Berwick applies to join EFL Premier Division in 2021
Berwick has again attempted to transfer to the Eastern Football League, with clubs set to vote on the move at December’s AGM.
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Berwick would join the Eastern league’s Premier Division in 2021 as part of the latest plan for the Wickers to join the competition.
And the league has revealed, in an email, seen by Leader that its ambition is for the competition to reach 50 clubs.
The league has encouraged clubs to approve Berwick’s application to join the competition after its previous attempt to cross from the AFL Outer East was rejected.
The move was denied by EFL clubs on September 25.
The EFL had suggested that Berwick be placed in Division 1 in 2020 before clubs were informed – less than a week before the vote – that an alternate option of placing Berwick in Division 2 would be adopted.
The league says it has met queries raised by club officials.
“The EFNL board remains unanimous that the Berwick Football Club would be a positive addition to the league and once again support their application to join the EFNL in 2021,” it states in club transfer document.
“We are seeking our affiliated club to support to vote ‘yes’ to their transfer application.”
League chief executive Troy Swainston was contacted for comment.
The document states the goal of this year’s restructure would be to deliver five divisions of 10 teams.
The 2020 Division 1 premier would not be promoted, as part of the plan, and two teams would be relegated from the second tier.
And there would be no relegation from Division 2 in a move to make the top three grades 10-team competitions.
The average travel time for Premier Division clubs would be 32 minutes, according to the document.
AFL Outer East would need to approve or deny the move if EFL clubs give it the green light.
Berwick president Glenn Gambetta said in the document that applying for a transfer more than 12 months out from the start of the 2021 season gave clubs time to prepare for the move.
“The club and its stakeholders are committed to this change in direction and are excited by the opportunities it could present to football in our local area,” Gambetta said.
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Berwick won three South East league flags in four years between 2015 and 2018 and it finished as minor premier in the top flight of AFL Outer East but was upset in the grand final by Narre Warren.
The application will be voted on at the league’s AGM on December 4 at the Karralyka Centre, East Ringwood.
AFL Outer East and Berwick were also contacted for comment.
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