Footy club breaks clear

By Marc McGowan
AFTER weeks of speculation, Cranbourne Junior Football Club president Dieter Leinmueller has confirmed a breakaway group is attempting to form a new club in the area.
The rebel faction is believed to be unhappy with the club’s policy of reassessing the standard of players before every season.
But Mr Leinmueller said the decision to implement the new system was in the best interests of everyone.
“It is a gradual process and we change three to four players in each age group each season,” he said.
“It is a natural change, so that when they get to under 15 or under 16 level, we have the best side playing in Division One.”
AFL Victoria club development manager for the South East region Wayne Holdsworth is against the introduction of the fledgling Cranbourne club.
“We don’t want a club on every corner and then after a period of time having too many clubs close down,” he said.
“We would prefer not fewer clubs, but clubs that are vibrant and growing all the time.
“The benefits of having the one club clearly outweigh the benefits of starting a new one.”
Dandenong District Junior Football League (DDJFL) football operations manager Glenn Finkelde declined to comment on the issue.
However, Mr Holdsworth confirmed that the splinter group was in discussions with the DDJFL.
Each age group at Cranbourne contains at least two teams, so the process affects all players at the club.
The move to create a new club is creating several problems, with suggestions it has targeted certain teams and players from the current Cranbourne entity.
Mr Leinmueller believes the rift has gone past the point of no return, but Mr Holdsworth is hopeful of restoring relations.
“It is pretty much about policy and maybe a bit to do with the environment, but those two things can be worked through,” Mr Holdsworth said.
“(Forming a new club) is a pretty drastic measure to take and those things can be worked through, so hopefully they can make a compromise.
“It is about kids enjoying themselves in an inclusive environment.”