Training Ground?

[Harvey Wallbanger 1,029]

50 minutes ago, drysdale demon said:

Yeah it did, we won the premiership.

Nice retort! 

[Clintosaurus 7,861]

Thread #135665 where peak MFCSS has been reached.

[old55 23,687]

As @beelzebub says, the viability of the location has nothing to do with supporter ease of access and everything to do with player and staff ease of acccess - so we can attract and retain the best available talent in both areas. Caulfield fits the bill.

[jayceebee31 761]

On 16/12/2023 at 14:15, george_on_the_outer said:

.....and back. 

And when you lose two finals matches by a total of 9 points, that could well have been the difference, more so when it is spread across the pre-season and season proper.  It adds up to dozens of hours not spent in the gym, physio or on the track that other sides are able to use to prepare their players for the best opportunity.

Agree- we would have been better off staying at Junction oval than what has transpired since.Especially for pre season.We could have bought the Hilton historically, and made that home re office admin and celebrations.Now, it’s going to cost multi millions  with limited help from governments.

[Macca 17,032]

Another important factor that can't be ruled out is the MRC having a need to increase it's membership at Caulfield/Mornington.  They need bigger crowds after a total absence of patrons during Covid.  And a bigger membership

Having Sandown as an asset means that down the track they can be well & truly cashed up ... refurbishing and sprucing up Caulfield & Mornington is one thing but they'll want more members and patrons

So if it comes to fruition, we get our new facility but the MRC could well be looking at our 70k membership to tap into

Edited December 17, 2023 by Macca

[At Least I Saw a Flag 5,274]

I live NE of the city, but I'm fine with a Caulfield training/social facility.

The proposal of a training oval at Yarra Park would be way more convenient for me, but apparently there is little prospect of that happening.

I'm sure that will have a significant impact on the Club's planning.

[GM11 782]

Biggest step forward is getting the MCG precinct out of the picture.

[Hellfire Dub 165]

On 15/12/2023 at 18:08, Rab D Nesbitt said:

Have you ever done the walk up to the Hellfire Club, PSD? I loved all of the stories about the place. I went up there once on a walk to Massy's Woods. 

Hi Rab and PStD, I'm from Ballyroan, in Rathfarnham, Dublin. So I know the Hellfire Club and Massey's wood really well as we used to mountain bike up there after school and on hikes with the family and scouts.  Later on we used to drink cans up there and even made student movies there.   

I grew up around the corner from Stynesie and passed his house on the way to school each day.  I went to the same school and played for the same club in Ballyboden too. 

We got a half day off school when Jim came to our assembly with his Brownlow medal.  At the time we had no real idea what a Brownlow was, but we knew it was important. 

Our experience of aussies was as rugby legends whipping all opponents and massive tanned athletes bashing the heads off our innocent Gaelic football heroes in the compromise rules series!  Those games were great and we loved the high standard of the visitors and the tough contests and to see an all star national team playing international opponents.  

Australia seemed really good at all sports in the 80s and 90s so if he won a medal here by beating locals he must have been really good.  The teachers told us he was voted best and fairest in the league so we felt really proud and inspired that someone from our school and neighborhood could go so far away and achieve that.  He was back again with his brother Brian in 95 when Dublin won the All Ireland final.  There was another raucous assembly in secondary school where Brian and the team passed the cup around what became a mosh pit of teenage boys.  Amidst the chaos he shouted into the mic asking who thought we should celebrate with a half day?  It went absolutely crazy and then he told us all to just go home so we did and it was like a mini prison riot!  It was brilliant!  

I moved here in 2012 and have been following the Dees since those darker days.  I left Gaelic football and rugby behind over there and took up over 35s AFL masters over here. 

I've been a Dees member for 7 years and this year will be my first year as a Redleg member. 

I really enjoy this forum (mostly lurking) and the podcast.  

