Frankston Dolphins call for public support as debt-hit club begins fight for VFL survival
FRANKSTON coach Patrick Hill has implored the players to ‘stick tight’ as the debt-hit Dolphins fight for their survival in the VFL.
South East
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FRANKSTON coach Patrick Hill has implored the players to “stick tight’’ as the debt-hit Dolphins fight for their survival in the VFL.
Despite going into voluntary administration 10 days ago with a suspected $1 million debt, Hill said it was “business as usual’’ and he and his coaching staff were planning for next season.
“I told them (players) to be united and stick together. Until we know what’s going on I said to stick together and that includes me.”
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But both Hill and Dolphins legend Alan Wickes said it was essential locals and the business community rallied behind the club in its time of need.
A former Dolphins president, Wickes believes the move into administration “could be the trigger point for something positive’’.
Wickes was among the people who helped the club recover from a parlous financial position in 1977.
Frankston Dolphins VFL club forced into administration with debts of more than $500,000
Frankston owed $50,000 but rallied and won the Division 2 premiership under the coaching of Bryan Mace in 1978 — its only flag in its 50 years in the VFA/VFL.
“Once the dust has settled and once the forensic administration job is done and all the cards are on the table, the AFL will obviously have its contribution and input because it’s very interested in the region,” Wickes said.
“It’s a big area and there is already a big investment in it.
“We’ll then do what we did back then (1977), get the public right behind us and call a meeting.
“I’m more enlightened than saddened because it could be the catalyst for something to happen.”
The Dolphins have received the past two wooden spoons — they failed to win a game in 2015 but picked up two wins this year.
But Wickes, who was president of Frankston from 1971-75 and of the VFA from 1981-84, said the Dolphins were only four players short of being a strong team.
Former Frankston player and coach Simon Goosey said the Mornington Peninsula needed a VFL club to give opportunities to young players with the talent and ambition to play in the AFL.
Michael Hibberd, Mark Baguley, Dylan Van Unen, Kyle Martin, Leigh Osborne, Sam Lloyd and Nic Newman were all drafted from Goosey-coached Dolphins teams between 2010-2014.
“If they (Frankston) aren’t there, what happens to the kids? Will they have to go interstate?’’ he said.
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“We need a good, strong stand-alone club here to give them the chance to go on to the higher level, like ‘Hibbo’ (Hibberd) and ‘Bags’ (Baguley).’’
Goosey urged local businesses to sponsor the club and residents to buy memberships and use the new social club for events.
In a statement to Leader, Frankston Council chief executive Dennis Hovenden said it was working with “key stakeholders including the appointed administrators, club representatives and AFL Victoria’’ and “all stakeholders have the same objective of working toward a positive outcome for the club’’.
“The club is a tenant of council’s and is vital to the fabric of the Frankston community,’’ he said.
Frankston state Labor MP Paul Edbrooke said he would seek more information before raising the matter with Sport Minister John Eren.
Frankston firm Worrells Solvency and Forensic Accountants is assessing the club’s financial position and dealing with creditors.