Giants move to ‘stimulate footy’

Former Horsham star full forward David Johns believes the switch of Southern Mallee Giants from Horsham District to Wimmera football leagues represents one of the biggest stimulants in the game in the region for many years.

Mr Johns, who closely monitors the game’s regional evolution as the head of 3WM’S The Shirtfront radio show every Saturday morning, said the shift was the boost the game needed.

“People in the game in the region were looking for something and this might well be it. What it will do, is apply fresh pressure to leading Wimmera league clubs which now can’t afford any complacency,” he said.

“At the same time, it opens the door of opportunity in Horsham District league where clubs can now confidently consider fresh prospects of challenging for premierships.”

Mr Johns, who holds Wimmera league goal-kicking records and was a profound influence in Horsham’s premiership-winning dynasty in Wimmera league from 2003 to 2012, added that football was constantly evolving and Wimmera football needed to maintain standards.

“It’s important to have solid participation levels in the game, but we should never lose sight of a need to provide high-level football, which in turn meets the needs of a football-loving public,” he said.

“While we must have an opportunity to provide the average football lover a chance to play the game socially, it is also essential there is a tiered structure that allows players in our part of the world to pursue a high level without moving from the area. In fact we want to be in a position where we develop such a reputation that players from elsewhere want to come here to play.”

Mr Johns, also a successful Horsham businessman, said a proposed merger between Edenhope-apsley and Border Districts clubs would represent another positive move for football in the area.

“As we’ve seen with Beulah and Hopetoun, and earlier Minyip and Murtoa and Warracknabeal and Brim, it can work and work well,” he said.

“And this trend of consolidating football and netball resources will continue over the next three to four years.

“I suggest there will be another three or maybe four more clubs that will seriously consider this option in the near future – and this time it will be closer to Horsham.

“We’ve discussed the Giants move and the overall willingness for club officials to consider all options pretty heavily on The Shirtfront and there is no doubt it will continue to be a talking point throughout the upcoming season.”