Training Ground?

[Redleg 40,925]

26 minutes ago, daisycutter said:

well at least there should be plenty of world class vets close by at caulfield

Well actually no, as they have followed the stables moves to Pakenham and also Cranbourne.

[layzie 33,805]

20 hours ago, beelzebub said:

Isn't this a very curious and interesting subject for some ,or a bugbear for others.

Oh where oh where shall thy Demon heart reside for all eternity ? ( henceforth )

Where indeed. 

Despite what some proffer (or prefer) we do actually live in a very binary world. You're either dead, or you're not. You're pregnant  or your not. You're either a Melbourne supporter or you're not. See a trend ?? Life is essentially about choices, most often 2, to do what is in front of you  .....or ....I know you  know this.....or not !!

So he we are with our eternal favourite kicking toy the question of where we shall be. Over the years there have been many a good idea and/or recommendation and  yet strangely enough despite being the founders of this fair game we've been kicked from pillar to post and dealt rotten hands. None of that really matters because that was then and this is the NOW and it's in the now we must be bold and make clever and informed decisions.

Some can not grasp that we are never going to get that 'deserved home" , that grandiose location of 'somewhere near the G'  Why ? Why they can't grasp ?  Well  it's hard to let go of a dream. I get it.  If the world was fair ( in our minds  we would live at the MCG, or something akin to Richmond's setup, but better.  We've tried that path...not happening.  We could have had the Olympic Park site...well... 'nuff said !!  That too a fizzer.   Now we arrive a little further down Swan Street to Gosch's. Not called a Paddock without reason in my thinking. Padocks are very usefull...Go find some cows, some horses perhaps , sheep, whatever as that's what paddocks are for. It's a ham fisted convoluted compromise at the very best ( no matter what $$$ are thrown at it ) . It's second rate.Better than a Container at someone else's  Cricket Ground perhaps... Goschs is  entirely befitting a Soccer Club or some other silly game. Not ours and not this club, my club, your club...The ONE and ONLY MELBOURNE FOOTBALL CLUB.. Yes I'm yelling...I need that to sink in. We are a very unique Club, in any form of code or Sport.

Much is made of proximity.. We NEED to be close to the G.  Well given our very essence is inscribed upon the walls of that great Stadium I'm not sure how we aren't.  No matter where we are...we ARE Melbourne. We aren't anyone else.

I go back to the idea that we are unique. We are so SO UNIQUE that we hold a position in this game no other club can. The game evolved out of Melbourne. The very soul of the game lives in the annals of the recorded history of Footy/VFL/AFL. It does because WE put it there. Who doesn't get goosebumps sometimes when you walk down through the G, through the Members, see all the Pictures, the Cups, the History.

We are Melbourne.  That's something else that needs to sink in for some I feel.   We and ONLY we are Melbourne. And again I retrace our point of difference, our uniqueness our major asset of assets. Our name, Melbourne.  We are not  incidentals like those suburban clubs. We aren't defined by a mere locality , not defined by proximity to a pub, a river, a beach or any such trivial and limiting precinct. We're Melbourne..We embody everything this great city is and has been. 

For a long while this circumstance has served to hinder our embrace of everywhere and everything that IS Melbourne. We though, seemingly that we were an odd fit  as where did we belong.  The answer has been staring us in the face all along..Quite Simply...We are Melbounre. We are ALL of it...not just a bit...ALL of it. And only we can...  It's time to step up and claim that historic inheritance and stamp ourselves as THAT Club that can be for everyone that is Melbourne at heart.

Heart.  The very essence of a person, a club, a city, a passion. How often do you hear  she's the heart  of .......  this place runs to the blood of ....some bloke.   Heart. It's where it all emanates. Everything that courses through our veins as Demon Supporters comes from the heart.

Every once in a while "OPPORTUNITY" stares you in the face. And like all those other decisions in life you either do....or don't.  We are at that Crossroads where you have to either turn left or right. The road directly ahead ( for this prose I suggest it's the road to the G ) is not available.  There's a track to a paddock or theres a road to a greener field..

I've included a map below. Would anyone like to guess what's located as near if not at that crossroads ( as it were ) ...i.e  the point where the two RED lines  cross ??  That Boys and Girls, is the land of Opportunity.  It's all but smack bang middle of this wonderful City of ours, located pretty much in ITS Heartland.   For those following at home the Geo Centre of Melbounre for the last 20/30 odd years has been the Southern part of Geln Iris.  I know Glen Iris well as I grew up there but i digress...lol....  The point is  Melbourne is much more that the CBD. It's much more than the MCG ( by a smidge ....)  ....it's a bloody big place and there's ONLY ONE.....repeat ONLY ONE football club that can claim its entirity by right of fact that we are the Heart of the Game.   We need to stop limiting ourselves  and embrace everythingand everywhere that falls within our ardour. Let's be that Melbourne that we've always dreamt we SHOULD be....the one and only Melbourne.  The MFC.

