Sport
21 August, 2023
No change in Bendigo league structure for 2024, despite recent meetings
Maryborough will be staying put in the Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL) in 2024, despite recent discussions surrounding existing clubs in the BFNL, Loddon Valley Football Netball League (LVFNL) and Heathcote District Football Netball League...
Maryborough will be staying put in the Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL) in 2024, despite recent discussions surrounding existing clubs in the BFNL, Loddon Valley Football Netball League (LVFNL) and Heathcote District Football Netball League (HDFNL) with AFL Central Victoria.
In recent weeks, a proposal was put forward by AFL Central Victoria on the potential formation of a new league, with a memo released on August 4 suggesting that “clubs who feel that the league they are currently competing in is not aligned to their short and long-term goals” were approached, as well as a second model proposed for a second division of the BFNL, with a promotion and relegation system.
That came following a meeting that was held at the La Trobe University Bendigo campus on July 30, with 27 of the 28 clubs from all three leagues participating.
The talks came in the wake of three clubs looking to move into the HDFNL, with Marong and Maiden Gully looking to move from the LVFNL, while Cohuna Kangas looked to make a move from the Central Murray Football Netball League.
Maryborough were one of seven teams approached in regards to the new competition put forward by AFL Central Victoria, along with the BFNL’s Kyneton and Castlemaine.
Controversy over the proposals included how netball and junior football would be implemented in the competition, with Castlemaine in particular enjoying a strong season in the BFNL A grade competition, sitting in fifth, while others like Golden Square, who were not approached, have struggled and sit last on the A grade netball ladder, despite their seniors sitting in second position on the ladder.
The three league boards were also not included in the original consultation between AFL Central Victoria and the clubs, creating friction.
However, on Thursday night, AFL Central Victoria confirmed that there would be no change to the structure of the BFNL, LVFNL and HDFNL in 2024.
In a statement, the league said that there needs to be more work done before change is made to the structure of the three competitions.
“Consistent with a meeting held on the topic on July 30, and subsequent discussions, the session was well attended, with club representatives engaged and offering valuable feedback and ideas,” the statement read.
“The meeting provided further evidence to the Commission that there is desire and support for change to the current structure of competitions.
“However, there was unanimous agreement that any change needs to be fully planned and well executed. Any change is significant with senior football, senior and junior netball, and junior football all important considerations.”
Maryborough FNC president Kelvin Noonan said while the Magpies went in to recent meetings with an “open mind” for the future, the biggest goal for the club is to ensure they are still able to be sustainable and competitive in the BFNL, having last won a premiership in 1999.
“The MFNC went into the discussions with the AFL Central Victoria commission with an open mind,” he said.
“The BFNL board and the other league sides have been very supportive of our club’s position, which we are very grateful to have, and need to be involved in the ongoing discussions.
“Our primary goal is to remain where we are, however, we are clearly aware of the need to improve our overall results on the playing fields and courts if we are to remain.
“The AFL Central Victoria proposal is a radical change of the landscape and requires a lot of thought and discussion.
“The second meeting resulted in six of the seven clubs invited deciding to not support any change to the structure in the short term. Cohuna had decided to remain where they are.”
The 2023 season has been a difficult one for both Maryborough senior teams.
The Magpies have now gone 45 games without a win in senior football, and on the netball court Maryborough have dropped from seventh in 2022 to ninth this season, having won three games.
However, the future looks bright for the Magpies, with the under 18s set to lock in a second-consecutive finals appearance on the field, as well as the under 16s and under 14s, while on the netball court, the 17 and under team has also locked in a finals appearance, thanks to their win against Strathfieldsaye on Saturday.