mmg.com.au

‘‘Gut-wrenching’’ was the term used by Deniliquin-based Mathoura Football Club senior coach Chris Mitsch to describe the position the club has found itself in.

Up to 18 of the 21 Timbercutters who played in the Picola and District Football League preliminary final loss to Berrigan last year are thought to have gone, leaving the club in disarray less than two months before the start of the season.

‘‘It’s not looking good,’’ Mitsch admitted.

‘‘I am surprised. I honestly thought after coming so close last year ... it’s just a shame because we’ve been able to achieve so much.

‘‘We’ve gotten into a position where we’ve been super competitive.

‘‘If the guys had the energy to come for another season, I think we could’ve given it a real shake this year.’’

Tim and Matt Sparey, Callum Harding-Davies and Beau Duggan-Hulands were some of the first departures, heading to Wakool.

But it was the loss of gun full-forward Brody Lumber — who had been appointed as Mathoura’s assistant coach recently — to PDFL rival Blighty which may have had the biggest effect on the number of player departures.

‘‘That’s probably the most disappointing thing, ’’ Mitsch said of Lumber’s defection.

‘‘Losing players of Lumber’s calibre is harder to cover and that’s sort of started a snowball effect.

‘‘I think a lot of the guys who were 50-50, the ones travelling, are thinking once we lost those one or two better players, ‘maybe we’re better off looking elsewhere’.’’

Shaun Delamare, Jim Hartshorn and Ash Neal have retired, while James Coppock, Justin Allingham, Shaun Bessell and possibly Ben Vesty have moved to Murray League club Echuca United.

Chris Allingham has moved to Elmore, Brett Weldon may be at Tongala this season, while Brendan Fraser and Tom Higgins are expected to play at Tallygaroopna.

Mitsch said he understood the players’ motivations for departing, but that it was almost impossible for a club like Mathoura to match the offers from clubs around the area.

‘‘Obviously, because we’ve had a couple of good years, the players have attracted good offers from surrounding clubs, ’’ he said.

‘‘There’s a lot of money to make for country footballers these days and it’s unfortunate, but a little community like Mathoura just can’t compete with some of the money.’’

The many players travelling to the club and the obligations each had might also have had an impact on some players’ decisions, Mitsch said.

‘‘We have a number of guys who travel out of Echuca and the travel factor has just worn them down, ’’ he said.

‘‘I also think it’s just getting harder and harder to attract footballers to play footy.

‘‘I’ve heard rumours that even Echuca is short (of players).

‘‘If Goulburn Valley clubs are struggling, how are Picola league clubs going to be?’’

The Mathoura community would be the hardest hit by the flood of departures, Mitsch added.

‘‘I’m devastated for the club and the people around the club, ’’ he said.

‘‘The community is constantly getting kicked in the teeth.

‘‘Last year they shut down the timber industry on them ... it’s just hard.

‘‘It’s a shame the wheels have completely fallen off.’’

Mitsch said the full extent of the situation had only recently become apparent, but he still hoped footballers would arrive in time for the club to have an impact on the PDFL season.

‘‘We’ll keep the doors open, ’’ he said.

‘‘If guys want a game, I’ll turn up at training every Tuesday and Thursday.’’