The Country Footy Prez

21/08/2021

7AFL posted three images last night to credit what had been an exciting and crazy day for the game at the top level.
Below, I’ve added an additional photo in the spirit of offering some balance - a photo of an empty regional footy field.
I can’t remember a crazier 24hr period for community football. With metro clubs and leagues already in lockdown, an 11th hour decision to call off all regional sport was made on Friday evening. Players and volunteers of all regional football and netball woke up to the realisation that in an instant, it could well be all over for 2021.
Earlier in the year I listened to a fantastic interview with head of AFL Victoria Brad Scott on The Local Footy Show. He said that in it’s simplest form, the role of AFL Victoria is to advocate for the game at the community level. Now clearly Victoria currently has a challenge on it’s hands that goes beyond sport and AFL Victoria’s hands are tied with statewide government lockdowns, but where is the empathy for what regional people went through yesterday?
It was an exciting 48hrs for the AFL with close finishes left right and centre, and I’m grateful that the AFL is still allowing fans to have an outlet during Covid lockdowns. But is there any risk that someone in a leadership position at AFL Victoria, in AFL media, or at the AFL itself, could gaze beyond the elite game for just a moment and simply do a shout out for all those at suburban and regional football/netball clubs who are currently hurting? Even just something simple to let us know that you’re thinking of the grassroots game and what we’re once again going through?
No wonder people at community level feel like they don’t have a voice…because they don’t!!
Stay safe and well everyone and reach out to someone at your local club if you’re struggling ✌️

19/08/2021

Looking forward to having a chat with the boys from SEN Latrobe Valley 91.9FM tomorrow morning. Tune in to 91.9FM from 11am, otherwise search for SEN Gippsland Footy Show wherever you get your podcasts from and download the episode.
Hope everyone’s well, cheers Brewy ✌️

17/08/2021

Never thought I’d be sharing artwork on this page, but the simplicity of this piece painted by my wife Kalina, has struck a chord with me and I feel like it represents where so many of us might be at in Victoria at the moment. The title “Moving the Goalposts” is a classic life imitating sport moment. The painted image of our local Lang Lang footy field empty, silent and isolated, also strikes a chord for me and likely for many across metropolitan Melbourne at the moment.

With lockdown extended in Metropolitan Melbourne until at least September and no further information from AFL Victoria or Cricket Victoria as to whether there will be any potential option to extend the 2021 football/netball season into October, the fate of pretty much every metropolitan league’s season hangs by an ever-weakening thread.
I’m looking forward to hearing AFL Victoria’s explanation as to why October was an option in 2020, but was unable to be achieved in 2021.

The club I’m involved with at Lang Lang is situated some 86km from Melbourne’s CBD, yet is considered metropolitan based on our location on the outer edge of the Cardinia shire. I’m certainly feeling the pain of all our metro colleagues who desperately would love to be reunited with our fellow volunteers, teammates, members and supporters in order to get some sort of conclusion to the season. Our unfortunate current predicament is grim and I wish all the metro clubs all the best for whatever finals they may or may not be able to squeeze into an ever-shortening window.

To the regional leagues who have returned to complete the balance of their home and away season and/or finals, I wish you all well and pray that you might be able to have some crowds by the time regional grand finals are held 🤞🤞

Here’s hoping that the goalposts aren’t moved too many more times in our uncertain future… ✌️

I call this one "Moving the Goalposts". It's a digital painting reflecting on the sporting fields being left empty and my partner's disappointment that lockdown cut an already interrupted season short (as the club he runs, while part of a regional league, is just inside the metro border).
Lockdown + surgery has meant that I haven't played my sport (archery) almost all year. I'm fortunate that I have my art I keep me from wallowing too much, but footy is my husband's life and winter lockdowns hit him, and so many, hard.
Now talk of how this pandemic will keep impacting us into 2022, even 2023, and it feels like the goalposts keep moving.

