Training Ground?

[Romey 127]

I know this topic has been done to death but I am surprised this option has not been mentioned as a possible venue for our new training ground.

As the bird flies Yarra Bend is about 3 km from the MCG and is a huge expanse of land that is not highly used by local sporting clubs in winter  as far as I am aware. While not an ideal place for a social club, it could allow an Essendon Tullamarine style facility. Beautiful surroundings too.

Thoughts?

[Moonshadow 16,274]

Near impossible to turn public, open parkland into what would be a private sporting club facility. 

Couldn't happen say Yarra Park,  couldn't happen at Footscray Park (Victory)

[Romey 127]

 True, however one key difference is that there is already a sporting precinct in Yarra Bend  so open space would not need to be re-purposed like at Footscray Park.

[Leoncelli_36 2,264]

the surface out there is absolutely diabolical. Added to that, there are cricket clubs and schools that have vested interest in the grounds there. Unlikely.

[old dee 22,930]

On 2/8/2020 at 11:58 PM, Romey said:

I know this topic has been done to death but I am surprised this option has not been mentioned as a possible venue for our new training ground.

As the bird flies Yarra Bend is about 3 km from the MCG and is a huge expanse of land that is not highly used by local sporting clubs in winter  as far as I am aware. While not an ideal place for a social club, it could allow an Essendon Tullamarine style facility. Beautiful surroundings too.

Thoughts?

Romey the MFC have a chief  requirement that the facility must be within a stones throw ( my words ) of the MCG. While this is the first requirement nothing much IMO is going to happen. The only possible piece of land is Goschs paddock and getting that may be harder than winning a flag in 2020.

[MyFavouriteMartian 572]

Hah.   Heres our last one (stone thrower),  stored deep within the confines of the Mcc. ?

Edited February 10, 2020 by MyFavouriteMartian

[old dee 22,930]

18 minutes ago, MyFavouriteMartian said:

Hah.   Heres our last one (stone thrower),  stored deep within the confines of the Mcc. ?

Obviously they are not using it MFM. What's the range? 

[MyFavouriteMartian 572]

22 hours ago, old dee said:

Obviously they are not using it MFM. What's the range? 

'reaches across to Swan street,  'od'. ?

Edited February 11, 2020 by MyFavouriteMartian

[old dee 22,930]

26 minutes ago, MyFavouriteMartian said:

'reaches across to Swan street,  'od'. ?

Sounds about right MFM. It would be quite funny if it were not so serious.

The only club in the competition that does not have a home and has had almost half a century to find one.

[Diamond_Jim 11,855]

The modern training ground is two full size MCG ovals plus an all weather facility and of course pool and gymnasium. (Bombers etc)

If this could be done on the area the OP has suggested Collingwood would do it before us.

Doubt that the local community would allow it especially if it involved exclusive use.

[MyFavouriteMartian 572]

4 hours ago, old dee said:

Sounds about right MFM. It would be quite funny if it were not so serious.

The only club in the competition that does not have a home and has had almost half a century to find one.

Yes  'od'...

In 1939, 1940 and 1941 Melbourne won its third, fourth and fifth flags.^[11] In 1946 Don Cordner became the second Demon to win the Brownlow. In 1947 Fred Fanning kicked a record 18 goals in the last game of the season. The following season Melbourne played the first ever drawn Grand Final, against Essendon, and went on to win the premiership the following week.

Norm Smith became Melbourne's coach in 1952, and the following season Ron Barassi played his first game. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne_Football_Club#1933–1964:_Age_of_greatness

 

Since the going of Smithy & Barassi in quick succession,  we have needed just that.   The Home base.

Yet this club has yearned for the way it was,  in a changing world.  And spurned by the Mcc,  as the poorer sport, and as tenants.  An addendum to the Mcc.

 

This club has to grab hold of the opportunity with clenched fists,  and wring that opportunity dry,  until all has been extracted from it.

This is the attitude we have to grow off field at committee level, and then through the club....  and stop making excuses "that the time isn't right", as we are on a downer and cannot afford to do it"

The time is never right,  and is never wrong either.  "it is what it is".  'just an opportune time for something'.   'a chance an adventure a risk to take'.

If eddie has backed away every time the pies were down the gurgler, they would not-be in the old Olympic swimming centre, and no doubt they would be down on a few Prem-Cups as well.

They have had two home bases,  in the time we've stayed home with Ma and Pa  'G'.

 

We are in the risk taking business of sport... where conservatism is a death sentence.  He who hesitates is lost...

.

[Sir Why You Little 34,614]

51 minutes ago, MyFavouriteMartian said:

Yes  'od'...

In 1939, 1940 and 1941 Melbourne won its third, fourth and fifth flags.^[11] In 1946 Don Cordner became the second Demon to win the Brownlow. In 1947 Fred Fanning kicked a record 18 goals in the last game of the season. The following season Melbourne played the first ever drawn Grand Final, against Essendon, and went on to win the premiership the following week.