As such we CAN be located at Caulfield , quite possibly /probably in truly State of the Art  facilities. Take it as a positive by stamping ourselves in the very Middle of Melbourne that we lay claim to everywhere, everywhere that is Melbourne...today, tomorrow and the next.

In footy there are times to lower one's eyes, in life there are occasions to lift them and think big... hmmmmmm...Think Big...there's an Omen.

 

Post of the year?

[Red and Bluebeard 2,084]

17 hours ago, Neil Crompton said:

Welcome back B. 

Yes indeed. Welcome back!

[Fritta and Turner 4,415]

20 hours ago, beelzebub said:

Would anyone like to guess what's located as near if not at that crossroads ( as it were ) ...i.e  the point where the two RED lines  cross ??

Dragon Hot Pot?  They were queued out down the street on a Sunday night.

[Neil Crompton 5,560]

Interesting article in the Age today re the public land at Caulfield Racecourse. Part of the article below:

"The trust overseeing public space at Caulfield Racecourse is running out of money and is warning that public access to the land at the centre of the track could be limited if it does not get funding."

"It is also looking to sporting organisations, including the Melbourne Football Club, to help fund the public space, with the AFL club one of several organisations submitting an expression of interest to establish a standalone training facility at the racecourse."

"The Melbourne Football Club declined to comment."

[AzzKikA 2,371]

23 minutes ago, Neil Crompton said:

Interesting article in the Age today re the public land at Caulfield Racecourse. Part of the article below:

"The trust overseeing public space at Caulfield Racecourse is running out of money and is warning that public access to the land at the centre of the track could be limited if it does not get funding."

"It is also looking to sporting organisations, including the Melbourne Football Club, to help fund the public space, with the AFL club one of several organisations submitting an expression of interest to establish a standalone training facility at the racecourse."

"The Melbourne Football Club declined to comment."

Encouraging

[TeamPlayedFine39 8,508]

55 minutes ago, Neil Crompton said:

Interesting article in the Age today re the public land at Caulfield Racecourse. Part of the article below:

"The trust overseeing public space at Caulfield Racecourse is running out of money and is warning that public access to the land at the centre of the track could be limited if it does not get funding."

"It is also looking to sporting organisations, including the Melbourne Football Club, to help fund the public space, with the AFL club one of several organisations submitting an expression of interest to establish a standalone training facility at the racecourse."

"The Melbourne Football Club declined to comment."

Probably the most promising statement I’ve heard regarding a permanent home for the club.  To hear a third party speak about our interest and their needing a partner is very, very refreshing.

 

 

[At Least I Saw a Flag 5,247]

On 4/12/2023 at 9:33 AM, layzie said:

I'll try to nick down. It's around 11:30 yeah?

11.15. Hope to meet you there/then.

[Adam The God 30,259]

On 4/11/2023 at 10:39 AM, george_on_the_outer said:

 

Confirmed:

https://www.zerohanger.com/hawthorn-receive-state-funding-boost-for-new-training-facilities-135274/

And they have plenty in the bank, since they have sold some of their pokies venues, and are in the process of selling more.

Unlike us, they have started fundraising with their members, and will have this facility operating by 2024!!.

All our fundraising strategies are essentially this.

[58er 6,440]

1 hour ago, A F said:

All our fundraising strategies are essentially this.

Great News AF. Thanks.

You are aware the Hawks have had their location and plans for their Training Facilities/ Administration Centre up and about for about 3 years?

Would  it have occurred to you that because a primary location or plans have not been announced or finalised that we would not be asking fans/ members for donations yet?

Most people like to obtain a certain degree of information about a project before supporting it financially or other ways.

Your implied criticism of our Club and Board does not wash as a reason for there being no funding medium set up or established as yet.

Of course you could always start the fund rolling by making a $100,000 or plus initial contribution. 

I have however the alternative view you posted your opinion deliberately to make a mischievous comment which neither helps the funding nor decision making at this stage. 

[rpfc 28,433]

9 minutes ago, 58er said:

Great News AF. Thanks.

You are aware the Hawks have had their location and plans for their Training Facilities/ Administration Centre up and about for about 3 years?

Would  it have occurred to you that because a primary location or plans have not been announced or finalised that we would not be asking fans/ members for donations yet?

Most people like to obtain a certain degree of information about a project before supporting it financially or other ways.

Your implied criticism of our Club and Board does not wash as a reason for there being no funding medium set up or established as yet.

Of course you could always start the fund rolling by making a $100,000 or plus initial contribution. 

I have however the alternative view you posted your opinion deliberately to make a mischievous comment which neither helps the funding nor decision making at this stage. 

Deeluded - calm down. Everything is so personal to you on here. Take a break before one is given to you.

