Future still uncertain for Merrimac despite withdrawal of plans for Italo-Australian Club development

FOOTBALL is all but certain to return to Tony Cecco Field in 2019 but Merrimac’s resurrection is no fait accompli.

FOOTBALL is all but certain to return to Tony Cecco Field in 2019 but Merrimac’s resurrection is no fait accompli.

The withdrawal of Oak Tree Group’s development application for a 94-unit retirement village at the Italo-Australian Club last week has reopened the door for the Clear Island Waters venue to host football for the first time since 2017.

But while the club’s committee is keen to make it happen, a number of options remain on the table for next year.

IN-FIGHTING HAMPERING MERRIMAC RETURN

Among them is a Merrimac return after a season in exile - a move that could also be pushed back to 2020 - while the Australian Football Academy may also look to extend its use of the field beyond its current training agreement, which expires on December 21.

The Italo Australian Club at Clear Island Waters. Picture: Mike Batterham

Newly sworn-in Italo-Australian Club committee member Bruno Tomazov, a former coach at Merrimac and long-time supporter of the club, has been given the task of finalising the plans for the fields and will meet with AFA officials “ASAP” to discuss their intentions.

“There’s many possibilities,” Tomazov, who joined the new committee five months ago, said.

KNIGHTS STAR ADDRESSES EXIT RUMOURS

“At the moment, AFA are using the fields. I spoke with them (Wednesday) morning and asked them to come back to me with a proposition ASAP. As soon as I have a meeting with AFA, we will take it from there.

“Merrimac have a rich history (since 1976). I hope Lazarus will rise again. (A return in 2020) could be an option.

Merrimac take on Palm Beach at Tony Cecco Field in 2015. Picture: Regi Varghese

“Even though football is very, very close to my heart, I have to consider how the (Italo-Australian) Club will benefit the most. My main concern at the moment is for the football fields to be used by players … juniors, seniors, it doesn’t really matter.

COACH VOWS TO LIFT FOR HISTORIC CAMPAIGN

“I want the facilities to be used what they were made for. None of us can perform miracles but we can do our best.”

The deal with Oak Tree Group was signed by the now-deposed Italo-Australian Club committee, with Tomazov thankful “common sense has prevailed”.

The Oak Tree retirement project that was planned for the Italo Australian Club site at Clear Island Waters. Photo: Supplied

“Thank god (we have saved) a sporting field from being a building site. The forefathers and members built the Italo-Australian club to be a sporting and recreation facility,” Tomazov, has also spent time as a club and federation football administrator, said.

FAMILY TIES ALIVE WITH RE-SIGNING

“Unfortunately, a bit over two years ago certain people kicked football about from Tony Cecco and John Benigno fields. The committee over the last five months is working hard to restore the damage the club has suffered since the non-existence of football.

“In my humble opinion, the Italo-Australian Club will not survive without football. It is like pasta without sauce.”

The Bulletin’s attempts to contact AFA officials have so far been unsuccessful.