MYRTLEFORD president Bill O’Donohue has backed the Ovens and Murray’s decision to hold a player camp ahead of Saturday’s clash against the Hampden league at Norm Minns Oval.
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Despite the league being accused of “overkill”, O’Donohue said coach Brendan Fevola needed to do “whatever it takes” to climb the Victorian Country Championships rankings.
The league will cover the cost of accommodation for about 12 travelling players, as well as a team dinner and golf.
League general manager Aaron McGlynn yesterday dismissed speculation the camp would cost the league up to $15,000, saying the figure was way off the mark.
O’Donohue, who has previously slammed rival clubs for failing to support interleague football, said Fevola should be given all the support he needed in a bid to restore the competition’s wounded pride.
“The league should do everything it can to get back to No. 1,” he said.
“I’m all for it.
“It’s all right skiting about being No. 1 and talking ourselves up as the best league in country Victoria, but people ask the question — why are you ranked at No. 5 or 6?
“And they are right.
“We talk ourselves up but the results aren’t there.
“Hopefully Fevola can do something about it.”
While McGlynn was reluctant to put a price on the player camp and preparation, it is believed to be about $2000 with the match being played on home turf.
Last year’s interleague campaign against Peninsula at Melbourne’s Visy Park cost between $15,000 and $20,000 with senior and junior teams involved.
“I understand where people are coming from, but we are not spending thousands and thousands of dollars,” McGlynn said.
“Nowhere near it.
“I see it as a team bonding activity and getting the guys together.”
The Ovens and Murray will hold its final training session at Norm Minns Oval tonight.