HISTORY is an important part of any sporting club and always needs to be respected and held in the highest regard.
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But like everything in life, you sometimes have to move on, not allow yourself to become too bogged down in the past.
The thing about history is it can never be taken away.
If preserved properly it will always be a pivotal part of any sporting club or organisation.
But looking forward to the future is just as important as reflecting on what has been achieved in the past.
Without the future there is no past.
The No.1 priority for any club should always be its future.
I’ve seen clubs divided and friendships torn apart over this debate.
Individuals who are too caught up in preserving the history of a club without having a vision for the long-term sustainability of their club.
Photos, honour boards and statistical data can be stored and displayed anywhere.
These materialistic things have just as much impact wherever they are.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the romance associated with what lies in the achievements as much as anyone, but I’m also practical about the fact time waits for no one.
You only have to look at the AFL and clubs like Collingwood and Hawthorn to see you can retain your club’s heritage even though you might no longer be based at your spiritual home.
Collingwood is one of the oldest and proudest clubs in the AFL.
Its move from Victoria Park to state-of-the-art facilities on Batman Avenue opposite Rod Laver Arena has meant they have lost none of their history.
It came with them, as it did when Hawthorn relocated from a rundown Glenferrie Oval to Waverley.
Both clubs have retained every sense of tradition and history about their club.
They have been able to do this because of good planning and a vision for the future.
I know the SFNL isn’t the AFL, but some things are no different. Good decision-making brings about good outcomes.
The boards of South Mildura and Imperials showed great foresight when they pursued a move to the new Mildura South Regional Sporting Precinct.
The unfortunate thing about this whole situation is only one of them was going to get that opportunity.
Imperials will now remain at City Oval and will have to continue to co-exist with Mildura Football Netball Club and the local harness racing club.
It’s not the outcome they were looking for, but one thing is for sure, Imperials will roll their sleeves up and get on with the job.
Not many clubs are as professional as Imps and while they will no doubt be disappointed, I know they will still have a plan for the future, that is why they have been so successful and why they will continue to be.
