RIVAL players from the Robe Football Club could soon volunteer their time to rebuild the gutted clubrooms of their Nangwarry counterparts.
The Mid South East Football League and its constituent clubs have reacted with dismay to Wednesday night’s blaze which destroyed the Saints’ clubrooms.
Robe Football Club president John Fenton said he had discussed his club’s response with A Grade coach and “tradie” Jack Kelly.
“It is a family league,” Mr Fenton said.
“We reckon we could get 10-12 tradies on a bus and spend a day at Nangwarry.
“We want to do whatever we can do.
“It is early days and I have phoned Nangwarry Football Club president Shane Ploenges with our offer.
“The fire is devastating for Nangwarry.
“They have been through enough and this is a kick in the guts.”
Hatherleigh Football Club president Deon Chester said he also immediately phoned Mr Ploenges on Thursday morning when he heard the news.
“It is devastating,” Mr Chester said.
“A footy club is the heartbeat of a town.
“They have been going through a tough time on the ovals.
“I hope they will bounce back and get back to having fun and doing what they enjoy.”
Mount Burr United Football Club president Adam Gardiner said there was still a bond between the Mozzies and Nangwarry as both had been “timber towns”.
“It is gut-wrenching,” Mr Gardiner said.
“You really feel sorry for them.
“We will touch base and see how we can help them.
“Our thoughts are with them.”
MSEFL president Peter Mitchell said it was his priority to determine how the league can help the fire-affected club.
Mr Mitchell said it would be a matter to be considered at a delegates meeting of the MSEFL.
“We will try to see if we can catch up with the hierarchy of the Nangwarry Football Club,” Mr Mitchell said.
“We want to hear what are their concerns and needs.
“I imagine it would be extremely difficult to have home games there.
“It could be that marquees be set up.
“Nangwarry might not be able to host home games for some or all of 2019.
“The MSEFL has not yet set our program for the coming season.
“We have been in talks with the Western Border Football League, the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League and the South East Football Council about the timing of the grand finals.”
According to Mr Mitchell, one option for Nangwarry might be to host its scheduled games at other ovals and take the gate revenue and undertake the catering.
He has lamented the loss of photographs, honour boards and other memorabilia.
“I hope they had copies of their photographs stored somewhere,” he said.
“I know they had the last Legacy Cup.”
