■ Local football clearances have been open for only a week and there has been plenty of movement already. Werribee Districts has a case of déjà vu with the return of Nathan Black, Rhys Prismall and Josh Huxtable and North Footscray has been shopping for brothers, with the Montebruno and Richardson siblings joining. Sadly, the classy Michael Fogarty is moving from Spotswood to the Eastern Football League, while the Stephens boys are heading back to Albion and football nomad Shannon Broadbent is off to the EDFL. Sunshine has lost some quality with Darren Haby and Ben McInneny moving on. I’ll keep you posted on any other changes.
■ The annual Rotary Jalna Big Bay Swim from Port Melbourne to Williamstown is on again on Sunday, February 28. The 3.2km swim is run by the Rotary Club of Williamstown and the Williamstown Swimming and Lifesaving club. Money raised goes to Kids with Cancer and youth leadership programs for at-risk kids run by the 20th Man Youth Fund. Former Hawthorn premiership star Campbell Brown is among those swimming. If you want to be a sponsor or run a market stall, contact Stephen Los 0478 221 812. If you want to swim, register online at bigbayswim.com.au or via Mario Vella 0418326610.
■ Werribee Football Club’s annual golf day is at Werribee Park on Friday, February 19 with a noon shotgun start and a stableford format. For details, call the club on 97416688. Altona Rotary Club has its annual golf day at Kooringal Golf Club on Friday, February 26. The charity day supports Very Special Kids and other local and international Rotary projects. Sponsorships are available and players are welcome. Fees for an individual are $100. For details, email charles.montebello@bigpond.com
■ I’m hearing disturbing stories about the recruitment of under-age players by football clubs. I’m told it’s becoming more prevalent, especially by strong financial clubs with poor under-age local talent at their disposal. I understand it is better for kids to be playing than not playing. But the problem is that only the top players are being targeted, so it’s not about participation, it’s about winning. Money and other inducements are involved and while this isn’t against the rules, I believe it is morally wrong.