07/08/2021

As clubs and leagues across Victoria scramble to formulate plans A,B,C or D as options for potential finals series, shortened series, or finals series without crowds, I’m calling on Brad Scott and AFL Victoria to seize this opportunity to get on the front foot and do something great for the game at community and grass roots level.
PLEASE, PLEASE commence talks with Cricket Victoria around what it might look like to get them to throw us a bone and give October as a back-up option for community football finals.
After losing the entire 2020 season and navigating their way in and out of lockdowns during 2021, footy/netball clubs and leagues deserve an opportunity to put a full stop on their season and get a finals series in. For sure we may return to play later in August or September, but if we don’t and we know that October is a viable option, then at least clubs and leagues can encourage their players to continue training with the knowledge that we have extra time if needed.
Cricket clubs and leagues were fortunate to get their entire season in last summer, with the exception of the short lockdown in February, so I would hope that the bigger picture could be seen. AFL Vic have the clout to start a conversation such as this, so I’m calling on them to please consider this as an option. Please give October football a chance to be a back-up option so that clubs and leagues can plan for it if necessary.
Stay safe and well everyone ✌️

Leader Local Footy
The Local Footy Show

05/08/2021

Beautiful touch by the Myrtleford Alpine Saints Football & Netball Club
Community footy and netball means so much to so many ❤️

30/07/2021

The Country Footy Prez podcast is proud to be partnered with the TAC and encourages everyone in community football to get behind next weekend’s Road Safety Round.
Let’s band together for road safety, because we’ve all got someone worth coming home safely for. Stay safe and take care everyone ✌️

Transport Accident Commission (TAC)
AFL Victoria

Band Together

12/07/2021

The Country Footy Prez podcast is proudly partnered with the TAC, and the AFL Victoria Road Safety Round this weekend is one that all local clubs will hopefully rally around.
Looking after each other and ensuring that we all get home safely just makes so much sense, stay well everyone ✌️

01/04/2021

I couldn't agree with Ray any more!

To have the community come together as one again is what has been my driving force through 2020...

For me and my club Lang Lang, footy is FINALLY back tomorrow. To say I can not bloody wait would be an absolute understatement! Not only is this our first game in almost 600 days, but this is also the long-awaited grand opening of our brand new start of the art facilities!

To all the president's out there in the clubland, HERE IT IS!💪

30/03/2021

Flashback to when Beau Vernon joined us for a special two-part episode to share his amazing journey.⚡️⬅️

⁠We talk everything from coaching to surfing, the power of community sport and what it means to him, as well as some of his key learnings such as having a laugh and not taking yourself too seriously.⁠

⁠Check out Part A & B through the link below🎧👇🏻

https://linktr.ee/thecountryfootyprez

21/03/2021

❤️

14/03/2021

For our 20th episode, we journeyed to the Mornington Peninsula to catch up with the man known as ‘Whale’ to those at the Buds. The big fella took us through his football journey, from Daylston in his formative younger years, to a 300-game premiership career at his beloved Rosebud. Interestingly, Brett had to navigate the 2020 Covid year not only as a football president but as the parent of a daughter playing college basketball in the USA.

We spoke about some of the challenges that the scenario presented, as well as the very challenging time his club experienced as a result of a su***de during the recent pandemic. Whale gives us an honest and open account of his experiences through the last 12 months and he also shared some of the positive things in place at the Buds moving forward.

Brett is yet another example of a hard-working, humble and inspirational leader at community level and I hope you enjoy this chat as much as I did...

Check out this episode through the link below 🎧⁠👇🏻

https://linktr.ee/thecountryfootyprez

07/03/2021

‘Bazz’ as he’s known to the Saints’ football family, joined us to share his journey. Formerly known as the Bethanga Saints, the club made the tough decision to move from Bethanga into Wodonga in 2002, making the Saints the 3rd club in Wodonga behind the Bulldogs and Raiders, who both compete in the stronger O&M league.

Bazz shared with us some of the logistical challenges that come hand in hand with being the 3rd wheel to the other Wodonga clubs, as well as the great things that make his club such a great club to be a part of. We were also joined by special guest club life member Robert White, who shared some of his highs and lows through his time at the club, as well as some of the challenges he and other elderly club volunteers faced while in isolation through a tough 2020 away from their club.

