Announcement expected in coming weeks on restructure between AFL Yarra Ranges and SEFNL

A DECISION is looming on the proposed restructure between AFL Yarra Ranges and the South East competitions that will shape the future of football in Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs.

Belgrave celebrates the AFL Yarra Ranges Division 2 premiership last year. Picture: Robyn Kuys

A DECISION is looming on the proposed restructure between AFL Yarra Ranges and the South East competitions that will shape the future of football in Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs.

The eight SEFNL clubs will each hold special general meetings over the next month to determine their respective moves and if they will join the AFL Yarra Ranges competition from next year.

RELATED: AFL Yarra Ranges enters merger talks with South East Football Netball League for 2019

AFL Yarra Ranges general manager Aaron Bailey said it was hoped the league would know by as early as next month as to what shape the competition would take in 2019.

A proposed restructure could then be sent to clubs by mid-June.

“All the SEFNL clubs over the next month will need to go to a special general meeting to make a decision on what they believe is the best fit for their football and netball,” Bailey said.

“Certainly there are indications there that clubs are looking at a couple of options, (which is) club dependant.

“The proposal before them is certainly one of the options clubs are considering.”

However, Bailey said it remained unclear how many SEFNL clubs would join AFL Yarra Ranges.

“Most clubs would be looking at a couple of options, they’ve done their due diligence as they should, to see what the best fit for them is and we will continue to work with those clubs,” Bailey said.

“Once we know, our clubs, particularly the Yarra Ranges clubs, have been told the minute an application comes that they will be notified so they have a clear understanding of what is happening.

“We’re really aiming to be as transparent as possible on this so everyone has a clear understanding on what is occurring.”

Coincidentally, the two competitions will face each other in the AFL Victoria Community Championships this month.

Bailey said he had recently met with all SEFNL clubs to discuss options for their immediate future.

“They are now working through the options for them as a club to identify what is best for them,” he said.

“We’ll continue to have the ‘best for footy’ approach and when clubs have made a decision on what is the best outcome for their football (and) netball, we will move forward with a proposal.”