North Shore to field senior sides in 2025 GFNL season after uncertain summer
After an uncertain summer, a decision has been made as to whether North Shore Football Netball Club will field senior sides in 2025.
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North Shore will field senior football sides in the 2025 Geelong Football Netball League season after a summer of uncertainty.
After North Shore fought hard to meet requirements for registrations and playing numbers, the AFL Barwon Commission gave North Shore the options to: proceed with fielding teams in 2025 in all 18 home-and-away rounds to an acceptable competitiveness, or, “Undertake the process to place the football section of the club into recess for the 2025 season, providing adequate time to assess the current situation and take the necessary steps to re-enter at a level that best supports the entire club”.
The Seagulls have chosen to push on after boosting their numbers in recent weeks, reaching 50 registered players on Wednesday, with more expected in the coming days.
New North Shore president Maryian Szponar, appointed last Friday, said the club will focus beyond 2025 and work hand-in-hand with AFL Barwon.
“Plans are already in motion to strengthen our football division this season, for 2026 and beyond which will lay the groundwork to future-proof pathways for new talent and boost junior development to secure a prosperous future,” Szponar said.
“Following months of consultation, planning, and hard conversations, North Shore is proud to confirm its commitment to fielding two senior football teams in the 2025 season. The club is also embracing transparency and collaboration, giving AFL Barwon an open invitation to be part of committee meetings and match-day events to ensure ongoing progress.
“We’re prepared to open the doors, work hand-in-hand with AFL Barwon and welcome check-ins throughout the season from the outside for people (to) see the struggles, but it’s also what happens on the inside that matters and makes the difference.”
AFL Barwon chair Michelle Gerdtz believes North Shore has carefully considered its options and said the peak body will continue to support the club.
“We commend their dedication to their players, members, and the wider football and netball community,” Gerdtz said.
“While this is a positive step forward, we acknowledge that ongoing efforts will be required to ensure the long-term sustainability of North Shore FNC. AFL Barwon remains committed to supporting the club in this journey.”
Rival club presidents from the Geelong league met with AFL Barwon and North Shore on Friday for an update on the Seagulls’ future.
The resolution comes after this masthead revealed AFL Barwon’s stern warning to North Shore on March 4, warning the club they planned to proceed without them in the 2025 football season after the Seagulls failed to send proof of registrations and contracted players.
North Shore was required to provide three forms of evidence to AFL Barwon, including a minimum of 60 registered players on PlayHQ, by the end of February.
The Seagulls had just 19 registered senior players when the letter was sent.
The governing body the 50 registered players reached by North Shore had met the “intent of criteria outlined in February”.
Seagulls coach Mark Hounslow conceded last week that the letter threat was a wake-up call for the club and its players, which led to a significant rise in registrations and attendances at training.
However, AFL Barwon said there remains, “Much work to be done by North Shore, AFL Barwon and AFL Victoria to ensure a sustainable program into the future. This work has already commenced with a clear focus on thedevelopment of junior programs across the Northern Suburbs.”
AFL Barwon held its season launch on Monday night with Geelong and Bellarine clubs while North Shore’s future still hung in the balance less than three weeks before GFNL round zero.
Outgoing AFL Barwon regional manager Ed Wilson was farewelled at the launch as he prepares to take on the role of chief executive at Motorcyling Victoria.
Wilson is set to finish at AFL Barwon on March 26, with a job application form posted on the AFL Barwon website over the weekend.
The Seagulls lost their last 18 games of the 2024 last season and have a nightmare first month of 2025, where their football sides will be put to the test.
They face 2024 finalists Colac, (away), Bell Park (away), premiers Leopold (home) and South Barwon (away) in their first four matches of the season.
Originally published as North Shore to field senior sides in 2025 GFNL season after uncertain summer
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