Barooga to depart Murray league after securing Picola District move
Barooga’s return to its former league after nearly four decades could spark a big shake-up, with at least 16 clubs, potentially more, now eyeing a competition split.
Barooga has been given the green light to return to the Picola District league where it last played 37 years ago.
In a move that only officially started a month ago, Barooga will depart the Murray league where it won four flags inside a decade before stumbling on hard times in recent seasons.
Barooga was officially admitted back into the Picola District league by its board on Monday night and will wear a predominantly yellow jumper from next year to avoid a clash with Tungamah.
“It’s a huge relief,” Barooga president Darrell Bowden said.
“It gives us direction, a focus and a stepping stone to revitalise the club.
“For a town of our size it’s where we need to be.”
The move from the Murray league had overwhelming member support, but still required the Picola District board to tick off the switch.
Barooga has been granted 43 player points under the Picola District equalisation model, three less than it played with in the Murray league in 2025 when it finished winless.
Picola District also asked for a five-year commitment to field a full complement of four football teams and seven netball teams.
The addition of Barooga has also led to Picola District board formally committing to “potentially dividing into two competitions in the future”.
Between 2009 and 2018 it had 17 clubs and was split into two divisions until Tungamah, Katandra, Dookie United and Shepparton East left to remain affiliated with the AFL.
Tungamah, Katandra and Dookie United have since returned while the competition has remained unaffiliated with the AFL.
Barooga becomes the competition’s 16th club next year and league operations manager Shane Railton said it was “open for business”.
“In the next few days we will start reaching out to clubs and asking them what is their position on a split and if we do split how would you like it to look,” he said.
“There are clubs on our periphery that are open to the idea of coming in.
“It’s just what way we set it up.”
Murray league president Julie Walsh was contacted for comment.
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Originally published as Barooga to depart Murray league after securing Picola District move
