The six biggest football clubs in the Casey-Dandenong region said that they "would unite behind a local push for an A-League license," according to Windley & Davutovic of the HERALD SUN. The Casey & Greater Dandenong councils also endorse a southeast A-League bid and both have "already identified appropriate locations" -- Casey Fields and Dandenong Showgrounds. Former Springvale City and Socceroos player Vince Grella "headlines an impressive south-east production line that includes current players Scott McDonald, Eugene Galekovic, Curtis Good and Jackson Irvine." With a "rapidly growing population that already numbers 1.2 million, the sout-heast is a perfect home for a professional club according to locals." Each of Dandenong City, Dandenong Thunder, Springvale White Eagles, South Springvale, Berwick City and Casey Comets "ardently support an A-League team being placed on their doorstep." Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti said, "I’ve spoken to a clot of people in the community and there’s a real hunger for soccer. It’s taking off in the southeast and there’s no AFL here." Casey is the "eighth-fastest growing municipality in Australia" with a population of approximately 290,000 that is projected to grow to 459,000 by '36. Dandenong has roughly 155,000 residents and "will push 200,000 in 15 years." Dandenong City President Tony Dorotic said, "If a super club was formed representing the entire region, it would be a raging success." South Melbourne has formalized a bid, Geelong is in the mix, but Berwick City President Joe Di Iorio said that "the south-east is another Western Sydney Wanderers in waiting" (HERALD SUN, 11/17).
