**FOOTY SHORTS overheard a conversation on the weekend that gave an indication of the money that was spent on WEST GIPPSLAND’S review project, which resulted in a Strategic Plan being put forward to clubs and other recommendations also. One of those recommendations was that a transition to divisional football would benefit clubs moving forward. We weren’t listening closely, but we’re pretty sure we heard $15,000 mentioned during the conversation. If that’s the case, there’s little wonder there’s some extreme disappointment around the traps after WGFNC clubs voted no to OFFICER and PAKENHAM joining the competition next year. Not a wise investment at this stage!
**While on the ‘no vote’ of WGFNC clubs, FOOTY SHORTS had a conversation with one club in the aftermath that explained that the decision was way too big and complicated for its club executives to make an accurate call on…and that it was daunting. It’s a very good point, with the future structure of local football and netball currently in the hands of club executives of each particular league. The actual league and board don’t really have a say. There is an easy solution; to vote to change the WGFNC constitution – and other leagues around Gippsland – to allow a greater body to make decisions on the future direction of the game; for the benefit of football and netball throughout the region. But that would mean relinquishing power…and there’s no way the clubs will jump at that!
**It might have been the biggest day of his footy career so far, but that didn’t stop NEERIM SOUTH’s Mason McGarrity from helping out at the canteen on Saturday. McGarrity, who brought up his 100th goal of 2025 with a bag of seven, was helping out during the seconds and thirds matches at Neerim South.
**A full circle moment for former NEERIM SOUTH coach Brett Mounsey on Saturday, who was watching his son, Kai Mounsey, line up on Brett’s former U18s Vic Country teammate Mark Bradley, who was playing for NILMA-DARNUM. Young Kai, in Gippsland Power’s program currently, got the better of the old boy, kicking five goals…but he was contentiously sent off with a blue card late in the match after dissent of an umpiring decision.
**Don’t be surprised if we’re in for a very busy off-season in local football, with some of the bigger clubs from some of the bigger leagues around the region already targeting some key players from smaller talent pools. If our sources are correct, BERWICK and NARRE WARREN are already making enquiries to lure some key talent to Edwin Flack Reserve and Kalora Park for next season. Watch this space!
**NAR NAR GOON locals John Fromhold and Dale Evans have started a local footy program ‘More Than A Game’ on the community radio station at Drouin 3BBR 103.1 on Tuesdays from noon. John is well known in West Gippsland football and cricket circles and served for a long time on the Nar Nar Goon Football Club committee, many of those years as treasurer. Dale is a former AFL (VFL) player with ST KILDA who also coached locally at DOVETON and KOOWEERUP and also served as president at the Goon. They analyse all the results from the weekend games in the West Gippsland, Ellinbank and Gippsland leagues and are joined each week by a local footy identity. There are some great songs to listen to and plenty of laughs along the way. It’s fair to say John and Dale are way out of their comfort zone, not having had any experience with community radio, but are having a lot of fun presenting a program all about local footy.
**Worth highlighting the form of DANDENONG STINGRAYS graduate Charlie Orchard for SANDRINGHAM ZEBRAS in recent weeks. Orchard kicked a haul of three on Saturday against Richmond, his fifth VFL game. It was his second haul of three in the last three games, having kicked just three goals across a 26-game Talent League career. Having plied his trade at Coates League level as an intercept defender, Orchard got thrown forward due to players going down mid-match three weeks ago, and showed he had some natural craft, so has been kept there and backed it up on Saturday night.
**The OUTER EAST Veterans grand final is set with GEMBROOK COCKATOO to host BELGRAVE at 7:20pm on Friday 22 August. The Brookers come into the match as hot favourites, going undefeated in the home-and-away season.
**PAKENHAM’s matchup with WARBURTON MILLGROVE had a familiar face on the boundary with ESSENDON’s Darcy Parish in attendance to watch the Lions grab victory. Parish is married to Hayden Stanton’s daughter Grace, being the brother-in-law of gun mid Tanner and nephew-in-law of coach Justin. We’d love to hear the footy conversations over that dinner table!
**Congratulations to the Allen family who had three brothers feature for OFFICER’s seniors’ side on Saturday. Coach Nathan Allen lined up alongside Ash and Brandon in the round 16 loss to WANDIN.
**The Davey name has been one that is synonymous with CRANBOURNE and Joel Davey, the Eagles’ 12th debutant this year, continued that legacy last weekend to be named in the best in his senior debut against SPRINGVALE DISTRICTS. Davey’s great-grandfather coached Cranbourne back in 1922, his uncle has played more than 270 games and still leads the twos, while his father also played from 2004-14. The first of many for the young man.
**It was a sad week for DOVETON with the passing of club legend Noel Blewitt. A lifelong member and cherished friend, his passion, loyalty, and dedication left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His contribution to the club and the community will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Noel.
