Club tackling crisis

Kyneton Football Netball Club treasurer Chris Plowman, senior coach Brian Walsh, president Cello Matricardi and Sponsor Manager Glen Harris urge the community to get behind the club and help them stay alive in season 2013.

"Without a doubt there is a concern for players at senior and reserves level" - BFNL CEO Steven Oliver 
Chris Yeend

The Kyneton Football Netball Club (KFNC) fears its senior team could go into recess this year, as it battles to field a senior team for the 2013 Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL) season. 
The club committee met with the BFNL board on Monday night to determine its short term future and share its progress on the senior player list. 
Club are required to produce a list of 25 quality standard players and present the list to the BFNL on Thursday January 31. The lists will be presented to the BFNL board on Friday February 1 to determine the next phase of action. 
If Kyneton cannot meet the standards set by the league, there may be no senior football club this year. 
The league is working closely with the club to field two senior teams.
Concerns surrounding the playing list of the club escalated the week before Christmas with a number of valuable senior players informing the club they are signing on with other teams. 
The lack of numbers in Kyneton's senior playing list has been an issue for a number of years and the BFNL is determined to find a solution before it gets worse. 
"Without a doubt there is a concern for players at senior and reserves level," BFNL CEO Steven Oliver said.
"We will consider what is in the best interest of the Kyneton Football Netball Club, the Bendigo Football League and all clubs in the Bendigo Football League."
THE TIGERS ARE STILL ALIVE
Oliver said the rumour mill was running wild this week. He has responded to many enquiries about the club's future since the meeting. 
Oliver said Kyneton Football Netball Club is still alive and needs local support.
"This is the opportunity for the community to really get behind the club and show their support," he said.
"The club is in desperate need of quality players."
The Tigers fielded more than 70 reserves players last year, but the BFNL will refuse a team that does meet the standard to compete. Oliver said a team that is thrown together will be open to weekly thrashings at the hands of other football clubs. 
"We feel that BFNL is the best fit for the Kyneton Footy Club and the Kyneton Footy Club is the best fit for the league," Oliver said, "We are working diligently with the club."
The Tigers faced a similar problem five years ago when the club had just 12 senior players committed to playing in mid-March. Oliver guarantees that the situation won't get to those levels again.
The committee is confident Kyneton will get the numbers needed to meet the BFNL criteria.
"It's getting there, we're working hard," club president, Cello Matricardi said.
"We're hoping that next week we'll get a few more signings and we'll have some more positive stories."
The Bendigo Football Netball League stands as one of the strongest leagues in Victoria and anyone who is looking to make their mark in the league is encouraged to talk to Kyneton.
Kyneton FC is focused on bringing about positive and progressive culture on and off the field. 
If you are interested in playing for Kyneton seniors, contact Cello on 0419 161 002.
The club will hold an meeting on the player issue after training at the Showgrounds on Tuesday night. All supporters are encouraged to attend.