As for the training ground I wish we could have a base by the MCG.  I'm not sure what happened to the talk of AAMI after the women's World cup though? 

Although it would also really suit me professionally, I know that Fisherman's bend is under huge pressure from competing commercial interests and sports.  That location would be great but I don't think it can happen as the land prices went crazy with the ad hoc rezoning. 

Caulfield seems a bit further away geographically, but it's probably good for the team and the rest of the club with enough space for facilities and parking and near transport.  It's not that far compared to Casey so plenty of supporters could get there a few times of year for events. 

The Casey situation seems mad to be so far from town and the MCG.  That's a big commute for lots of players and staff so it would be really great to get a proper modern elite facility at Caulfield.  I'm hopeful this can become a reality. 

Positives are that there is plentiful green space and it is a location designed to facilitate large sporting events.  It seems like a good idea in principle.  

[Guest]

2 hours ago, Hellfire Dub said:

Hi Rab and PStD, I'm from Ballyroan, in Rathfarnham, Dublin. So I know the Hellfire Club and Massey's wood really well as we used to mountain bike up there after school and on hikes with the family and scouts.  Later on we used to drink cans up there and even made student movies there.   

I grew up around the corner from Stynesie and passed his house on the way to school each day.  I went to the same school and played for the same club in Ballyboden too. 

We got a half day off school when Jim came to our assembly with his Brownlow medal.  At the time we had no real idea what a Brownlow was, but we knew it was important. 

Our experience of aussies was as rugby legends whipping all opponents and massive tanned athletes bashing the heads off our innocent Gaelic football heroes in the compromise rules series!  Those games were great and we loved the high standard of the visitors and the tough contests and to see an all star national team playing international opponents.  

Australia seemed really good at all sports in the 80s and 90s so if he won a medal here by beating locals he must have been really good.  The teachers told us he was voted best and fairest in the league so we felt really proud and inspired that someone from our school and neighborhood could go so far away and achieve that.  He was back again with his brother Brian in 95 when Dublin won the All Ireland final.  There was another raucous assembly in secondary school where Brian and the team passed the cup around what became a mosh pit of teenage boys.  Amidst the chaos he shouted into the mic asking who thought we should celebrate with a half day?  It went absolutely crazy and then he told us all to just go home so we did and it was like a mini prison riot!  It was brilliant!  

I moved here in 2012 and have been following the Dees since those darker days.  I left Gaelic football and rugby behind over there and took up over 35s AFL masters over here. 

I've been a Dees member for 7 years and this year will be my first year as a Redleg member. 

I really enjoy this forum (mostly lurking) and the podcast.  

As for the training ground I wish we could have a base by the MCG.  I'm not sure what happened to the talk of AAMI after the women's World cup though? 

Although it would also really suit me professionally, I know that Fisherman's bend is under huge pressure from competing commercial interests and sports.  That location would be great but I don't think it can happen as the land prices went crazy with the ad hoc rezoning. 

Caulfield seems a bit further away geographically, but it's probably good for the team and the rest of the club with enough space for facilities and parking and near transport.  It's not that far compared to Casey so plenty of supporters could get there a few times of year for events. 

The Casey situation seems mad to be so far from town and the MCG.  That's a big commute for lots of players and staff so it would be really great to get a proper modern elite facility at Caulfield.  I'm hopeful this can become a reality. 

Positives are that there is plentiful green space and it is a location designed to facilitate large sporting events.  It seems like a good idea in principle.  

Hey H-Dub, yet another Dubliner here (we’re everywhere!) albeit now as much a bogan Aussie as is possible.

Thank you for sharing your stories about Jimmy and Brian. In particular, Brian taking it upon himself to declare a half-day off school and the ensuing ‘prison riot’ scene. 🤣

[No. 31 1,309]

I know some are saying that a training facility is all about the players and coaching staff and I get the point and largely agree but it should also occasionally be a home of sorts for fans, when they have open training sessions, family days, maybe even Premiership celebrations.

