Casey-Dandenong soccer clubs ready to unite behind local push for an A-League licence

VOTE: DANDENONG could be the home to the A-League’s newest club after a push from some of the state’s biggest powerhouses to secure a licence.

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THE six biggest soccer clubs in the Casey-Dandenong region say they would unite behind a local push for an A-League licence.

The Casey and Greater Dandenong councils also endorse a southeast A-League bid and both have already identified appropriate locations — Casey Fields and Dandenong Showgrounds.

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Former Springvale City and Socceroos star Vince Grella headlines an impressive southeast production line that includes current players Scott McDonald, Eugene Galekovic, Curtis Good and Jackson Irvine.

With a rapidly growing population that already numbers 1.2 million, the southeast is a perfect home for a professional club according to locals.

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Each of Dandenong City, Dandenong Thunder, Springvale White Eagles, South Springvale, Berwick City and Casey Comets ardently support an A-League team being placed on their doorstep.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of people in the community and there’s a real hunger for soccer. It’s taking off in the southeast and there’s no AFL here,” Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti said.

Vince Grella in action against Paraguay.

Scott McDonald in action against Qatar.

“We’ve got the right spot for it — the Showgrounds, which is only 500 metres from Dandenong Station. It’s a big parcel of land, 40 acres, perfect for a boutique stadium.

“Dandenong is the most multicultural council in Victoria and they would back an A-League club.”

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Casey is the eighth-fastest growing municipality in Australia with a population of approximately 290,000 that is projected to grow to 459,000 by 2036.

Dandenong has roughly 155,000 residents and will push 200,000 in 15 years.

This year there were 2370 registered players in Casey — only Monash and Boroondara had more in Victoria — while Greater Dandenong had 1946.

“If a super club was formed representing the entire region, it would be a raging success,” Dandenong City president Tony Dorotic said.

South Springvale vice president Omi Emmanouilidis said such a team could match Melbourne City’s crowds straight away.

Casey Comets president Dawn Stone said the club would also attract fans from areas like Monash, Frankston, the Mornington Peninsula and Gippsland.

Dandenong Thunder and South Melbourne clash.

A-League expansion is a hot topic, with at least two new teams to be added soon.

South Melbourne has formalised a bid, Geelong is in the mix, but Berwick City president Joe Di Iorio said the southeast is another Western Sydney Wanderers in waiting.

Thunder president Ferman Zekirija said a bid from the region “should have happened a long time ago”, while White Eagles vice president Milos Sekulovski said a club in the southeast would be a valuable addition to the country’s youth development stocks.

Casey Mayor Sam Aziz said Casey Fields would be a perfect training base for an A-League club.

A sextet of powerhouse clubs in the southeast have come together to push for an A-League licence.

CITY OF GREATER DANDENONG

“We’ve got the right spot for it — the Showgrounds, which is only 500 metres from Dandenong Station and we could open up more bus routes. It’s a big parcel of land, 40 acres, perfect for a boutique stadium that holds 12-13,000.’’ — mayor Jim Memeti

CITY OF CASEY

“The City of Casey has an existing elite sporting facility at Casey Fields which is a training base for MFC, hosts practice matches for the Stars and which would provide the high standard amenities required to accommodate a top level soccer club.’’ — mayor Sam Aziz.

Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti has always been a big supporter of the world game. Picture: Susan Windmiller