Both Wh**ey and Bazz are pure football lovers, whose dedication to driving their club towards a more positive era, following some very tough years is inspirational and their club and community should be excited about the direction the club is now headed...

Check out this episode through the link below 🎧⁠👇🏻

https://linktr.ee/thecountryfootyprez

04/03/2021

Micky D is a local legend in both footy and umpiring circles. He has lived a remarkable football journey and I had a ball recording this episode.⁠
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Check out this episode through the link below 🎧⁠👇🏻

https://linktr.ee/thecountryfootyprez

28/02/2021

Micky D has lived a remarkable football journey and he joined us to share some of his favourite memories and stories. Growing up in the remote community of Cora Lynn in West Gippsland, Michael was part of his home town’s first-ever stand-alone senior premiership in 1986. Following his decorated playing career, he’s given back to the game he loves, both as an umpire and also as a junior recruiter for his beloved Cora Lynn.⁠
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As an umpire, Michael’s short stature, quick wit and big personality have led to him being referred to as the ‘Razor Ray’ of country footy. We spoke about the things he loves most about umpiring - the highs, the lows and some of the funny moments he’s come across with whistle in hand.⁠
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The highlight of the episode for me, was when Micky D shared his groundbreaking Sudanese refugee youth development program with us - a program which recently saw Michael nominated alongside the great Neale Daniher for the Victorian Australian of the year. This amazing program may just change the way people think about junior recruiting moving forward.⁠
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Micky D is a local legend in both footy and umpiring circles, a great story-teller and I had a ball recording this episode.⁠

Check out this episode through the link below 🎧⁠👇🏻

https://linktr.ee/thecountryfootyprez

21/02/2021

Hurls joined us for a chat to share some of his football journey, which has led to him becoming president of his beloved Merbein FNC for the last seven years.

A self-proclaimed very modest footballer, Hurls’ journey has seen many ups and downs, from the Merv Neagle-led back to back Merbein premierships in 2002-03, to periods where he fell out of love with the game.

For mine, Toney’s strength as a president is his genuine love and care for the people at his club - He also shared with us some fascinating and powerful insight into some of the struggles their small community faced with su***de several years ago. That challenging period led to the club becoming actively involved with the 'it's ok not to be ok' program, a program that now sees Merbein as a local leader in this space in their Sunraysia region.

Toney is a simple, salt of the earth, knockabout bloke whose genuine love of his club and community is infectious and inspiring. Hope you enjoy this chat...

Check out this episode through the link below 🎧⁠👇🏻

https://linktr.ee/thecountryfootyprez

14/02/2021

When it comes to longevity in volunteering, Buck Howard might just take the cake. A member of the Hay FNC committee for 54 consecutive years, Buck has been president for a staggering 31 of those years - making him the longest-serving club president we’ve met through this series thus far.

Buck and his wife Robyn joined us for a chat to share their journey - one that has seen ups and downs such as struggles to find a league to play in, premiership success, family challenges, as well as awards such as the VCFL Volunteer of the Year and an Order of Australia Medal.

Despite all the awards and accolades, Buck noted the construction of his club’s community-built clubrooms as being one of his fondest memories in his time in football - a true sense of community spirit and an indication of the respect he has for his fellow volunteers in their community.

A genuine icon of Australian Rules Football, Buck‘s passion for his club and community is as impressive as I’ve ever experienced and it was a privilege to have the opportunity to listen to some of his perspectives on life and football.