I went to the Carlton open training session at Princes Park on Saturday. Several thousand people there, it felt like a community gathering, young kids looking at the trophies, memorabilia, old jumper exhibitions etc (that has been done really well at Princes Park). If done properly it should be more than just a place where players train and yes the location is important. It should be a place that helps the fans connect to the club and its history.

MFC should most definitely try to have a museum component, being in the rare position of being the founding club of the whole sport. If that can't attract some government funding I don't know what will.

[Diamond_Jim 12,628]

Have we missed out on a big opportunity at Port Melbourne....

A highly sought-after piece of industrial land in Port Melbourne will be turned into open space and sporting grounds after the local council won a bidding war, quashing the state government’s plan for a new primary school on the site.

City of Port Phillip Mayor Heather Consulo announced on Monday the $38.8 million purchase of a 1.54-hectare site adjoining North Port Oval – also known as ETU Stadium – at 509 Williamstown Road in Port Melbourne and the wider Fishermans Bend precinct. The land was the site of an Australia Post warehouse.

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/school-v-sports-clubs-the-future-of-this-port-melbourne-site-decided-20231218-p5es6q.html

[No. 31 1,309]

^^ $40 million just for land acquisition and still would need an arrangement with Port Melbourne FC. Probably more complicated negotiations than with MRC and the Trust at Caulfield Racecourse 🤔

[beelzebub 23,383]

12 hours ago, No. 31 said:

I know some are saying that a training facility is all about the players and coaching staff and I get the point and largely agree but it should also occasionally be a home of sorts for fans, when they have open training sessions, family days, maybe even Premiership celebrations.

I went to the Carlton open training session at Princes Park on Saturday. Several thousand people there, it felt like a community gathering, young kids looking at the trophies, memorabilia, old jumper exhibitions etc (that has been done really well at Princes Park). If done properly it should be more than just a place where players train and yes the location is important. It should be a place that helps the fans connect to the club and its history.

MFC should most definitely try to have a museum component, being in the rare position of being the founding club of the whole sport. If that can't attract some government funding I don't know what will.

Everything you suggest will be more than adequately catered to at Caulfield..imho.

Access, space , locale. 

I'm not getting the feeling many truly get the scope of what will be on offer nor the unique opportunity this should present.

I think for far too long many just hear the word MELBOURNE  and automatically allocate thoughts to the CBD/MCG region.   In my view that self restricting...and alienating.

Google "Greater Melbourne" ..  THAT'S  Melbourne... the whole bloody box and dice.  We are the ONLY team who by name can assume the 'whole' and this is how we should be looking at it...  Anyone from anywhere in Melbourne can identify as being a Melburnian.... and Caulfield is right at the heart.

Time to think BIG Picture

[Demonsone 2,043]

Glen Eire council are now saying they haven’t been consulted & are warning that any plans needs to include local residential use.. could another local gvt shaft the MFC?

[beelzebub 23,383]

9 hours ago, Diamond_Jim said:

Have we missed out on a big opportunity at Port Melbourne....

A highly sought-after piece of industrial land in Port Melbourne will be turned into open space and sporting grounds after the local council won a bidding war, quashing the state government’s plan for a new primary school on the site.

City of Port Phillip Mayor Heather Consulo announced on Monday the $38.8 million purchase of a 1.54-hectare site adjoining North Port Oval – also known as ETU Stadium – at 509 Williamstown Road in Port Melbourne and the wider Fishermans Bend precinct. The land was the site of an Australia Post warehouse.

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/school-v-sports-clubs-the-future-of-this-port-melbourne-site-decided-20231218-p5es6q.html

No..  not in my view..

The area will require some recreational facilities and that will definitely suit the locals....ppl who are already there  and those that come to live there.   They wont be fighting traffic etc... FB/PM is very ordinary travel wise to get to. Limited avenues.. you effectively have to go in and out. It's actually not central. 

