Magpies dump Hughes

By Brad Kingsbury and Glen Atwell
NARRE WARREN has sacked midfielder Luke Hughes after he fell foul of the playing group on a recent training camp in Moe.
Coach Austinn Jones and assistant Brett Evans told Hughes his services would not be required in 2006 after the leadership group recommended to the committee that the player be disciplined for an incident on the weekend camp.
Magpies president Kim McGill confirmed the committee had supported the players’ decision after it was reported, and said that while it was disappointing, it showed the club’s discipline under Jones’ leadership would not be compromised.
McGill declined to discuss details of the incident which resulted in Hughes’ sacking, but said if the enigmatic play-maker mended his ways he would be welcome to rejoin the club in future seasons.
Devon Meadows centre half-forward Adam Jago, who is playing the summer season in Darwin, is reported to be considering a transfer to Casey-Cardinia rival Beaconsfield.
The strong-marking key position player is tossing up between playing with the Panthers, Eagles or making a move to Bellarine Peninsula club Geelong West.
The Panthers are already reeling from the departure of star forward Rohan Best and the likely loss of Luke James to Ellinbank and District league club Poowong, and the loss of Jago would leave a huge hole in the team’s attack.
In other Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League news, Dingley Football Club is urgently seeking to exit the Casey-Cardinia League and transfer to division three of the Southern Football League (SFL) before the start of this season.
The Dingoes, who voted against a move to the SFL at the end of last season, have lost several players and struggled to recruit over summer. The club has signalled its intention to join the SFL, according to league executive manager Bob Caine.
Caine said while it was technically too late to switch leagues, it was still a possibility that a move would be given special consideration.
Dingley president Leigh Menzel refused to confirm or deny the possibility of a transfer between leagues.
“We discussed it before last season. The club is always looking at what’s best for our future,” he said.
“We’re looking for success in the short term more than the long term, so read between the lines.”
MPNFL general manager Ian Benson confirmed Dingley had contacted the league on Tuesday requesting an urgent meeting regarding the club’s immediate future in the Casey-Cardinia League.