clubs, and young people.
The State Government has agreed to transfer $350,000 from the VFL redevelopment program, Springvale Football Club and Melbourne Football Club have reached agreement on licensing, and the solicitors have completed the final draft, Casey’s executive services department reported to the council last week.
“MFC has now reaffirmed its long term commitment and its preparedness to deliver a significant community partnership,” the recommendation states.
Speaking for a deferral of the endorsement, Cr Kevin Bradford told last week’s council meeting he wanted to read the contract, Cr Simon Curtis wanted to amend the motion, pending further talks with local clubs, but later withdrew his amendment, Cr Keleher said she knew little about the agreement, Cr Baxter said she had changed her mind five times and wanted more time, and mayor Geoff Ablett said he wanted a unanimous decision but was keen for the move to proceed.
Cr Aziz said the deferral was a “stalling tactic”.