Football in the Maryborough and district is in for big changes and the future of the Lexton Plains Football League is in doubt following the WorkSafe Victorian Country Football League Review Panel concluded its interview process this week.

The VCFL Review Panel had around 38 interviews within the four leagues within the Greater Ballarat area as part of the Lexton Plains review.

The consultation with the clubs and leagues was extensive with open and honest discussions forming the basis of the preliminary recommendations presented.

The WorkSafe VCFL entered into discussions without any preconceived ideas at the request of the Lexton Plains Football Netball League and its member clubs.

The VCFL Review Panel took into consideration the following factors:

• Need for a long term solution to provide stability of all clubs in the area.

• Need for clubs to play within local geographical boundaries to a fair and reasonable extent.

• Need for competitive balance to a fair and reasonable extent.

• Need for teams to play within a more equitable fixture structure.

• Club financial viability.

• Consideration of existing junior football and netball structures.

• Current and future facilities and ground standards.