Broadford Football Netball Club, BFNC, is seeking further advice on its next steps after a bid to join the Kyabram District Football Netball League, KDFNL, was rejected.
A majority of KDFNL clubs voted last night to not allow Broadford into the competition for season 2024.
BFNC applied to move to the KDFNL from the Outer East Football Netball League, who conducted their own review of its competition structure.
The outcome of that review was that the Outer East league will move from three divisions to two divisions, requiring BFNC to travel further to the eastern suburbs of Melbourne next season.
BFNC’s special general meeting in August saw an overwhelming majority of the club’s life and paid financial members vote to apply to move to the KDFNL, after a BFNC sub-committee had investigated several options as to what would be the best fit for the long-term sustainability of the club.
Club president Bonnie Welch said the club was now looking into its options.
“While we’re disappointed with the outcome of the KDFNL vote, the process isn’t over for us,” she said.
“We’ll have further discussions with the relevant personnel including AFL Victoria to seek a better outcome for our club.
“We believe we have a strong argument to be in a league in the AFL Goulburn Murray region, which aligns with our junior club who plays in the Seymour District Junior Football Netball League. It just makes sense that is where our future is.”
BFNC considered many factors in opting to change leagues – while senior football and netball is always a focus, junior pathways, its volunteer base, and long-term sustainability are also key factors.
Ms Welch thanked the KDFNL executive for their assistance throughout the process.
“We’re in a situation where KDNFL clubs are affected by the uncertainty of the overall league structure within the Goulburn Valley, with many clubs unsatisfied with the current league set-up,” she said.
“That no doubt has had an impact on where we sit in the big picture. Clubs have been put in a difficult position to make a decision on our application at this uncertain time.
“We thank everyone who had taken the time to assist us and hear us out over the past three months. We will continue to seek to do what is best for our club, and for the Broadford community.”
Prior to moving to the Outer East league in 2019, Broadford played in the Riddell District Football Netball League after moving from Heathcote District Football Netball League in 2008.
