VFA / VFL News

The Port Melbourne Football Club wishes to advise that club legend Bob Bonnett has been battling ill health for some time.

Recently, Bob was admitted to St. Vincent’s Private Hospital and at this stage, is unlikely to return home.

Our prayers and thoughts are with his wife June, and the family.

We will also endeavour to provide further updates as they come to hand over the coming days and weeks.

Come along to the Sandridge Events Centre after the Borough's Round 17 home game against Coburg for a formal tribute to arguably our club's most decorated player, Fred Cook!

- Saturday 12th August 2017 (Following Coburg Round 17 Game)
- Sandridge Function and Events Centre @ North Port Oval
- 6:00pm - 9:00pm (approximately).
- Panel includes: Sam Newman, Norm Brown, Gary Brice, Sam Holt and Phil Cleary.
- Ticket prices: $50 per Adult (+ fees + GST), $20 for Pensioners (+ fees + GST). Includes finger food and drinks at bar prices.

June 29, 2017 1:48pm

Officials at VFL and TAC Cup level have been saying in the past few weeks that AFL Victoria has all but ruled out the Development League continuing beyond this season.

They are adamant it is needed, describing it as a vital link between the under-18 competition and senior VFL football.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Is there a need for the reserves competition in the VFL? Tell us below

Without it hundreds of young players will be denied listings at VFL clubs and will go back to local football, the clubs say.

Port Melbourne, Williamstown, Casey Demons, Sandringham, Northern Blues, Coburg, Box Hill Hawks and Werribee all field DL teams.

A handful of presidents met last week to discuss the issue. With general managers they are mustering support and will approach the AFL directly about keeping the competition.

It’s believed some AFL clubs are prepared to contribute to the submission.

VFL clubs had to fight last year to keep the Development League for this season.

COBURG finally earned its first win of the Victorian Football League season last weekend but the traditional singing of the team song provided somewhat of an unusual sight.

A dozen of the 23-strong team were playing in their first senior victory in the competition, meaning there were more players in the winning circle than outside it.

Coburg’s Ben Allan tries to evade a Sandringham opponent. Picture: David Crosling

One of those 12 was Blake Mullane, enjoying just his first win in his 32nd match.

“I was watching the clock when it was at 19 minutes and we were three goals up,” he said.

“I was thinking ‘surely they can’t come back from here’.

“We just kept the ball on the wing for 10 minutes and then the siren went.

“It was a real weight off the shoulders.

“Then we sang the song and I didn’t know the words, but it was still good.”