Western Rams Football Netball Club will leave the Riddell District Football Netball League, RDFNL, to play in the Western Region Football League, WRFL, next season.
The Western Rams informed the RDFNL in October that it was exploring a potential move to the Western Region Football League for the 2024 season.
After a long process, WRFL clubs accepted the transfer request last week and AFL Victoria will now finalise the move.
RDFNL chief executive Jordan Doyle said he was pleased to see the club find a new home and continue its rich history.
‘’After two months of discussions with the Western Rams FNC committee and the WRFL, the RDFNL are pleased that the Western Rams FNC have a future in the WRFL for 2024 and the club leaves the RDFNL with our very best wishes for their short and long term future,” he said.
“The Rams and the RDFNL have had a strong working relationship and the RDFNL has put a lot of resources into the sustainability of the club over a long period of time.
“With that said, given the club’s on-field battles in football and minimal netball prospects for 2024, the league was in full support of this move and the club leaves with the league’s best wishes.”
The Western Rams endured a difficult 2023 season, in which its senior men’s side was winless and its reserves finished above only Lancefield on its respective ladder.
The club had better fortunes in netball, where its under 19 and C Grade sides both won their divisions, its B Grade side made it to the semi-finals and its A Grade side finished sixth.
The RDFNL is confident that it can operate a vibrant and sustainable nine-team senior competition – supported by the introduction of Kyneton for 2024.
There are also plans for the Gisborne Giants and Eynesbury to move into the RDFNL’s senior divisions in the coming years.
