Moving Training Base

[Leoncelli_36 2,264]

I have tried to find the thread but couldn't, but I just noticed that the MFC have announced a training night at Toorak Park, next Thursday. See here for details. http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2015-06-16/heartland-training-and-family-fun-night

A while back there was some talk of us looking at Elsternwick Park as a new training base. However it fell over if it was ever really an option at all. I suggested in that post that we would be better off looking at Toorak Park as a training base as it is in the 'Heartland' close to a train station and two tram lines.

Question is, did someone from the club read that and is this a test to see how many show up and weather it could be a viable home for the demons? Personally, being a resident of the area, I would love it.

What do others make of this 'experiment.

[daisycutter 29,892]

I have tried to find the thread but couldn't, but I just noticed that the MFC have announced a training night at Toorak Park, next Thursday. See here for details. http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2015-06-16/heartland-training-and-family-fun-night

A while back there was some talk of us looking at Elsternwick Park as a new training base. However it fell over if it was ever really an option at all. I suggested in that post that we would be better off looking at Toorak Park as a training base as it is in the 'Heartland' close to a train station and two tram lines.

Question is, did someone from the club read that and is this a test to see how many show up and weather it could be a viable home for the demons? Personally, being a resident of the area, I would love it.

What do others make of this 'experiment.

toorak park would be hopeless

cramped, no room and no parking

[Barney Rubble 1,576]

It would only be a light training session,prior to the bye and a family night.

It's not a bad venue to get the families to, this is the problem not having an enclosed training facility.

Somewhere you feel ok to let the kids off a lead.

They should also try and get that venue for trying out some set plays usually done by clubs who can have closed sessions.

I would certainly be happy if they could use the ground and build a facility there.

[Demon Disciple 12,452]

Romance aside, given the melbourne - Prahran connection from the old days, it's way too small for an AFL team to move its entire organisation in to.

[Wadda We Sing 10,685]

Why cant we train at AAMI park ffs....

[old dee 24,003]

For God sake the training venue is not the problem.

An improved but still bottom list is the problem.

[Wells 11 5,466]

For God sake the training venue is not the problem.

An improved but still bottom list is the problem.

They're BOTH problems old dee. One is short term hopefully ( the list) the other is longer term. If we don't sort that out we may have ( even more) trouble attracting decent players.

[Demon Disciple 12,452]

As posted by Leoncelli_36, we have an open training session this Thursday evening at Toorak Park.

Anyone from Demonland thinking of going? It's rather close to my place so i may venture down, would be great to reminisce about the big win just past!

[Demon Dynasty 17,132]

Apparently the Hawks are looking to build a new venue in Rowville or something. I wonder if their present venue might be a good option if it comes up

[Cards13 9,117]

Apparently the Hawks are looking to build a new venue in Rowville or something. I wonder if their present venue might be a good option if it comes up

Aren't they selling it to partially fund the move to the tip?

Edited June 23, 2015 by Cards13

[chookrat 4,268]

Why cant we train at AAMI park ffs....

Why can't we train at the MCG ffs

[Rob Mac...... 638]

As posted by Leoncelli_36, we have an open training session this Thursday evening at Toorak Park.

Anyone from Demonland thinking of going? It's rather close to my place so i may venture down, would be great to reminisce about the big win just past!

Hello DD. It's fairly close to me too & presume it's still on. I never go to training, but might roll up

[Seraph 1,824]

Hello DD. It's fairly close to me too & presume it's still on. I never go to training, but might roll up

It's still on.

Details are here: http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2015-06-16/heartland-training-and-family-fun-night

[jnrmac 20,276]

Apparently the Hawks are looking to build a new venue in Rowville or something. I wonder if their present venue might be a good option if it comes up

The Dorks present training base is the 4th worst in the league according to themselves...not sure why we would want it....

[Demon Dynasty 17,132]

The Dorks present training base is the 4th worst in the league according to themselves...not sure why we would want it....

ok , didn't realise it was that bad. Not getting bottom of the rung results by being there! Nicely placed venue. Is it not upgradable?

[DeeSpencer 26,301]

For God sake the training venue is not the problem.

An improved but still bottom list is the problem

Why do you think our list got so bad in the first place?

Poor facilities turned away players and staff. The footy department and club couldn't be located near each other. The players and coaches were definitely put out by having to train at multiple venues. We trained in unprofessional venues and the players and list followed suit. But maybe more than anything the lack of a fixed asset hurt our financial position and will continue to do so with the big clubs - Ess, Haw, West Coast heading for massive training complexes.

Toorak park is too small and utilised way too much to be a permanent training base. But a long term training base has to be very high on Peter Jackson and Glen Bartlett's priorities.

Back to the topic. This is a smart initiative from the club to stage a night training session in preparation for Darwin and also train in the heartland. Should be a decent crowd if the weather holds up.

[DeeSpencer 26,301]

ok , didn't realise it was that bad. Not getting bottom of the rung results by being there! Nicely placed venue. Is it not upgradable?

They (the property developers/council whoever) have sold all the land surrounding the oval at Waverley for housing besides the 1 remaining section of the stands that is the Hawthorn base and can't be expanded. It was clearly a great investment when they moved out there but as other clubs have improved they've slipped down the ladder. I'm not sure 4th worst is exactly right, it's probably overstated but they are starting to miss out on things other clubs have.

For comparison Essendon have 2 ovals (1 MCG size, 1 Etihad size) and an indoor training room.

[chookrat 4,268]

The Dorks present training base is the 4th worst in the league according to themselves...not sure why we would want it....

Given we are 4th bottom on the ladder it might be a suitable venue.

[Leoncelli_36 2,264]

Great turn out. Social atmospheres. Beers being sold. Players signing. Demon shop open. BBQ pumping. My club, the old xavs delayed their start to accommodate the Dees. I would like to see us experiment with it again. Anyone else get there?

[The team we love 416]

Had to be 500 people there?!

Players were great with their time and set up a long table to give autographs to the kids. Hogan the clear favourite.

Edited June 25, 2015 by The team we love

[jane02 3,778]

My daughter went - it is just down the road from us so she was rapt.

She had a great time and said the players were very accommodating with the fans. The BBQ was great too.

I drove past at about 6.30 and it looked like there were loads of people there.

Well done MFC.

[DeeSpencer 26,301]

Seems like the club put in a really good effort and probably learned from the preseason stuff ups which is good to see. Kids getting access is the best thing we can do besides winning to promote the club. Sounds fantastic. Well done to the staff and players of the MFC.

[Hellaintabadplacetobe 4,297]

The wife took our 2 young boys and they had a ball. Got a great pic of them with Roosy. Great initiative by the club

[Rob Mac...... 638]

I went for an hour+ and concur with the others that the MFC did very well. The friendly, accessible atmosphere was enjoyable, especially for the kids who all got to have autographs or pictures etc.. There were games, food, even some training took place. Robbo helped it all along, as he does so well. The feeling was optimistic and fun, probably helped by last weeks win also.

[monoccular 17,644]

Any actual training to report?