PICK up a newspaper, listen to the radio or switch on the television and there’s a fair chance Michael Barlow and James Podsiadly will be, to use a football term, front and square.
Barlow and Podsiadly have captured the imagination of the football public with their stunning AFL debuts and focused the spotlight with previously unseen force on the VFL.
Not before time people are now paying due respect to the VFL, which continues to grow in status.
As evidenced from the State match against West Australia triumph, the VFL talent pool seemingly has no ceiling. Like Barlow and Podsiadly all those aspiring players are waiting for is an opportunity.
While there is many players to emerge from the State match – Matthew Little, Ed Curnow, Peter Faulks, Stephen Clifton and Michael Stockdale to name but a few - they are not the only VFL players whose performances have attracted attention from AFL scouts.
And, that’s borne from a most competitive competition. It may be out of the coaches manual, but we have witnessed repeatedly in the first half of the season a situation where on any given day any team, regardless of its ladder standing, can win.
With eight home and away matches remaining, only percentage separates the first three teams on the ladder, there’s only two games from first to sixth and only Frankston seems outs out of final eight contention.
It provides ample time and opportunity not only for clubs to seal their final’s destiny, but also for players to continue to enhance their prospects so they can be playing in the AFL next season along with Barlow and Podsiadly.
Recently, a Victorian Government initiative, supported by AFL Victoria and the AFL Coaches Association, has focused on addressing the issue of alcohol related violence.
It’s a campaign that everyone in the community should embrace and also support the victims and help them get back on their feet.
The campaign encourages young men to help their mates with Championship Moves when they have had too much to drink and are headed for trouble.
The Championship Moves campaign is all about delivering a very simple message to young Victorians: that real champions look out for their mates and respect everyone’s right to a good time.
Alcohol related violence affects all parts of society, including the AFL and VFL.
There is a responsibility on professional and semi professional players to act in such a manner that they are revered as community role models.
Last Modified on 18/08/2010 11:49