IT is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the Hampden Football Netball League missed two great marketing opportunities on the Queen's Birthday long weekend. With the benefit of hindsight, the questions which linger are why there were no fixtures scheduled for Sunday and Monday. With no WDFNL, MDFL or SWDFNL home-and-away action, the HFNL had a captive football audience locally. Of course, taking advantage of the holiday openings would have required goodwill from the clubs, which tend to allow the views of players and coaches to sway their decision-making on non-Saturday fixturing. With all parties looking at the opportunities to attract new fans to their clubs and leagues, however, surely it was worth some consideration. Although the HFNL prepares its draw before the WDFNL, if the district league opts for a Queen's Birthday weekend mid-season break in 2010 it is an issue worth revisiting. With the ongoing night final debate seemingly dead in the water, maybe the uncharted terrain of a Monday game could give the executive something fresh to sink its teeth into.
TATYOON football export David Astbury helped Victoria Country preserve its unbeaten record in round two of the AFL Under 18 Championships at Bellerive Oval, Hobart.
Astbury was among the visitors' best players in a gutsy, comeback win against Tasmania after trailing by 14 points at three-quarter time.
Vic Country triumphed 12.13 (85) to 10.11 (71).
Other leading contributors for the winners were Koby Stevens, Andrew Hooper, John Butcher, Ryan Bastinac and Dustin Martin, while Cobden's Gary Rohan, Astbury and Butcher each kicked two goals.
THE VCFL is encouraging players from affiliated leagues to consider nominating as the "bush'' representative in the E.J. Whitten Legends on June 30 at Docklands. Players can enter online and must convince selectors in 40 words or less why they should be chosen to play for the Vics against the All Stars in the popular fund-raising contest.
HAMILTON football export Liam Picken has claimed another big AFL scalp.
The Western Bulldogs tagger played a key role in his side's big win against Richmond in round 11 by shutting down Brett Deledio. The Tigers' star lined up at centre half-forward but could not make an impact.
He was then shifted to defence, where Picken piled in the pain by kicking two goals.
PORT Fairy's indestructible defender Alistair Down plays his 300th club game for the Seagulls tomorrow at Gardens Oval. Although it is a remarkable achievement in isolation, the 231 senior and 68 reserve appearances with Port are only part of the Down football picture. The 40-year-old Codrington farmer launched his career in 1983 at the age of 14 with Yambuk under 18s. He reached senior level with Yambuk, then detoured to Heathmere before joining Port in 1991. Down, 40, said running out in the Port colours with his mates was his enduring motivation. Tomorrow those mates will include Shannon Blom for his 200th club game (37 senior, 163 reserves) and Scott Elliott for his 100th.
FOOTBALL-NETBALL clubs are being advised to take sensible precautions to prevent the spread of swine flu. The VCFL has released information to to alleviate concerns from parents and players about the H1N1 influenza strain. The VCFL says on its website: "We all have a part to play in looking after our own health and there are some simple things we can all do to stop the spread of cold and flu germs:
*Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and where possible do so with a tissue and dispose of it immediately in a plastic-lined rubbish bin.
*Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
*Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread that way.
*Make sure you use your own water bottle or if your team has club water bottles, do not touch the nozzle with your mouth or hands. The water should be able to be squirted into your mouth.
"As always is the case, whenever you are feeling a bit off with the signs of a cold or flu, stay home and if need be, or if you have any doubts or concerns, seek medical advice,'' the VCFL website suggests.
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