Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
AFTER more than 20 years as club president at Yarrawonga, Glenn Brear spoke to The Border Mail’s CHRIS YOUNG to discuss some of the pressing issues faced during his tenure. With three premierships under his belt and the recruitment of Coleman medallist Brendan Fevola among the highlights of his presidency, Brear, as ever, was far from short of a quote.
Chris Young: The Pigeons and the Tigers have built up an incredible rivalry in the past decade. How did it develop?
Glenn Brear: I congratulate Albury, they put themselves out there and challenged us and other clubs to rise to their level. A lot of other clubs took the view that it was too difficult to rise to that standard. We had to take them on and be prepared for that standard.
CY: What are the biggest challenges for the Ovens and Murray looking ahead?
GB: The league needs to make decisions that will make an impression on the community. They can’t keep sitting on their hands and not taking their opportunities. Frankly, I don’t care what decisions they make, as long as they move forward and actually make them, and pursue them actively. They can’t wait around for the VCFL to lead them through everything they do.
CY: What are your thoughts on equalisation in the league?
GB: There’s no doubt we’ve had a few years where we’ve been able to bring in some very strong and high-profile recruits. We got thumped by the Hoppers (North Albury) by 247 points in the late ’90s. You can’t take too many losses like that and survive as a club. Not only did we survive that, we grew and became much stronger for it. We had an ability to win within us as a club, and it was through some extremely hard work that we realised that potential.
Parting shot | Outgoing Pigeon urges board to make big decisions
CY: How should the league look to boost numbers at O and M matches?
GB: Country football leagues draw great crowds because they put on a much better show, simple as that. People favour seeing the best players play, which is why there needs to be extra support for, and extra games in the lower grades. Support for lower grades will mean more people through the gate, as well as the quality of the players develop.
CY: What are your thoughts on Brendan Fevola’s time in the O and M?
GB: You have to look at the overall contribution he’s made to the league, what he’s brought to the table. People come to the footy to see him.
CY: What do you say to persistent rumours the club is in financial trouble?
GB: Like any business we have debt, I don’t hide that it is there, and like any other business we’re managing it. Whatever debt we have had or will incur is under control. We have a business plan in place for the next four years, and we have absolute faith in that plan.
CY: Should the grand final venue be changed?
GB: It’s unfair that one venue will host the grand final for more than 20 years, while some clubs will just never get to see it. People need to remember that there are 10 clubs in this league, many of which have more than adequate facilities. There needs to be an opportunity for the final to be played elsewhere.