Norm Smith became Melbourne's coach in 1952, and the following season Ron Barassi played his first game. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne_Football_Club#1933–1964:_Age_of_greatness

 

Since the going of Smithy & Barassi in quick succession,  we have needed just that.   The Home base.

Yet this club has yearned for the way it was,  in a changing world.  And spurned by the Mcc,  as the poorer sport, and as tenants.  An addendum to the Mcc.

 

This club has to grab hold of the opportunity with clenched fists,  and wring that opportunity dry,  until all has been extracted from it.

This is the attitude we have to grow off field at committee level, and then through the club....  and stop making excuses "that the time isn't right", as we are on a downer and cannot afford to do it"

The time is never right,  and is never wrong either.  "it is what it is".  'just an opportune time for something'.   'a chance an adventure a risk to take'.

If eddie has backed away every time the pies were down the gurgler, they would not-be in the old Olympic swimming centre, and no doubt they would be down on a few Prem-Cups as well.

They have had two home bases,  in the time we've stayed home with Ma and Pa  'G'.

 

We are in the risk taking business of sport... where conservatism is a death sentence.  He who hesitates is lost...

.

Blame that slick conman Diamond Joe. 
we had our chance in 2000 and totally blew it

[The Red Fox 216]

Head down stream a little. Precisely here: https://goo.gl/maps/shA2vZn8u52hVNTMA

Edited February 11, 2020 by W I S E

[The Red Fox 216]

Also, Dendy Park is looking a little under-utilised: https://goo.gl/maps/EHKPtdoKPThJQC8P8

[MyFavouriteMartian 572]

1 hour ago, Sir Why You Little said:

Blame that slick conman Diamond Joe. 
we had our chance in 2000 and totally blew it

yep swyl..

Look, how many chances does a club get over a 50 Yr period.?

Options/choices are endless...  they come along all the time Re this issue, or that issue.  If your on the lookout for them,  you will notice them, the good ideas.  When our directors already have all they want in life,  to be in the Mcc every day they wish;  How in hell are they supposed to realize the need for which we suffer?

Abstinence from that holy grail, will make the directors hungrier, and realise the needs of all of us;  instead of their own immediate desires.

Let that sledge hammer swing,  and hit one or two of them, and knock some sense in there.  Our time is ticking,  and the key decisions need to be made...  not waiting for our 11:59pm window to open

 

I reckon, IF we had our eyes wide open, and a real desire for a training base, once we were thrown off the MCG for training,  we needed to really stump up our thinking.  But because we are the home team at the 'G',  we continue to lean back against that old cliched option.   It...  is holding us back, as a club,  from being able to compete with the clubs that have grown powerful in our down time.  

And as we speak,  those clubs are, or have opened,  their new larger 'state of the art' training ventures,  around Melbourne, and Australia.

We are still twiddling thumbs and knocking heads, as we turn a corner in our 'Hillman Hunter', as it were.

 

IMO, we are struggling for a True identity,  because of this.   And all other clubs use our home ground, as theirs.

This is but one of the big keys, I think, to our future.   A lot will grow from that basis,  from Identity,  pride for who we are,  and then - what we are,  and then finally,  why we are.  The things that make our club/organisation, tick along.

[Sir Why You Little 34,614]

53 minutes ago, MyFavouriteMartian said:

yep swyl..

Look, how many chances does a club get over a 50 Yr period.?

Options/choices are endless...  they come along all the time Re this issue, or that issue.  If your on the lookout for them,  you will notice them, the good ideas.  When our directors already have all they want in life,  to be in the Mcc every day they wish;  How in hell are they supposed to realize the need for which we suffer?

Abstinence from that holy grail, will make the directors hungrier, and realise the needs of all of us;  instead of their own immediate desires.

Let that sledge hammer swing,  and hit one or two of them, and knock some sense in there.  Our time is ticking,  and the key decisions need to be made...  not waiting for our 11:59pm window to open

 

I reckon, IF we had our eyes wide open, and a real desire for a training base, once we were thrown off the MCG for training,  we needed to really stump up our thinking.  But because we are the home team at the 'G',  we continue to lean back against that old cliched option.   It...  is holding us back, as a club,  from being able to compete with the clubs that have grown powerful in our down time.  

And as we speak,  those clubs are, or have opened,  their new larger 'state of the art' training ventures,  around Melbourne, and Australia.

We are still twiddling thumbs and knocking heads, as we turn a corner in our 'Hillman Hunter', as it were.

 

IMO, we are struggling for a True identity,  because of this.   And all other clubs use our home ground, as theirs.

This is but one of the big keys, I think, to our future.   A lot will grow from that basis,  from Identity,  pride for who we are,  and then - what we are,  and then finally,  why we are.  The things that make our club/organisation, tick along.