[layzie 33,991]

A step in the right direction, as they all apparently have been over the journey but it's still better than nothing.

I think thinks fits the bill. We can look at all the missed opportunities all we want and why we didn't invest in Apple blah blah but this is the moment and it's time to seize it. It's now or never. 

[old dee 23,872]

41 minutes ago, layzie said:

A step in the right direction, as they all apparently have been over the journey but it's still better than nothing.

I think thinks fits the bill. We can look at all the missed opportunities all we want and why we didn't invest in Apple blah blah but this is the moment and it's time to seize it. It's now or never. 

Spot on layzie. It is almost a quarter of the way through the 21st century. Forget the past it is gone. Caulfield it is. The only other option is Casey. 

[Mazer Rackham 14,971]

1 hour ago, Demonsone said:

Glen Eire council are now saying they haven’t been consulted & are warning that any plans needs to include local residential use.. could another local gvt shaft the MFC?

1 hour ago, beelzebub said:

The area will require some recreational facilities and that will definitely suit the locals....

Shouldn't be too hard to orchestrate ... dog walking tracks or off-leash areas, a few BBQs, new soccer grounds for local clubs ... TICK

[DeeZone 10,101]

3 hours ago, No. 31 said:

^^ $40 million just for land acquisition and still would need an arrangement with Port Melbourne FC. Probably more complicated negotiations than with MRC and the Trust at Caulfield Racecourse 🤔

And only 3 acres to play with in total.!!

[Older demon 2,779]

3 hours ago, Demonsone said:

Glen Eire council are now saying they haven’t been consulted & are warning that any plans needs to include local residential use.. could another local gvt shaft the MFC?

Glen Eira council have bigger problems than this to worry about. The mayor is getting death threats and egged at a council meeting after closing some child care centres. Councillor Magee has been advocating the need for more space for recreation and as they have no money (except the 15 mill they planned to buy the old Elsternwick club with) and would welcome a facility upgrade a prestigious AFL club will bring.

[Pennant St Dee 13,304]

On 18/12/2023 at 07:03, Hellfire Dub said:

Hi Rab and PStD, I'm from Ballyroan, in Rathfarnham, Dublin. So I know the Hellfire Club and Massey's wood really well as we used to mountain bike up there after school and on hikes with the family and scouts.  Later on we used to drink cans up there and even made student movies there.   

I grew up around the corner from Stynesie and passed his house on the way to school each day.  I went to the same school and played for the same club in Ballyboden too. 

We got a half day off school when Jim came to our assembly with his Brownlow medal.  At the time we had no real idea what a Brownlow was, but we knew it was important. 

Our experience of aussies was as rugby legends whipping all opponents and massive tanned athletes bashing the heads off our innocent Gaelic football heroes in the compromise rules series!  Those games were great and we loved the high standard of the visitors and the tough contests and to see an all star national team playing international opponents.  

Australia seemed really good at all sports in the 80s and 90s so if he won a medal here by beating locals he must have been really good.  The teachers told us he was voted best and fairest in the league so we felt really proud and inspired that someone from our school and neighborhood could go so far away and achieve that.  He was back again with his brother Brian in 95 when Dublin won the All Ireland final.  There was another raucous assembly in secondary school where Brian and the team passed the cup around what became a mosh pit of teenage boys.  Amidst the chaos he shouted into the mic asking who thought we should celebrate with a half day?  It went absolutely crazy and then he told us all to just go home so we did and it was like a mini prison riot!  It was brilliant!  

I moved here in 2012 and have been following the Dees since those darker days.  I left Gaelic football and rugby behind over there and took up over 35s AFL masters over here. 

I've been a Dees member for 7 years and this year will be my first year as a Redleg member. 

I really enjoy this forum (mostly lurking) and the podcast.  

As for the training ground I wish we could have a base by the MCG.  I'm not sure what happened to the talk of AAMI after the women's World cup though? 

