AFL set to test southern interest
AFL Cairns will explore the viability of re-establishing a presence in Gordonvale less than six months after the Pyramid Power disbanded.
The Power folded due to diminishing volunteer numbers, compounded by the impacts of COVID-19, but AFL Cairns boss Gary Young said there had been enthusiastic interest in getting a club back up and running.
“Sporting clubs are part of the fabric of a community, especially in a region like Gordonvale,” he said.
“The previous club had a good local following. It engaged locals, especially the junior boys and girls.
“If we can learn from the challenges that presented themselves to the previous club and modify the plan and implementation strategy, Gordonvale can have a strong and sustainable AFL club.”
He said having a club in the area was paramount to ensure AFL would be part of the local community in the future, whether it was by re-establishing the Power club or creating a new entity.
“It’s a strong growth area with lots of young families. AFL footy is perfect for them both as a sporting interest and for social interaction in a tight knit community,” he said.
“If there is a genuine desire for a footy club, AFL Cairns can look at some really progressive long-term opportunities for permanent, sustainable success.”
The Power stepped away from the reserves competition in 2020 after many of their players crossed to play at North Cairns, while just a season before that, the club endured a mass exodus footballers to City Lions.
Long-serving club president Jimmy Floyd, wife Marie and many friends and relatives had battled to build a base of volunteers and sponsors before the club disbanded last year.
An AFL Cairns Facebook post with details about the meeting was met with backlash from disgruntled members of the community.
“One would hope it’s re-establishing Pyramid Power as they should of (sic) been receiving this support,” one user commented, while another said it was “a slap in the face for the parents, kids and volunteers who battled to keep the club going”.
Young said the league provided “significant support” to the club over the years.
“A lot of people wouldn’t be aware of the contribution that AFL Cairns put in — and I get that, we’re not critical of those people and their comments — but they’re probably not quite as well researched as they could be,” he said.
“With getting a club back up and running, this is all about being positive. Could we have done more? Perhaps, and into the future we will learn from that. But there was significant support provided and what we do need is for people to jump on board,” he said.
“It’s really important we talk to the community, identify the challenges, make sure we address any of the shortcomings, and then get on with building a long-term, strong club. Sustainability is critical to us, we will always invest in things that are long-term.”
AFL Cairns will hold a public meeting at Norman Park, Cnr Norman and Cannon Sts, Gordonvale, next Wednesday, April 28, at 5.30pm. of