AFL Barwon to meet with Bellarine Football Netball League clubs as decision draws closer on potential new entrants

A decision is coming on the prospective 11th and 12th teams in the Bellarine Football Netball League. And a key meeting is set to decide it. Here is the latest.

AFL Barwon has provided an update on their Bellarine plans.

AFL Barwon will meet with Bellarine Football Netball League clubs on Wednesday night in a key meeting to discuss the two applications to enter the competition as a decision looms on the potential 11th and 12th clubs.

Surf Coast Suns and another club have put their hat in the ring to join the 12-team BFNL from 2025, with intrigue surrounding the identity of the second prospective club.

AFL Barwon told this publication last month that a decision will be made on those two clubs, who applied before the cut-off on April 24, at their commission meeting on May 20.

But the two club’s agonising wait will continue, with the peak body now opting to consult with BFNL clubs before making a final call at a special commission meeting.

Bellarine clubs have been displeased with the lack of communication and transparency from AFL Barwon.

A date is yet to be locked in for the decisive special commission meeting but AFL Barwon is eager for it to be undertaken as soon as possible after the BFNL-club consultation.

“The process has taken a little longer than first anticipated but the Commission are very strong in ensuring the best process is executed, and BFNL Clubs are provided with another opportunity to be consulted,” AFL Barwon regional manager Ed Wilson said.

BFNL clubs have expressed their disapproval of the 12-team competition.

Surf Coast netball president Mel Maycock told this publication last month that “the majority of clubs are still saying they don’t want Suns” in the BFNL.

A Geelong & District Football Netball League club is yet to come forward to GDFNL president Neville Whitley about their ambitions to join the Bellarine, while several Colac & District Football Netball League sides ruled out a play to join the competition last month, including Ed Curnow-led Lorne.

The 12-team Bellarine competition was part of AFL Barwon’s overall restructure that was confirmed in March, which brought in non-mandatory promotion and relegation between the Geelong Football Netball League and the BFNL.

Originally published as AFL Barwon to meet with Bellarine Football Netball League clubs as decision draws closer on potential new entrants