We must strengthen our position at the MCG, not let go

The training base will be close by

but we should be where the Filth are now

That was a huge [censored] up

[MyFavouriteMartian 572]

On 2/12/2020 at 1:44 AM, Sir Why You Little said:

We must strengthen our position at the MCG, not let go

The training base will be close by

but we should be where the Filth are now

That was a huge [censored] up

Where we are now, we can fit two Mcg sized ovals,  with a little positional adjustment.   And some buildings.  If permits allow.

That means Gosch's is prime...  compared to the pies setup, where they only have one oval.

What they do have is a real home for footy, and for supporters, in the shadows of the 'G'.  That is a real alignment for the supporter base, a feeling of permanence where all are welcome on an equal footing.

 

With creativity and the right design, we have the best setup under our current feet.  Right next to the Railway station... which is Key.   Big Key.

[Sir Why You Little 34,614]

46 minutes ago, MyFavouriteMartian said:

Where we are now, we can fit two Mcg sized ovals,  with a little positional adjustment.   And some buildings.  If permits allow.

That means Gosch's is prime...  compared to the pies setup, where they only have one oval.

What they do have is a real home for footy, and for supporters, in the shadows of the 'G'.  That is a real alignment for the supporter base, a feeling of permanence where all are welcome on an equal footing.

 

With creativity and the right design, we have the best setup under our current feet.  Right next to the Railway station... which is Key.   Big Key.

I agree. Develop what we have

[old dee 22,930]

On 2/12/2020 at 12:22 AM, W I S E said:

Also, Dendy Park is looking a little under-utilised: https://goo.gl/maps/EHKPtdoKPThJQC8P8

It won't fly W I S E it ain't within a bulls roar of the " G" .

The club / members cannot think past Punt road.

[chookrat 3,777]

On 2/10/2020 at 2:46 PM, Leoncelli_36 said:

the surface out there is absolutely diabolical. Added to that, there are cricket clubs and schools that have vested interest in the grounds there. Unlikely.

I still think we pursue the Jolimont option. Throw in some 3 game memberships to the East Melbourne residents who want to walk their dog in the park as a sweetener - easy, problem solved! Get it done Dees!

[Diamond_Jim 11,855]

6 hours ago, MyFavouriteMartian said:

Where we are now, we can fit two Mcg sized ovals,  with a little positional adjustment.   And some buildings.  If permits allow.

That means Gosch's is prime...  compared to the pies setup, where they only have one oval.

Did not realise that.

[old dee 22,930]

7 hours ago, chookrat said:

I still think we pursue the Jolimont option. Throw in some 3 game memberships to the East Melbourne residents who want to walk their dog in the park as a sweetener - easy, problem solved! Get it done Dees!

Easy to say, impossible to achieve. It will not happen there.

[george_on_the_outer 7,002]

13 hours ago, MyFavouriteMartian said:

Where we are now, we can fit two Mcg sized ovals,  with a little positional adjustment.   And some buildings.  If permits allow.

That means Gosch's is prime...  compared to the pies setup, where they only have one oval.

What they do have is a real home for footy, and for supporters, in the shadows of the 'G'.  That is a real alignment for the supporter base, a feeling of permanence where all are welcome on an equal footing.

 

With creativity and the right design, we have the best setup under our current feet.  Right next to the Railway station... which is Key.   Big Key.

That is simply not true.

Gosch's paddock is much smaller than the MCG, and the other open areas are occupied by Melbourne Storm, Victory and Rebels as their training grounds.  So unless you can move them out of AAMI......

Secondly Goschs is a public area.  We cannot not control the grass, surface maintenance.  It was un-usable for 6 weeks last year, and training had to be moved to Casey. 

Lights for training during winter?   Won't happen in public parks.  It is one of the reasons Hawthorn is moving from Waverley. 

[Dee Watcher 71]

Always thought Yarra Bend/north along the Yarra had a few options if you tied it in with the community clubs who lack great facilities but had the space/ovals. 

Its all about getting the local clubs/councils onside which might costs the dee's significant $$ as we'd be putting up most if not all of the money to develop the site/facilities if you could get it over the line.

In essence we'd need to provide rooms/access for the local clubs otherwise you have buckley's and none of getting the local council onside.

That said a big issue might be getting members/players to venture more than a couple of km's north of 'G

 

 

[Kent 2,597]

22 minutes ago, george_on_the_outer said:

That is simply not true.

Gosch's paddock is much smaller than the MCG, and the other open areas are occupied by Melbourne Storm, Victory and Rebels as their training grounds.  So unless you can move them out of AAMI......

Secondly Goschs is a public area.  We cannot not control the grass, surface maintenance.  It was un-usable for 6 weeks last year, and training had to be moved to Casey. 

Lights for training during winter?   Won't happen in public parks.  It is one of the reasons Hawthorn is moving from Waverley. 

There are lights recently  installed in Fawkner  Park secondary ovals so it does happen in public parks.

The Demons have to brave and aggressive in putting forward a serious business case for a long lost home.