FOOTBALL will return to Frankston Park during the Dolphins’ exile from the VFL.
AFL Victoria has decided to stage two VFL games at the home of the Frankston Dolphins Football Club and several TAC Cup matches and practice games.
Essendon Football Club’s VFL team will take on Port Melbourne on Saturday 6 May and Richmond’s VFL side will play Werribee in a round 13 clash on Saturday 15 July.
Frankston mayor Cr Brian Cunial said council welcomed AFL Victoria’s decision and said it is an encouraging sign for the future of the Dolphins.
The Dolphins went into voluntary administration in August last year before administrators Worrells Solvency and Forensic Accountants negotiated a deal with unsecured creditors to accept between 4.5 and 7.9 cents in the dollar as payment for about $1.5 million in debt.
The club came out of administration in November but was stripped of its licence to play VFL football in the 2017 season.
“This announcement comes at a critical time for the club, who are moving forward with achieving their goal of regaining a VFL Football Licence for the 2018 season,” Cr Cunial said in a statement.
“The club have received great support from the Frankston community during this difficult time and it is great to have AFL Victoria on board in getting the club back on stable footing, whilst keeping a high calibre of football alive in Frankston.”
Council has helped the club by giving the Dolphins $50,000 worth of rent relief on a $67,600 bill.
See frankstonfc.com.au for details of fundraising events to support the Frankston Dolphins bid to return to the VFL in 2018 or call the club on 9783 7888.
