Last week I was fortunate to attend the CBH colts football carnival in Perth.
For many years I have travelled to the metropolitan area to broadcast matches played by the Great Northern Football League.
The GNFL’s performance at the annual championships has fluctuated over the years.
In 1969, the then-GNNFL held its head high as winners of the very first Mobil Country Football Championships.
The team was coached by the great Maurie Drennan and captained by Murray Criddle.
The win established our local league as arguably the best in regional WA, and a position we wrestled with the South West Football League in subsequent years.
But in recent times, things have changed.
The SWFL is still very dominant in respect to success at the country championships, but the GNFL’s reward has been limited, to say the least. This year, the GNFL did not field a men’s side in the tournament.
In fact, it would seem the whole country week spirit that was once so bright here in Geraldton has faded to barely a flicker.
Why is this so?
Well, one probable reason, is changing times.
In 1969, Geraldton was a much smaller place with a population of about 15,000 people.
Today, the population is more than three times that and continues to grow rapidly.
Yes, sport is still big here, but numerous choices, coupled with modern lifestyle opportunities has greatly contributed to a steady decline in interest.
Even so, I think there is one change that has been far more impactful.
I believe the actual country football championships has lost its way.
The explosion of the population in areas south of Perth has lead to the Peel region, including Mandurah and surrounds, along with the Bunbury and Busselton region greatly expanding.
This has seen their local football leagues attract numerous players from the metro area to the point these players now dominate.
This has severely impacted the country championships competition where Peel and the South West have an unsurmountable stronghold.
The tournament is now dominated by two regions fielding players from Perth.
But take heart local football lovers.
The CBH colts competition is certainly different.
Last week, combinations from across WA competed in a truly pure format of regional representation.
Every young man that lined up in the two divisions were true blue locals.
The GNFL colts, competing in the A-section, were simply outstanding.
Led by coach, Gerard Marquis, Great Northern went through undefeated, handsomely beating the South West in the grand final.
Those who played for the GNFL were all league players in Geraldton — a number with aspirations to take their game to the next level in WAFL and possibly, AFL.
And, I dare say, this was the case with all the other sides that took part.
The situation qualified the idea that the GNFL is a development league — we are producing quality players and quality coaches.
For me, what unfolded on the fields of Scotch College gave me great heart that football is alive and well in the Mid West and we are still very much one of the best competitions in regional WA.
Peter Fiorenza hosts Sports Shed Saturday (9am to noon) and Fiorenza on Sunday (10am to noon) on Radio MAMA and can also be heard on Radio Geraldton
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