NULLAWIL Football Netball Club will be allowed to leave the Golden Rivers Football Netball League at the end of the 2022 season – providing they get the green light from the AFL Central Victoria Commission.
The Central Rivers Board confirmed late Friday that following a meeting of the eight club presidents and board last Sunday, the decision was made to allow Nullawil to move to the North Central Football League if they so chose.
The decision came after Quambatook Football Netball Club recently announced they would be closing their doors at the end of the season’s end.
The Central Rivers Board, along with the club presidents of the GRFNL, put out a press release late Friday announcing they would support both the Nullawil and Quambatook with whatever decisions they made going forward.
“The Central Rivers Board acknowledges Nullawil’s desire to move on from the Golden Rivers League, however the ruling by the AFL Central Victoria Commission, (as per the current AFL Vic Country rules), sees them remaining as an important part of the Golden Rivers until the 2024 season,” the press release stated.
“Any future application by Nullawil will be reviewed and adjudicated on by the Board and Commission, taking into account what is best not only for the Nullawil Football Netball Club, but also the Golden Rivers and North Central Football Netball Leagues.
“The Central Rivers Board firmly believes the remaining Golden Rivers clubs are strong, vibrant clubs that will continue to provide competitive sport for all ages and more importantly, a social hub for their communities into the future.
“The Quambatook FNC have a rich history in the Golden Rivers Football Netball League, and the Central Rivers Board, and wider community, are saddened by their announcement. We wish Quambatook FNC all the best in their final year of competition and encourage all clubs to celebrate with them as they power through their last season.
“The Central Rivers Board will continue to work with the Nullawil FNC and Quambatook FNC throughout 2022, and support both clubs with whatever comes in 2023 and beyond.”
The press release also outlines the future of the Golden Rivers Football Netball League, with the remaining six clubs (Hay, Macorna, Moulamein, Murrabit, Ultima and Wandella) all committing to continue in a six-team competition in 2023 and beyond.
“The six remaining clubs are fully committed to continue as a league and are focused on a long-term future,” the press release stated.
“Our six clubs are dedicated to providing the complement of junior and senior football and netball teams, while offering a competitive, inclusive, community competition.
“We endeavour to strengthen our position over time, by attracting clubs in the greater region with similar values to join our league.”
Nullawil were forced to appeal to the AFL Central Victoria Commission late last year in an attempt to move to the North Central Football League for this season after the club’s original application was rejected by the Central Rivers board.
When their appeal was also dismissed, the club were forced to remain – despite the wishes – with the stipulation also being handed down that they would be forced to remain a part of the Golden Rivers Football Netball League until the end of 2024.
