AFL Outer East club Berwick applies to join Eastern Football League
One AFL Outer East club has requested to join a neighbouring competition, with the application set to go to a club vote later this month.
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Berwick wants out of the AFL Outer East after one year and has applied to join the Eastern Football League.
The EFL has called a special general meeting for September 25 for clubs to vote on the Wickers’ application.
The league has suggested in a memo seen by Leader that Berwick be placed in Division 1 next season and making the second-tier a 12-team competition.
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BERWICK ADDRESSES TALK OF MOVE TO EFL
It’s believed Berwick could be in Premier Division within five years.
Knox would be spared relegation from Division 1 and the Division 2 premier would be promoted.
Berwick president Glenn Gambetta said in a letter to the league that the club’s life members, sponsors, coaches and players unanimously supported the move.
“A move to the EFL we believe is not only in the best interest of the Berwick Football Club but is also in the best interest of football in the local region,” Gambetta said.
“Berwick has a population of 50,000 and at some point has to realise it has outgrown country football.
“If neighbouring clubs elect to remain affiliated with AFL Vic Country, I believe our club would become the club of choice for aspiring young footballers wanting to play the best standard of football they could.”
The club also expects to have a women’s team in 2020 and the possibility of two under-19s teams.
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“As you can see, the club has strategically positioned itself for the move away from country football and believe the EFL is the league that is most conducive to Berwick FC and surrounding areas,” Gambetta said.
Berwick was the dominant side in the defunct South East league, winning three premierships in four years between 2015 and 2018.
It finished on top of the AFL Outer East Premier Division ladder this year with a 14-2 record and percentage of 224.02.
The Wickers will enter the finals series as premiership favourites.
As part of its transfer reasons, the club stated: “The move to AFL Outer East was a path of least resistance decision and was made in conjunction with four other SEFNL clubs.
“Berwick FC is now making a decision based on what is right for the Berwick FC.”
One Division 1 club official feared a new side could disrupt a competitive Division 1 competition.
The EFL has recommended Berwick join the second tier.
Average travel times for Division 1 clubs to Berwick’s Edwin Flack Reserve would be about 35 minutes.
In its summary, the league stated: “The EFL board has met with the Berwick Football Club and have been suitably impressed with the planning and work done by their committee as part of the application to transfer process.
“The board is of the unanimous view that Berwick Football Club will be a positive addition to the league and will assist their quest for a long-term sustainable future.”
AFL Outer East region general manager Aaron Bailey said it was aware of Berwick’s application to join EFL.
“We will await the outcome of that process and we will respond in due course,” Bailey said.
The EFL, AFL Victoria and Berwick were contacted for comment.
The special general meeting will be held at Ringwood’s Jubilee Park at 7pm.
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