LIAM DURKIN
FOOTBALL
By LIAM DURKIN AN AFL legend is set to help the intrepid Gormandale Football-Netball Club. The Tigers were one of eight successful local clubs that will have the choice of ‘drafting’ either Eddie Betts, Shaun Burgoyne, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Jones, Alex Rance, Trent Cotchin or Gippsland players Brendon Goddard and Jarryd Roughhead into their team. The ex-AFL players will suit up for a one-off game as part of an initiative by brewing company Carlton Draught to help bring some profile to struggling clubs in the wake of the pandemic. Gormandale has certainly been struggling, having not won a senior game since 2018. Working under the banner ‘Carlton Draft’, Brisbane Lions great Brown is leading the charge as ‘draft commissioner’. While just who plays for Gormandale remains to be seen, the Tigers have confirmed Betts as their first preference. The draft will be broadcast live on Fox Footy on April 27, with matches commencing from April 30. “Being a country Victorian boy myself, I know how hard it has been for many local communities throughout the last couple of years,” Brown said. “The Carlton Draft will be a campaign that unifies communities across Victoria, with eight lucky clubs getting the chance to have an ex-AFL legend lace up the boots and put on a show. I reckon a couple of them might finish with bruised egos and bodies but it’s going to be fun to watch.” It is understood Carlton will set up marquees at Gormandale on the day, and the club could make as much as $15,000 in gate and bar takings. Another Gippsland club, Dalyston, has been chosen to take part. The Tigers have had an AFL player pull on the yellow and black in the past in Brodie Holland. Will AFL experience be enough to end the Tigers drought? More to come.
