Some interesting discussions coming from the South Melbourne corridors at their HQ at Lakeside the last couple of weeks

Since smfc's announcement in regards to its take over bid of Melbourne Heart and the CCM back in May - and also its EOI in regards to the NPL, there have been mixed response by the members and smfc is now reviewing its current position on 2 fronts:

smfc has now secured a significant amount of $$$ exceeding the offer for the Heart licence in May and many members firmly believes that along with its brand - its presence - location - culture and centralization that smfc is robust enough to claim its own licence under its own banner rather than explore the acquisition of an existing one as this funding was raised on the back of smfc's brand and its development as the strongest and most professionally administrated club outside of tier 1

Obviously acquisition is the faster option - however with expansion of the league earmarked prior to the next TV deal (as early as 2015) with as many as 4 new teams - the smfc members believe that $$$ would be better spent on smfc truly cementing its rightful place in the Australian sports domain under its own identity rather than sharing one

South Melbourne provides a compelling case and should work towards not only a true football proposal but to achieve true industry leadership via its media teams and collaboration with the football community in Victoria

smfc is now regarded as the third largest football broadcaster in this country behind Foxtel and SBS

On the second front, smfc members are also reviewing its position in relation to its EOI with the NPL and are not convinced the NPL at least in Victoria embraces true growth for the game nor does it adequately adopt a formula that would allow the teams with the best infrastructure to be included - thus leaving severe question marks about the true viability of this competition in VIC

The members are concerned as to why NPL_V is so distantly removed with the formula attended to by the other states and question the long term viability of this comp compared to the speed in which it was embraced and executed in NSW

Some very interesting times ahead and I believe the club will announce an information session shortly in August for its members