MDFL - Howdy and the start of season 2013 in the Mininera and District Football League is fast approaching with April 13 round one.
Let's hope the ovals are a bit softer by then, anyhow best of luck to all 12 clubs.
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Caramut has a new coach with Nathan Jones, 2012 WJ Lewis medallist, taking the reins from Todd O'Sullivan.
Nathan's been an assistant at Woorndoo and Caramut and he knows the MDFL well. Also runner up three times in the vote count.
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Woorndoo/Mortlake also has a new coach with Adam Ryan ex-Allansford player in the role.
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I hear the MDFL executive has a meeting with the Western District and Ararat Umpires at Dunkeld on March 5. The WDVA will cover three games, the ADVA two and Wimmera one.
I also hear the Ararat umpires have a couple of new faces.
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SM&W Rovers look to be losing two key position players with Lee Marshall set to join Beaufort and the coach's brother, Jaye Cahir indicating a return to his club of origin, Dunnstown.
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One Mininera netball club is possibly going to have fluctuating numbers this season with the stork expected a least eight times.
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Moyston/Willaura under 16s are certainly in good hands with the return of most respected coach Wilf Dickenson, who replaces Will Bell who is coaching the Ararat Rats' under-14 side.
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All MDFL followers would have been saddened by the passing of Peter Gorst.
Gorsty was a top bloke and also generous sponsor of the MDFL.
Peter first played with Wickliffe in 1967 and played his 200th game on July 7, 1979 against Hawkesdale. He was awarded club life membership in 1979 and was runner up best and fairest in 1971 and 1972 and over the journey received many other awards.
He joined the club's committee in 1969 and continued until 1985. Club vice president 1974 to 1982 Peter retired in 1981 after 222 games and also played in one inter league game for the MDFL.
In November 1985 Lake Bolac Football Club approached Wickliffe to merge for the 1986 season - Wickliffe refused. Then in March, just three weeks before the season the two clubs re-met with Gorsty playing a huge role in the merger in being able to foresee a number of problems.
The Wickliffe/Lake Bolac Football Club came into being and Peter was to serve from 1986 to 1995 on the committee and also played a huge role in recruiting Peter's business, Gorst Rural Supplies, supporting the merged club with jumper naming rights and trophy donation.
Gorsty was club person of the year 1989 and 1994. He was able to enjoy many flags along the way and will be greatly missed at the local footy. Farewell Gorsty.
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MDFL president Ruth Brain and secretary David Wade recently attended a civic reception for the Western Bulldogs in Hamilton and Ruth tells me all senior players bar two were in attendance along with coach Brendan McCarthy.
The captain spoke very well and it was a very well run function.
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All you a footballer or netballer who wants a fast buck? Then enter the relay race at this year's Willaura Cup meeting on Sunday, April 28 at the Ararat Racecourse.
A total of $2,000 is up for grabs with 'Roving Eyes' being one of three sponsors.
No entry fee required, with two runners per team and $750 for each runner, while the winner's club will receive $500. Don't miss out!
Josh Bywater from the Pumas hopefully will find a running partner and defend his title. To enter phone Adam Atchinson on 0408 564 501.
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And now the part everybody reads, clearances so far...
In - Lismore/Derrinallum: Lachlan Bryant from Rokewood Corindhap; Jack Pitts from Montmorency. Moyston-Willaura: Aaron McKinnis from Ararat F.C; Nathan Burke from Ararat F.C; Patrick Frawley from Ararat F.C.
Out - Glenthompson-Dunkeld: Tyson Hogan to Coleraine; Andrew Gould to Coleraine; Daniel Franc to Hamilton Kangaroos. Hawkesdale-Macarthur: Josh Seabrook to EWFNC Ryco Bombers; Rodney Brown to EWFNC Ryco Bombers; Daniel Gleeson to South Rovers; Jamie Hetherington to Port Fairy. Moyston-Willaura: William Bell to Ararat F.C. Penshurst: Taylor McKenry to Panmure; Jason Linke to North Ballarat; Brenton McKenry to Uni Blues. SM&W Rovers: Lee Marshall to Beaufort. Wickliffe-Lake Bolac: Cody Jennings to South Rovers; Ben Britten to Wantirna South. Woorndoo/Mortlake: William Orde to EWFNC Ryco Bombers; James Duynhoven to North Mackay.
It's early days.
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Well folks I'll be back in late March with more MDFL news, as I write this let's hope the big fire in the Grampians is soon out and the huge job volunteer fire fighters are doing is over.
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And finally...A committee is a group that keeps minutes and loses hours.