Check out this episode through the link below 🎧⁠👇🏻

https://linktr.ee/thecountryfootyprez

13/02/2021

As we dive head first into lockdown 3.0 I thought I'd share this highlight from my recent episode with Beau Vernon. Stay safe everyone and keep looking out for each other...
To check out the rest of Beau's special 2-part episode, click on the links below...
https://omny.fm/shows/the-country-footy-prez/episode-15-phillip-islands-beau-vernon-part-a
https://omny.fm/shows/the-country-footy-prez/episode-15-phillip-islands-beau-vernon-part-b

12/02/2021

Feeling for all the community sporting clubs and communities out there across Victoria today. Couldn’t have said it better myself Royston Nettleton, take care everyone ✌️

07/02/2021

Beau Vernon doing what Beau Vernon does. Congratulations on behalf of The Country Footy Prez family on your latest success ❤️👌

07/02/2021

Beau joined us for a special two-part episode to share his journey, as well as offer a coach’s perspective on community football and what it means to him.⁠
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Beau was a star junior and senior player at community level before an on-field accident in 2012 resulted in a spinal cord injury and quadriplegia. Since then Beau has travelled an incredible journey, inspiring thousands with his positive mindset and can-do outlook on life. Beau has coached at senior level for five years, with teams coached by this great man reaching grand finals in all five of those years!⁠
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Beau won a national hand cycling championship in 2016, is a pride of Australia medal winner, a passionate advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities and in 2020 was inducted into the MCG’s Australian Sports Museum. ⁠
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We spoke about some of the key events both pre and post-injury that have shaped Beau’s life. We talk everything from coaching to surfing, the power of community sport and what it means to him, as well as some of his key learnings such as having a laugh and not taking yourself too seriously.⁠
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Beau is as engaging, caring, funny and genuine person as I’ve ever come across. It was a privilege to have the opportunity to get to know him and I hope you enjoy this chat...⁠
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Check out Part B through the link below 🎧⁠👇🏻

https://linktr.ee/thecountryfootyprez

31/01/2021

Beau joined us for a special two-part episode to share his journey, as well as offer a coach’s perspective on community football and what it means to him.

Beau was a star junior and senior player at community level before an on-field accident in 2012 resulted in a spinal cord injury and quadriplegia. Since then Beau has travelled an incredible journey, inspiring thousands with his positive mindset and can-do outlook on life. Beau has coached at senior level for five years, with teams coached by this great man reaching grand finals in all five of those years!

Beau won a national hand cycling championship in 2016, is a pride of Australia medal winner, a passionate advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities and in 2020 was inducted into the MCG’s Australian Sports Museum.

We spoke about some of the key events both pre and post-injury that have shaped Beau’s life. We talk everything from coaching to surfing, the power of community sport and what it means to him, as well as some of his key learnings such as having a laugh and not taking yourself too seriously.

Beau is as engaging, caring, funny and genuine person as I’ve ever come across. It was a privilege to have the opportunity to get to know him and I hope you enjoy this chat...

Check out this episode through the link below 🎧⁠👇🏻

https://linktr.ee/thecountryfootyprez

27/01/2021

Who else is looking forward to hearing their local club's song in 2021? 😍

24/01/2021

Growing up in Melbourne’s working-class northern suburb of Reservoir, Casey was taught the value of community involvement and inclusion by his parents, who were heavily involved in volunteering during his early football years.

These days Casey finds himself at the helm of one of the largest clubs in the Eastern FNL, arguably Melbourne’s strongest league outside of the VFL.

We discuss Blackburn’s community-based business model and mindset, as well as the important role that football and netball are going to play in assisting communities to bounce back post-Covid.

We touch on some of the iconic local volunteers who help make his club tick, as well as the impressive role Blackburn’s leadership group played through Covid in keeping volunteers and sponsors connected through 2020.

A refreshing chat that proved to me that a community-first mindset is achievable regardless of the size of the club...

Check out this episode through the link below 🎧⁠👇🏻

https://linktr.ee/thecountryfootyprez

20/01/2021

‘Gags’ as he’s known to most in the far north-east of the state has lived and breathed football his whole life.
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Gags played his first game in the U/16’s as a 7yo and went onto play senior football from the ages of 14 to 53 - that’s right 40 years of senior football! He got involved in volunteering while still playing, becoming secretary of the ODFNL and is currently that league’s president. ⁠

Check out this episode through the link below 🎧⁠👇🏻

https://linktr.ee/thecountryfootyprez

17/01/2021

Jonesy as he’s known at the club has enjoyed a fairly different journey to most in becoming president. From early days as a masseuse and trainer at AFL clubs, Hawthorn and Melbourne, to becoming the head trainer at Tooradin.