Although it would also really suit me professionally, I know that Fisherman's bend is under huge pressure from competing commercial interests and sports.  That location would be great but I don't think it can happen as the land prices went crazy with the ad hoc rezoning. 

Caulfield seems a bit further away geographically, but it's probably good for the team and the rest of the club with enough space for facilities and parking and near transport.  It's not that far compared to Casey so plenty of supporters could get there a few times of year for events. 

The Casey situation seems mad to be so far from town and the MCG.  That's a big commute for lots of players and staff so it would be really great to get a proper modern elite facility at Caulfield.  I'm hopeful this can become a reality. 

Positives are that there is plentiful green space and it is a location designed to facilitate large sporting events.  It seems like a good idea in principle.  

Great to have you aboard. I am originally from Tallaght and we immigrated to Australia when I was a child, although I spent several years living back in Dublin in the early to mid 90s. Played GAA for Thomas Davis and worked in Firhouse, Dundrum and other places so know St Endas, Ballyroan, Delaney pub, Club Sarah, Yellow House Nutgrove etc very well 

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,909]

4 hours ago, Demonsone said:

Glen Eire council are now saying they haven’t been consulted & are warning that any plans needs to include local residential use.. could another local gvt shaft the MFC?

I suspect it's nothing more than posturing in an effort to get a seat at the table. The Glen Eira council would be well aware that this sort of upgrade will bring in dollars from the MFC, AFL, State Government and possibly even the federal Government which would not otherwise be made available. In addition, there will be both short-term and long-term jobs which will help the commercial businesses in the area. 

[Demonsone 2,043]

22 hours ago, Diamond_Jim said:

Have we missed out on a big opportunity at Port Melbourne....

A highly sought-after piece of industrial land in Port Melbourne will be turned into open space and sporting grounds after the local council won a bidding war, quashing the state government’s plan for a new primary school on the site.

City of Port Phillip Mayor Heather Consulo announced on Monday the $38.8 million purchase of a 1.54-hectare site adjoining North Port Oval – also known as ETU Stadium – at 509 Williamstown Road in Port Melbourne and the wider Fishermans Bend precinct. The land was the site of an Australia Post warehouse.

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/school-v-sports-clubs-the-future-of-this-port-melbourne-site-decided-20231218-p5es6q.html

Hard to say really as not sure on the commercials, who would pay for the facilities, can they get 2 ovals?  I live in Port & as always thought that the existing Port Melb fc ground is ripe for development but they also have a cricket club which would need to move as need a ground with all year access 

[dino rover 714]

On 12/12/2023 at 19:28, chookrat said:

You're in your 50's and have never been in a committed relationship but are desperate to meet someone and and build a life together. Every prospective partner in the past 20 years has turned you down after your high school sweetheart Amy Parks wanted a relationship but you were afraid to commit and she moved on with your nemesis. Your mum has now arranged for you to meet a girl through a family connection through lack of any other options but you have very little in common and have started to work out what you have to offer her and her family before you actually meet each other.

Your come to your father for advice 

he asks “has she got any money”

you reply her family is loaded

your father says “ you have my permission to wed”

[Macca 17,032]

57 minutes ago, Demonsone said:

Hard to say really as not sure on the commercials, who would pay for the facilities, can they get 2 ovals? 

The 2 ovals that are being talked about would be located inside the Caulfield race track according to what has come out of the AGM (Pert)

With possible buildings for admin and players gym and indoor training facilities being behind the back straight of the racetrack

I'm imaging that those buildings might double as grandstands on race days or for footy practice games and such like

After watching the AGM things look like they are in full swing for a possible training base at Caulfield (and we would keep Casey as a 2nd training base)

It wasn't just mentioned in passing, more so front & square

I was actually quite surprised at the focus on Caulfield by the club because if the subject matter was nowhere near being at a starting point, I'm not sure we would have heard much about it tonight (at all)

Edited December 19, 2023 by Macca