Ballarat league hopes Melton South stays but won’t stand in way of move

Ballarat league officials have spoken out about Melton South’s meeting next week to decide its future. Here is what we know.

Melton South’s John Kovarik earlier this season. The club is voting on whether to stay in the Ballarat league or move next year. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The Ballarat league will not stand in Melton South’s way if the Panthers choose to join another league for next year.

But the competition is determined to keep the club and argue the league is the best place for them to be.

Melton South will have a meeting next Wednesday to determine its future,

The rumour is the club is likely to end it’s 27-year association with the Ballarat league and return to the Riddell District league where the club began playing when it was formed in 1973.

Melton South has struggled in recent years in the Ballarat league, not winning a senior match since 2022, and is currently on a 37-game winless streak.

While there has been improvement in the senior netball and junior footy the future of the club has always been a talking point.

Melton South’s Darby Schilder battles Darley’s Brett Bewley earlier this season. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Ballarat league board director Robert Simmonds said ultimately the league was waiting to see what Melton South decides but was hopeful the team will stay.

“As a board we are aware of the meeting happening,” he said.

“We absolutely want them in the comp, hope they stay, that would be the perfect world if they do come to us.

“But we’re not going to jump up and down and slam our fists (if they want to move).

“We want to support the club.”

Simmonds said if Melton South wanted to move the Ballarat league would make sure their outcome is met.

“At the end of the day Melton South have to make the decision on what they believe is the best thing for them,” he said.

“As a league we can’t really be the ones to make demands otherwise if we’re making demands they are staying for the wrong reasons.

“We hope they are a good fit (for us) and hope they stay.

“If the club believes it is not the right fit (Ballarat) we have to respect their wishes.”

Simmonds said there was still a good chance the team would stay.

“There’s still a chance they will stay,” he said.

“You never know with those things.

“We’d love to keep our competition rolling along as it is and keep supporting Melton South to keep growing and get better.”

The meeting will be held at 7pm on Wednesday and is only open to financial members of the Panthers.