Castlemaine will be playing in round one, despite losing players

The former home of some of the VFL/AFL’s biggest names including Dustin Martin has knocked back rumours about it’s future but admits there are still challenges ahead.

The former footballing home of Dustin Martin is defiant it’s not on the verge of going into recess.

Castlemaine, the second oldest club in Victoria, has confirmed it will compete in the Bendigo Football League this season.

There had been concerns about the club’s short-term future after it was revealed Ovens and Murray league outfit Corowa-Rutherglen were likely to enter recess.

But despite the on field struggles, the club has won just four games since 2017 including a streak of 48 straight losses, the Magpies aren’t preparing to close their doors.

President Caleb Kuhle said despite its previous issues, the club has been home to other superstars including Jack Titus and Ron Barassi Sr, it is ready to push on.

“I have no doubt there will be a senior side rolling out round 1,” he said.

“We’ve got over 30 contracted players. It’s not the second oldest club in the country for a reason.

“It stood the test of time and will continue to stand the test of time.

“The main goal is to make sure there is a home for kids and make sure there is somewhere to go for them and play footy at the highest level they possibly can.”

Despite looking set to field a side, Castlemaine are expected towards the end of the ladder.

“The seniors will be there and abouts the same as last year,” he revealed.

“We’ve lost a few key players but that’s the nature of football.

“We’ve recruited a handful of replacements and a younger group so hopefully we can hold it together and work from there.

“The senior side is down and it needs to do better and we need to do better.

“It would be great to see some people come in and go ‘this is a legacy club and we’d love to help out’.”

Marong premiership player Tom Wilson is one of Castlemaine’s newest signings for this season. Picture: Castlemaine Football Netball Club.

Kuhle said between now and April 15, when the Magpies open their season against Maryborough, they hope to recruit some more players.

“We’ve got to make sure we are fit and healthy and ready to go in round 1,” he said.

“There’s still players out there that haven’t committed to clubs.

“There’s some fringe players in stronger clubs within the league who might not be getting those opportunities at senior level where they could potentially help us out for a year and help themselves out in the same process.

“They are getting that exposure and experience at the senior level. If we can tap into that group it will be much better off.”

Kuhle said apart from the senior men’s football program the club is strong.

“Overall as a club it’s probably the strongest it’s been in quite some time,” he said.

“(We got) some on court success with our A-grade netball back and having A-grade and A-reserve playing finals last year.

“And having our lower grades just a bit unlucky to not get there was a bit tough but they’ll come back bigger and stronger.

“Juniors are going similar to last year but going a bit better than they were. Under-18s football we’re looking to have a stronger, or more top age list than last year so hopefully they can knock on the door of finals.”

Then there is the women’s football team who won the Central Victoria Football League women’s competition last year.

“They’ll be looking to see if they can go back-to-back,” Kuhle said.

“They’ve lost a few through the VFL system but have picked up accordingly.”

If you are keen to help the club, particularly in men’s seniors, you can contact the club on their Facebook page.