THE AFL's decision to grant clubs a second mature-age selection in this year's rookie draft would be a boon for players plying their trade in state leagues, VFL football operations manager John Hook said yesterday.

On Monday, the AFL said it would give clubs the chance to punt on two mature-aged rookies, up from one last year. The rule will be in place until the end of 2012.

It could mean more players are plucked from second-tier leagues such as the VFL when the rookie draft is held in December, while recently delisted players could also be thrown a lifeline.

Players aged 23 and over are eligible to be selected as mature-aged rookies.

Hook said he viewed the AFL's decision in a positive light, even though the VFL could possibly lose some of its best players. ''I think it will only be a positive, as it will give more opportunities for players in state leagues,'' he said. ''It will give [AFL] clubs a chance to cover certain roles and take a punt on the best players from state leagues.''

VFL premier North Ballarat will be without two-time premiership defender Michael Searl next season.

Searl will spend next year working and travelling overseas.

This means the Selkirk Roosters will pursue a third consecutive flag with a new-look defence, with North Melbourne's Shannon Watt having retired.

North Ballarat head coach Gerard FitzGerald said Searl would be a massive loss, having been an intregal part of the team and leadership group.

Although just 24 years of age, Searl is one of the Roosters' most experienced players with 99 VFL senior appearances.

From Leader Group Papers (www.localfooty.com.au)
Reported by Paul Amy
Full article Click here

SANDRINGHAM will go into 2010 with a new captain after Peter Summers quit the VFL last Friday.

The brilliant centreman told the Zebras increasing work commitments would prevent him from playing on.

“Yes, it’s a big blow,” Sandy general manager John Mennie said.

Summers told The Leader he had a heavy heart as he phoned president Gerry Ryan and coach Andy Lovell to inform them of his decision.

He said he had always enjoyed his time at the club, had been part of a wonderful era and made many friends.

“It was tough making the calls but you’ve just got to take the emotion out of it,” Summers said.

COBURG has hired David Newett as coach for the 2010 Victorian Football League season.

The somewhat left-field appointment of Newett – who spent the past two seasons as a development coach at North Melbourne – was confirmed by Tigers president Bill Balakis on Sunday morning. 

Newett’s CV also includes stints with the Northern Tasmania Football Academy and the Tasmanian Institute of Sport.

From Leader Group Newspapers - localfooty.com.au

SIMON Goosey says being appointed coach of the VFL Frankston Dolphins is the most exciting challenge of his storied football career.

The legendary Mornington goal kicker was told by Frankston he had the job last Thursday - three days after Shannon Grant parted company with the club.

“I’m really rapt at the opportunity,” Goosey said. “I know how much work has to be put into it.”

Goosey, 42, says he is keen to build a relationship with the MPNFL and provide a pathway for young, local players to make it to the AFL.