Regional communities left devastated by revelations the Mallee football and netball competitions are set to fold

Several country towns have been left devastated by news a grassroots football and netball competition is set to fold, with the league confirming it’s only a slim chance of continuing in 2023.

A number of regional communities have been left devastated by revelations a grassroots football and netball competition is set to fold, with its president saying there’s only a “two per cent” chance of continuing in 2023.

The Mallee Football League and the Mallee Netball Association features six clubs based in the country towns of Lameroo, Pinnaroo, Karoonda, Peake, Tintinara and Murrayville.

With Border Downs Tintinara announcing they are moving to the River Murray football and netball competition (based in Murray Bridge) next season, and Karoonda and Peake reportedly considering doing the same, the future of the MFL and MNA is hanging by a thread.

Mallee FL president Ken Schutz said every club had previously committed to continuing in 2023, but that had since changed.

“There’s about a two per cent chance we get to next year,” he told The Messenger.

“It’s a really slim chance – we’ve done everything we can to fix the different problems and appease the clubs but it’s a very hard task.

“It’s pretty much finished now. There is no 2023. It’s pretty well done and dusted.”

Mr Schutz said the main problems the league faced were a lack of volunteers, junior numbers and the large geographical distances between some clubs.

Lameroo and Pinnaroo released a joint statement saying both clubs were united in keeping the competition in 2023, but the majority of the other teams have either committed to a move elsewhere or are considering it.

2022 Mail Medal winner Ben Moroney (left) celebrates Pinnaroo's A Grade premiership in the MFL, which could be the last season for the competition.

Lameroo football and netball committee member Stacey Edwards said disbanding the league would have a devastating impact on a number of regional communities.

“Footy and netball is a way of life for us here, it’s not just about playing the sport, it’s everything else that comes with getting out the house and going to a local match on a Saturday,” she said.

“There are already so many challenges living rurally, and I think having local football is probably one of the best things about living in the country.

“The community spirit that comes with being a part of our club, and what that does for your mental health is huge.

“Losing our local league will be devastating for the community, the next closest league is hours away from where we are.”

The SANFL has recommended Mallee clubs join and amalgamate with other nearby country towns and then join bigger leagues, such as those in the Riverland or Murray Bridge area.

Playing in these leagues would mean up to a four-hour round trip of travel for away games.

Young Lameroo Hawks fan Harrison Edwards

Mrs Edwards’ seven-year-old son Harrison was so upset at the prospect of the league shutting down he made a sign vowing to fight for its future.

“The main thing I have struggled with is trying to explain to a seven-year-old what is happening,” Mrs Edwards said.

“Harrison has said many times ‘I want to play footy with my friends, for the Lameroo Hawks and for the club you played for mum’.

“These kids love going into the change rooms after a senior side win to sing the club song with their local idols.

“They just want to play a game they love in the town they love.”