Victoria's Premier Cricket clubs are at loggerheads with Cricket Victoria over plans to introduce an independent board.
Club delegates, including Footscray Edgewater president Geoff Collinson, are concerned about several issues involving CV chief Tony Dodemaide, although Collinson did not wish to comment when contacted by Fairfax Media on Monday.
It's understood Dodemaide, one of Footscray's most decorated players, has been told he is not welcome at his former club, such is the anger clubs are venting.
The 18 Premier clubs hold the majority of the 28 votes needed under the current constitution for change, and this power would most likely be threatened - or least weakened - should an independent board be introduced. Cricket Australia moved to an independent commission in 2012 in what was the biggest shake-up in its then 107-year history.
One CV source said the attacks had become personal towards Dodemaide, who was in an invidious position.
"The 18 Premier clubs hold the power but, to get an independent board, Tony needs to bring those clubs along with him to make and agree to the change. Some of those clubs don't want change," the source said.
"Some of these clubs have been happy to meander along like it's the 19th century, be happy with their four or five wins a season and collect their dividends every year. The dividends weren't tagged to anything.
"Now there is more onus on clubs to develop their region, lead junior development, introduce women's teams - it's becoming all too hard for them."
Should a revamped board be approved, one of its first moves could be to slash the number of Premier clubs.
There is growing speculation the Premier clubs are considering a vote of no confidence in Dodemaide and CV chairman Russell Thomas.
The next meeting of Premier club presidents is in June, with the CV annual general meeting in August. Club delegates are likely to unofficially discuss the issue at this week's Jack Ryder Medal presentation.
Dodemaide, the former Australian fast bowler who played 10 Tests, has been CV chief since 2007. Fairfax Media has sought comment from him.
There was controversy in 2015 over CV's support of the Junction Oval redevelopment, but it was ultimately approved.
Some clubs believe CV has not done enough to help develop the sport at a local level. Dodemaide in recent days made it clear cricket needs to compete better with the AFL in this regard, and hopes CA's new memorandum of understanding - still be negotiated - with the Australian Cricketers Association helps provide more funding.
There are also club rumblings claiming there are too many interstate-born players in the Victorian squad. The Bushrangers last week claimed a hat-trick of Shield titles. They have been active in securing the best talent available, with Marcus Harris (WA), Marcus Stoinis (WA), Chris Tremain (NSW), Dan Christian (SA) and departing skipper Matthew Wade (Tas) among their squad.
They have been linked to securing Tasmanian wicketkeeper Tim Paine when negotiations officially open once a new MOU is brokered.
