Local and country footy moves kept quiet

The deadline for local footy clubs to apply to change leagues has passed and yet many remain in the dark about who wants to go where. We explain why in this week’s edition of Quick Kicks.

Here at Quick Kicks we look at the lighter side of local footy.

Whether it be a funny exchange, a good stat or an action that’s laughed about after the game — it’s all here.

SILENCE ON MOVING CLUBS

Wondering if your local competition might have a new club or two next season? Well, it’s a matter of patience for everyone involved.

Earlier this year, AFL Victoria announced clubs looking for a scenery change had until June 30 to launch their applications, brought forward from October 31.

When the team at Quick Kicks tried seeking more information from head office about which clubs might be on the list they were stonewalled.

We were told no updates would be provided on transfer applications, with leagues confirming approved moves at the right time.

Some clubs we know who have applied to move include Officer and Pakenham, looking to go from the Outer East league to West Gippsland, while Upwey Tecoma is exploring a move to the Eastern league.

Drouin is trying to go from Gippsland to West Gippsland while Emerald Junior Football Club is seeking to join South East Juniors.

Other clubs include Morwell East (Mid Gippsland to North Gippsland), Gisborne (Bendigo to Ballarat) and Ultima (Golden Rivers to Central Murray).

Maryborough saw its attempts to come out of recess and join the Maryborough Castlemaine league rejected.

HOW MANY HIT-OUTS?

Former AFL listed ruckman Luke Goetz must have a sore hand. According to Premier Data, the Bacchus Marsh ruckman recorded a whopping 112 hit-outs in his side’s 17-point Ballarat league loss to arch-rivals Darley. The stats say 27 were to advantage. It’s the second most record by the stats provider, seven off the best.

SNEAK ATTACK

One top division local player may have gotten away with one on the weekend when a melee broke out near the interchange. We’re told the player was on the bench but entered the field of play to get in on the action – meaning there was momentarily an extra player on the field – before quietly returning to the bench without the umpires noticing.

800 AND STILL GOING STRONG

Jim Chetcuti might be 63 but he’s still going strong. The South Morang great ran out for game 800 on Sunday, lining up for Coburg in the Over-55s. Jim started out at Mernda in the now defunct Panton Hill league before crossing to the Lions. He would go on to make more than 400 appearances for the club before playing on in the SuperRules competition.

THE CASE OF THE MISSING COACH

One local footy club had a good win over the weekend and the funny thing? The coach was missing. He told the club in question he needed a mid-season break and was soon at the airport on a little getaway. Maybe the assistants can take on the role a little longer?

CHEEKY SLEDGE AMID MAYHEM

Funny moment amid the pandemonium of Aaron Mullett’s 100-goal celebrations at Wandin on Saturday. In the throng of people on the ground, Mullett’s teammate Tom Merlino bumped into club mate Jarrod Hartman, and couldn’t resist a cheeky jibe. “You’re on the ground in a senior game, mate,” Merlino said. Hartman, by the way, had just slotted six goals in the ressies.

Tom Merlino and Jarrod Hartman.

SPECIAL MOMENT AT HAMPTON ROVERS

A historic moment will take place at VAFA club Hampton Rovers this weekend when Mandy Naylor runs out for her 100th game. Naylor is set to become the first women’s player to play 100 senior games in the VAFA for the Rovers. She has a rich family history with the club and had previously been a trainer before taking to the field herself in the first women’s game in 2017. In her career, Naylor has been a captain and runner-up in the club’s best-and-fairest award.

“She is an integral part of the football club both on and off the field who bleeds green and gold. She is fearless on the field, leads by example, is very competitive and fiercely determined,” the club said.

WRONG END

Tensions were reportedly high pre-match between Narre Warren and Cheltenham after the visiting side warmed up using the Narre Warren’s typically favoured end, something the Magpies took exception to.

Karingal champion Michael Burke is still getting it done.

STILL A GUN AT 43

Class is permanent…that’s definitely the case for Karingal great Michael Burke, whose amazing football career rolls on, at 43. Burkey — one of the MPFNL’s best players this century — is coaching the club’s reserves this season but was recalled to the Bulls’ seniors last month and has, according to club coach Nathan Burke, been “outstanding”. “He shows the others what can be done with the ball with a bit of composure,” the coach said. Burke even got to play alongside his son Jackson before the youngster took off overseas. Michael, though, did a hammy last weekend and will miss this week’s game, with his spot to be taken by, yep, son Jackson, who’s back from o/s.

CLUB RECORD FOR BRENNAN

Saturday is set to mark a special milestone for Berwick’s Tom Brennan when he becomes the club’s games record holder.

Brennan is set to play his 227th match for the Wickers, a mark which will see him pass Brad Molineux’s record.

“Tom’s impact goes far beyond the field. He’s the heartbeat of Berwick: a selfless clubman, a natural leader, and a genuinely great bloke. He leads by example, lifts those around him, and embodies everything the club stands for,” the club said.

“His loyalty, resilience, and passion have left a legacy that will inspire generations of Berwick players to come. Tom Brennan isn’t just a record-breaker — he’s a role model, a warrior, and a true champion of the club.”

100 UP FOR MARSHALL

Shoutout to Lyndale’s Chantelle Marshall who celebrated her 100th match for the club on the weekend, becoming the first female Puma to reach the milestone in the process.

Marshall played in Lyndale’s 2019 premiership and also figured in the Southern interleague side that year.

“A true team player, Ghost always puts the team first and leads by example. Her ability to step up when needed and inspire those around her has not gone unnoticed,” the club said.

BYRON PICKETT JNR’S HAUL

Our friends across the border provided us with this moment of magic. The son of North Melbourne and Port Adelaide premiership player, Byron Pickett, is making his own way. Byron Pickett Jr finished with 20 goals in Western United’s 267-point win over Thevenard on the Eyre Peninsula.