[58er 6,440]

3 minutes ago, rpfc said:

Deeluded - calm down. Everything is so personal to you on here. Take a break before one is given to you.

Don't you like the truth RPFC?  A dose every now and again of it helps some people from delusion.  Maybe yourself and AF!!

[whatwhat say what 22,757]

dingley's original plans were confirmed with the kingsford council six years ago

i believe the original submission to council would've been some three to five years prior to that

so a ten year process before they've even turned sod

Edited April 15, 2023 by whatwhat say what

[rpfc 28,433]

2 hours ago, 58er said:

Don't you like the truth RPFC?  A dose every now and again of it helps some people from delusion.  Maybe yourself and AF!!

I can’t even follow what you’re ‘truth’ is. 

I’m just asking you to show some respect before you lose whatever respect you have earned.

[layzie 33,805]

7 hours ago, Winners at last said:

11.15. Hope to meet you there/then.

If it's a goer I'll let you know!

[old dee 23,791]

Today's I went to the game at the hanger at Tulla for the first time. What a magnificent ground and facilities. It makes you realise how far we are behind. 

[Macca 16,970]

On 4/14/2023 at 8:43 AM, AzzKikA said:

Encouraging

 

On 4/14/2023 at 9:16 AM, TeamPlayedFine39 said:

Probably the most promising statement I’ve heard regarding a permanent home for the club.  To hear a third party speak about our interest and their needing a partner is very, very refreshing.

I reckon Caulfield would be ideal ... for the club mainly but also for a lot of our supporters who live with 15-20 minutes

Getting the go-ahead and the funding is the key but you'd imagine the facilities would be first rate.  Sitting up in those time-honoured stands watching training would appeal to those who ordinarily wouldn't attend training sessions

Personally, I'm not that far away and being a racing man, Caulfield racecourse has always been a favourite

Get it done Demons even if it takes 4 or 5 years!

In the meantime, Gosch's,  AAMI & Casey will suffice.  After all, we did win a premiership training out of both venues

[rpfc 28,433]

1 hour ago, old dee said:

Today's I went to the game at the hanger at Tulla for the first time. What a magnificent ground and facilities. It makes you realise how far we are behind. 

It’s not the size that counts

[old dee 23,791]

15 hours ago, Macca said:

 

I reckon Caulfield would be ideal ... for the club mainly but also for a lot of our supporters who live with 15-20 minutes

Getting the go-ahead and the funding is the key but you'd imagine the facilities would be first rate.  Sitting up in those time-honoured stands watching training would appeal to those who ordinarily wouldn't attend training sessions

Personally, I'm not that far away and being a racing man, Caulfield racecourse has always been a favourite

Get it done Demons even if it takes 4 or 5 years!

In the meantime, Gosch's,  AAMI & Casey will suffice.  After all, we did win a premiership training out of both venues

Could not agree more Macca, for all those who can only see “near the G” take a trip out to the hanger. We are so far behind we cannot hear the band. Caulfield or bust IMO. 

[At Least I Saw a Flag 5,247]

On 4/11/2023 at 11:11 PM, Winners at last said:

From a selfish point of view I like Gosch's Paddock. Good stop off point on my bike rides.

On a slighty different point, I received an email from the club (addressed to 10+ year members) inviting me to a training session at GP on 18/4. Free coffee no less, and a briefing. I'm in ... who else is going?

I won't be going to the training session tomoz.

I've finally succumbed to freakin covid

[Dr. Gonzo 24,219]

On 4/16/2023 at 5:30 PM, old dee said:

Today's I went to the game at the hanger at Tulla for the first time. What a magnificent ground and facilities. It makes you realise how far we are behind. 

I'm heading there tomorrow as my son is attending a school holiday footy clinic there will be interesting to have a look around.

[Demon Dynasty 17,109]

On 4/12/2023 at 9:41 AM, Neil Crompton said:

It took him 3 years to write that post!

Welcome back Bubs!

3 years of self exile..... im not sure this lame duck thread was the best place to make a grand (return) entrance however

Surely the NoT$no B$, Parking at the G, Suburban Map and Penfolds Wines (among others) would have been more fitting!!

[Guest]

4 hours ago, Winners at last said:

I won't be going to the training session tomoz.

I've finally succumbed to freakin covid

Get well soon, Bingers. 💕

[old dee 23,791]

10 hours ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

I'm heading there tomorrow as my son is attending a school holiday footy clinic there will be interesting to have a look around.

I am confident you will be impressed Dr. Look forward to hearing your thoughts. 

[layzie 33,805]

9 hours ago, Demon Dynasty said:

Welcome back Bubs!

3 years of self exile..... im not sure this lame duck thread was the best place to make a grand (return) entrance however

Surely the NoT$no B$, Parking at the G, Suburban Map and Penfolds Wines (among others) would have been more fitting!!

An entrance is as entrance! Whether it's Buckingham Palace or the bathroom door.