Lee was thrust into club leadership following the sudden and tragic passing of their club’s president. Jonesy used his positive outlook and fantastic people skills to bring everyone at the club together and progress forward, resulting in a successful on-field result for both football and netball in 2019, following his club’s return into the West Gippsland FNL.

Jonesy is your classic knock-about bloke who simply loves footy, his club and his community. He shared with us some fantastic perspective on delegation, empowerment and working together towards a common goal - something both myself and many others at clubland will hopefully get something from. Hope you enjoy...

Check out this episode through the link below 🎧⁠👇🏻

https://linktr.ee/thecountryfootyprez

10/01/2021

‘Gags’ as he’s known to most in the far north-east of the state has lived and breathed football his whole life and as he so eloquently puts it “You’re born and you die and there’s Aussie Rules in-between”.⁠
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Gags played his first game in the U/16’s as a 7yo and went onto play senior football from the ages of 14 to 53 - that’s right 40 years of senior football! He got involved in volunteering while still playing, becoming secretary of the ODFNL and is currently that league’s president. ⁠
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Gags’ journey has been incredible and I had a ball talking footy with him - the old function stories were a real highlight!⁠ Gags’ family has been a staple of their community for more than 100 years and his local perspective makes interesting listening for anyone not from up that way.⁠
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A footy nut, dedicated family man and a proud member of his league and community, this one’s a ripper and I hope you enjoy...⁠
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Check out this episode through the link below 🎧⁠👇🏻

https://linktr.ee/thecountryfootyprez

05/01/2021

I challenge anyone to name a better era for hair than the late '70s/early ’80s 👌

Season 2 of The Country Footy Prez is well and truly underway as we met with former St.Kilda and Footscray forward, John 'Beany' Bennett!

Beany’s passion and love of the game at a community level is impressive and infectious, from his time spent being part of the Southern Footy League radio show, to organising fundraising and charity luncheons, Beany is a man of the people who always has a smile on his face and a cheeky story to tell.

Check out this episode through the link below 🎧⁠👇🏻

https://linktr.ee/thecountryfootyprez

03/01/2021

We kick off 2021 in Melbourne’s inner south-east to catch up with one of the sport’s genuine characters!

Beany played with St.Kilda and Footscray through the early ’80s and later went onto a decorated career at Sandringham and East Brighton. A Southern Football Netball League life member and hall of fame inductee, since retiring as a player he has been a staple at Heatherton FNC for the last 20 years, taking on various coaching and committee roles and is their current president.

We talk sharing forward lines with all-time greats, lessons learned from legendary humans such as Trevor Barker and Doug Hawkins, as well as near-death experiences after starting food fights with Plugger Lockett.

We touch on some of the junior participation challenges for suburban leagues and Beany shares some interesting perspective about the importance of AFL players giving back to the sport at a grassroots level.

Beany’s passion and love of the game at a community level is impressive and infectious, from his time spent being part of the Southern Footy League radio show, to organising fundraising and charity luncheons, Beany is a man of the people who always has a smile on his face and a cheeky story to tell.

An iconic figure both on and off the field, this was a fun episode to make and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did...

Check out this episode through the link below 🎧⁠👇🏻

https://linktr.ee/thecountryfootyprez

02/01/2021

SNEAK PEEK!

Beany played with St.Kilda and Footscray through the early ’80s and later went onto a decorated career at Sandringham and East Brighton.
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We talk sharing forward lines with all-time greats, lessons learned from legendary humans such as Trevor Barker and Doug Hawkins, as well as near-death experiences after starting food fights with Plugger Lockett.⁠
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Stay tuned as this episode will be released Sunday afternoon 🎧

30/12/2020

I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy New Year! 🎉

Thank you to everyone who has tuned in and supported us this year - Stay tuned over the next few days as we look to launch into season 2 of The Country Footy Prez!

Bring on 2021💪