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From the Club President

Dear MOCFC Community,

 

After what has felt like a long couple of months, the last few days have seen some positive news with Premier Daniel Andrews lifting of the level 3 restrictions sparking optimism and momentum in our community. At a club level we’ve also seen plenty of optimism of our own, with player led groups of ten training at different venues over the last week in order to take advantage of the reduced restrictions.

 

We’ve also seen the AFL reveal details of what a 2020 season will look like and I know there has been a lot of speculation in the community about what form local footy may take in 2020. Many of you will have heard that there are a large number of local money-playing clubs not looking to play this season. While this is a disappointing situation, I do understand the challenges these clubs (and all clubs) are facing as the removal of most revenue streams means clubs could be financially crippled if they proceed.

 

So what does this all mean for Mazenod in 2020?

 

Across our history as a club we have repeatedly risen to meet every challenge and it is our prevailing view that we should do everything we can to get our teams on the field in 2020. The path to achieving this is still uncertain and the committee is working with the VAFA and Monash Council as well as our current and potential sponsors to achieve this. But what does that actually mean for our players, our coaches and our broader community?

 

As we have stated throughout, our actions will first and foremost be guided by advice from AFL Victoria and the VAFA. As soon as detail around our season is known we will go out to our players and supporters with a clear picture of the playing and financial situation and an understanding of the financial and COVID 19 playing requirements to enable a 2020 season.

 

We understand the challenges of this time are not limited to football clubs and that many in our club community are hurting and as such the committee does not see increasing player’s fees as the sole solution to the financial complexity of meeting the fixed costs of a shortened season without social events. We are currently working on an action plan to get Mazenod Players on the field in 2020. The challenge ahead of us is a bit one and this action plan will need a response from our whole community... Parents, players and coaches and past players.

 

That’s where Mazenod is different to other clubs and has always been different. This Community of People with common values sees the value of our community on all of our lives but mostly the value it provides the young men and women who play at the club. We know we are more than a Club and we know the Wellbeing of our young people can be enhanced through a short season of football.

 

Myself and the committee will continue to work in the background to give us all the best chance of playing football in 2020. I’ll continue to keep you updated as the situation evolves over the coming weeks.

 

In the meantime, I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to all those from around the club who have reached out to offer support or put in their time to help keep this club going and set us up for a 2020 season – whether that is supporting financially, offering to help in some way during a reduced season or sharing your cooking skills with the club on Facebook.

 

We are all in this together and it’s clear this season will test our spirit off the field as well as on it.

 

 

Gerard Noone

Club President