Casterton-Sandford applies to leave Western Border FL, join Mid South Eastern FL in country footy shake-up

A South East footy club has launched a bid to change competitions, with one league saying the move would spark a much-needed change to the structure of football in the region.

A South East footy club has applied to leave its current competition at the end of this season in a move which could spark structural change for sport in the region.

Casterton-Sandford Football Netball Club, who along with South Gambier, North Gambier, East Gambier, West Gambier and Millicent make up the Western Border Football League, has sent SANFL an application to join the nine-club Mid South Eastern Football League.

A vote was held for members on Sunday night with 98 per cent in favour of the move.

Casterton-Sandford president Dylan Ayton said his club, which is situated just across the border in Victoria, had long been considering its future in the WBFL.

“It’s been a process for almost 10 years now,” Ayton said.

Casterton-Sandford celebrate during this season's Indigenous Round. Picture: Casterton-Sandford Football Netball Club

“There are only six teams in the league and we’re in a town of about 1700 people and competing against much bigger clubs.

“It’s not sustainable.”

Ayton said participation at a junior level at the club had been down and that recruiting was a challenge.

“What we’ve seen is other teams have decent numbers in juniors and we’re constantly trying to scrape those numbers together.

“It’s become really difficult to recruit too, and the feedback we’re getting from targets has been about how boring it is in a six team competition, you’re playing against the same sides regularly.

“The Mid South Eastern league would be a great fit for us with a lot of community clubs involved and it would mean we have three year age groups to fill – less than in the Western Border league.”

Casterton Sandford Football Club in action last season. Picture: Supplied, Casterton News

As well as approval from SANFL, Casterton-Sandford would need confirmation from leagues involved.

WBFL president Michael Summers encouraged the club’s decision.

“We’re all for clubs looking at their future options,” Summers said.

“They’re looking for a better competition for their junior structure and we completely understand.”

If Casterton-Sandford’s application is approved, the WBFL would be reduced to five clubs.

Summers said he was not worried about the future of clubs, but said the move could begin a much-needed change to the region’s sport, with multiple reviews carried out by SANFL and the community into how to increase participation and longevity in the region and a merger of the two leagues also floated.

“Change is needed. South East football is in favour of it, and I think SANFL needs to step in – I don’t think they’ll allow the biggest regional town in SA to have no football and netball,” he said.

Millicent's Gene Robinson celebrates after kicking his 1000th career goal in the final minute of the Saints' Western Border Football League grand final win over South Gambier last season. The WBFL would be reduced to five teams without Casterton-Sandford. Picture: Thomas Miles

“The football isn’t bad at all, it’s a good level, but there have been challenges in participation and retaining players.”

MSEFL president Peter Mitchell said the competition’s clubs would assess the pros and cons of Casterton-Sandford’s potential inclusion.

“We understand where they’re coming from and we’re going to look at the positives and negatives.

“I think the powers like the SANFL need to listen to everyone and look at making their decision and then own it.”

A spokesman for SANFL told The Messenger a committee would be formed to make a decision.

“A SANFL Community Football Investigation Committee will consider this application and make the decision,” they said.

“The committee will consider the impact and future of the Western Border Football League and all six clubs in that league, as well as the broader impact on the structure of football in the Limestone Coast region.

“SANFL will continue to work collaboratively with clubs and leagues to support the sustainability of football in the region into the future.”

SANFL has 60 days to make a decision.