Casterton Sandford Football Netball Club fears for future ahead of SANFL, South East restructure

The SANFL has announced a restructure for one of SA’s major football and netball regions but one struggling club fears it may not survive in time.

A local SA football and netball club has indicated it may not survive season 2023 after the SANFL rejected its application to move to another competition.

Casterton Sandford applied to leave the Western Border Football League – a six club competition – for the Mid South Eastern Football League in August, a move which has now been rejected by the SANFL.

The club, based just across the border, had cited size in comparison to the much larger Mount Gambier clubs, volunteer fatigue, dwindling junior numbers and difficulty recruiting to a smaller competition as major challenges.

The SANFL said it took the “bigger picture” into consideration with the application.

“It was clear from the investigation the ramifications of such a move would trigger the need for a significant and immediate shift in the broader structure of the competitions in the region,” SANFL general manager of football Matt Duldig said.

“Therefore, the transfer application could not be considered in isolation, but as a bigger picture for the future of football in the South East.”

Casterton Sandford in action last WBFL season. The club fears for its immediate future after being unable to move to the Mid South Eastern Football League. Picture: Courtesy CASTERTON NEWS

Club president Dylan Ayton said he had been left deflated by the outcome.

“We’re really disappointed. This has been a seven-year process and our club is in damage control at the moment,” Ayton said.

“We were really positive with the direction we wanted to go and the SANFL has known the position we’re in for multiple years now.

“We can be a strong club and we have unbelievable members but this has been a really big kick in the guts. We’re on our last legs.”

While Casterton Sandford has to stay put, the SANFL concluded in its assessment that a restructure of the football and netball landscape in the region would happen by 2024.

This has been something competitions in the South East have pushed for over multiple years.

Casterton Sandford has experienced diminished numbers in football and netball through recent years. Picture: Courtesy CASTERTON NEWS

A 15-team merger between the WBFL and MSEFL was suggested by SANFL.

“It is evident change is required to ensure the future health and sustainability of football in the region,” Duldig said.

“Many clubs are struggling and need assistance with player numbers, attracting volunteers as well as umpire retention. We acknowledge (a 15-team league) will be a significant change for the region which is why a target for 2024 is more realistic.”

Ayton said his club planned to reapply to change leagues despite the proposed restructure.

“There’s nothing more for SANFL to find out so I’m not sure how much time is needed but we’re definitely reapplying with new information.

“We are extremely afraid of the position our club is in.”

Champion Millicent captain Jacob Carger. He and his club would have been left in a five-club league if Casterton Sandford was accepted into the MSEFL. Picture: Millicent Football Club

Western Border Football League president Michael Summers believed change was needed sooner rather than later.

“Major restructure is needed straight away and our clubs want change for 2023, we’re all in favour of it,” Summers said.

“We want a better and bigger competition and are aligned with the SANFL’s outcome.”

Mid South Eastern Football League president Peter Mitchell also agreed change was needed but was sceptical of a proposed 15-team league.

He said player retention would become a concern for clubs.

“It’s all still got to be worked through over the next months obviously with the leagues and SANFL, and we hope to remain included in that.

“We’re not sure one competition is such a good idea however, we’ve got a lot of smaller teams while the WBFL has Millicent and the Mount Gambier clubs.

“It scares clubs because having one league would also make it harder to attract players – right now guys might leave one competition to try out another but they will feel less inclined to depart to new clubs in the same competition.”