Kalangadoo, Penola approached to join new Limestone Coast football league with Western Border teams

A plan to create a new country footy league in the South East and lure two clubs from rival competitions has been revealed – but not everyone is happy about it.

Kalangadoo Football Club has been approached to leave the Mid South Eastern Football League and join a new competition. Pictured last year, former president Adam Box, Ethan Maney, president Reece Carlson, Liam Hay and Charlie Box. Picture: Frank Monger

Two long standing South East football clubs have been approached to join a new league under a plan which could shake up country football in the region.

Under the proposal, the Kalangadoo and Penola football clubs would leave the Mid South Eastern and Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara competitions respectively to join teams from Western Border in a newly created league from 2023.

The recommendation from the Limestone Coast Regional Football Council and endorsed by the SANFL was revealed to clubs and leagues on Monday night following a report into the sustainability and structure of the sport in the area.

Both clubs have not made any commitments with further discussions to take place in the coming months.

Kalangadoo Football Club has played in the Mid South Eastern Football League since 1936, winning 11 senior premierships. Picture: Frank Monger

Penola’s Jacob Robbie and Dean Galpin in 2015 when the Eagles celebrated their 150th year. Picture: Simon Cross

In a statement on Tuesday, the Kalangadoo Football Club said it would consider the approach but had not initiated the proposal.

“As football and netball committees we intend to be absolutely transparent, open and honest with all stakeholders over the coming weeks as we discuss all implications, challenges and opportunities in greater detail,” the statement read.

Penola Football Club also said it had not made any commitments and would discuss the issue.

Limestone Coast Regional Football Council chairman Trevor Smart said the recommendation was made in the best interests of football in the region going forward.

“We’ve got a long-term view for two leagues within the Limestone Coast but we’re unable to implement that right now, so we’ve considered some moderate changes until that can be brought on board,” Smart said.

Millicent celebrates winning the 2021 Western Border Football League grand final. Picture: Thomas Miles

MSEFL president Peter Mitchell said the league was not happy at the prospect of losing one of its founding clubs, with Kalangadoo having played in the competition since 1936.

“We’re not against having a review because it's a great opportunity to look at strengths, weaknesses and what you need to do to be sustainable,” Mitchell said.

“There’s no trigger point that’s saying to me there needs to be a change.

“Kalangadoo and Penola will have to do their homework and see whether it’s a good move for them but as a league we’re not very happy.”

KNTFL president Peter McClellan said the league was disappointed and would prefer Penola to stay, but it would not stand in the club’s way if it chose to leave.

“We’re disappointed that they want to take a foundation club out of our league, you lose a good club and you’re going to be weaker,” McClellan said.

“The ball is in Penola’s court to see if they want to move. We’ll back Penola’s decision to the hilt.”

WBFL president Michael Summers said the topic would be a key point of discussion at the league’s next board meeting.

Western Border began as a 12-team competition in 1964 but now has just six clubs – East Gambier, North Gambier, South Gambier, West Gambier, Millicent and Victorian side Casterton-Sanford.

Penola – the oldest country football club in SA – previously played in the WBFL from 1964 to 1987 before switching to the KNTFL.

The Eagles finished ninth on the ladder this season with three wins.

Kalangadoo – a small town about 30km north of Mount Gambier – was the undefeated MSEFL minor premier before losing the grand final to Port MacDonnell in September.