the link is finally working..Coburg tipped to move
Moreland Leader
Simon Craig
28Jan08
VFL team the Coburg Tigers could relocate to Craigieburn if funding is secured to build a $10 million football training facility in the booming outer suburb.
A confidential agreement struck between the Richmond Tigers, Hume Council, Stockland and the AFL includes reference to a VFL team playing at the ground, earmarked for the corner of Grand Blvd and Windrock Ave.
Coburg is Richmond's VFL feeder team.
When asked if Coburg was set to move up the Hume Hwy, AFL Victoria CEO Peter Schwab replied: ``There's a fair chance that that could happen.
``I can't give a 100 per cent guarantee but logic would say it looks that way.
``Richmond has a close affiliation with Coburg.''
Mr Schwab said the Calder Cannons, Coburg Tigers' TAC Cup under-18s feeder club based at Coburg City Oval, would probably follow suit.
However, he stressed that nothing had been agreed to.
``The first priority is to get it actually built,'' he said.
Coburg general manager Ryan O'Connor said the club had not been approached about the move and would not be commenting on the matter at this stage.
The move would dovetail with Richmond's desire to develop a support base in Melbourne's growing north-western suburbs.
Hume Council city sustainability director David Keenan said participation by any VFL or AFL club at the proposed facility depended on the project partners securing adequate state and federal funding.
The consortium is seeking government funding of about $4.6 million.
The council's pledge to contribute $2.5 million has raised the ire of the Craigieburn Basketball Association, which has been forced to turn players away and says the money would be better spent building extra courts at the Craigieburn Leisure Centre.
The mooted football facility includes an oval as big as the MCG's and two more sports fields, as well as a sports pavilion and grandstand.
http://www.morelandleader.com.au/article/2008/01/28/28595_cov_sports.html