THE Cohuna Kangas’ future has become somewhat clearer, after the club’s members voted to join the Heathcote District Football Netball League next season.
Of financial Kangas members, 80 per cent endorsed the move, with the club now set to present to all HDFNL clubs on August 9.
A geographical shift in population towards Bendigo and surrounds, as well as dwindling player numbers, were key reasons for a move being sought.
Cohuna Kangas president Rick Easton said the vote, while not unanimous, was seen as a strong endorsement of the club’s direction.
“This is now an option for us to pursue and there’s a process in place and still plenty of hurdles to jump,” Easton told the Gannawarra Times.
“The meeting was just the first step in the process and even though not everyone wanted it, we had enough of our members vote for us to take the next step.
“We will put together a proposal and present it to the clubs in the HDFNL in early August, they will then come up with a decision and then following that, regardless of whether it’s a yes or a no, it will progress through to the AFL Victoria commission for the final decision.
“There’s still a fair way to go through the process, but we’re just trying to make the deadlines the best we can and see how we go.”
Cohuna aren’t the only seeking a move to the HDFNL for next season.
Current Loddon Valley clubs Marong and Maiden Gully-YCW have indicated their intention to move, after both failed in attempts to join the HDFNL last season.
These two clubs will also present to the HDFNL board on August 9.
Easton was quick to point out there was a long way left to go in what will likely be a lengthy process.
“It’s an option and a process to go through and it’s by no means confirmed that we’re accepted into their league,” Easton said.
“If we get rejected, then we stay in the Central Murray.
“But if we do get accepted and go that way, then our under-12 footballers would head towards Echuca to help accommodate them with no (equivalent) age group in the HDFNL.
“As for our under-15s, with a bit of luck, they might be OK, with the HDFNL trying to get an under-15s competition up and running for next season currently.”
