Frankston Football Club raring to go for 2018 season
MORE than 18 months after they lost their VFL licence, the Dolphins are ready to swim in the state league again.
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Hawks’ saviour joins fight to save VFL club
MORE than 18 months after they lost their VFL licence, the Dolphins are ready to swim in the state league again.
Frankston Football Club sat out the 2017 season after debts worth more than $1 million forced it into administration in August, 2016.
But a campaign to “bring back the Dolphins’’ was a stunning success and the club will make its comeback on Saturday, hosting Essendon at the newly named Skybus Stadium at Frankston Park.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is expected to be on hand when the team runs on to the ground.
The club’s future looked bleak when it lapsed into administration.
But former champion player Peter Geddes spearheaded a revival, bringing together Frankston Council, local MPs Paul Edbrooke and Chris Crewther and other community leaders.
Prominent football people including Western Bulldogs premiership coach Luke Beveridge, a former Frankston player, rallied behind the club.
Even without a team to watch last year the Dolphins signed up 1200 members.
And they appointed former Hawthorn champion Gary Buckenara as general manager.
The resurgence prompted AFL Victoria to welcome Frankston back into the fold.
“The Frankston FC and all involved have shown their commitment to regain their licence in the VFL, establishing a strong strategic plan focused on governance, community engagement, sponsorship and membership that will assist the club and the region into the future,’’ AFL Victoria boss Steven Reaper said.
Dolphins president Peter Geddes told the Leader the year on the sidelines gave the club the chance to “recreate ourselves and emerge as a ‘new Frankston’.’’
“Our coach, Adam Skrobalak, and his team are taking the best of the past with them but are also committed to creating a new Frankston brand with this side having its own identity,’’ Geddes said.
The Dolphins’ recruits include former Richmond pair Jake Batchelor and Todd Elton, both products of the MPNFL.