Broadford makes lodgement to join the Bendigo league

A country footy club, home to former AFL star Barry Hall, could emerge from recess in 2025 after moving a step closer to joining one of the state’s biggest leagues. Here is what we know.

Broadford Football Club could be in the Bendigo league next year. Picture: jh photography

Broadford is one step closer to joining the Bendigo league after officially lodging an application to join the competition.

This masthead can reveal the Kangaroos have made the move and AFL Victoria is now considering the application.

Broadford emerged as a shock contender to join the league after it held talks with the Bendigo board during last season.

For two years the club has been looking for a new home after playing in the Outer East league from 2020 to 2023.

The team tried to join the Kyabram league at the end of 2023 but were unsuccessful, forcing the senior football team to go into recess in 2024, with the netball teams still playing.

Broadford Football Club could be celebrating for another reason soon. Picture: JH Photography

Now, it could head north to join Bendigo.

“AFL Victoria can confirm that the Broadford Football Netball Club has formally submitted a request to transfer to the Bendigo Football Netball League for the 2025 season,” a spokesman from AFL Victoria said.

“The process to assess the application is underway, with the aim of confirming an outcome in coming weeks.”

If successful the Kangaroos could become the 10th team in the competition, presuming the nine teams current teams remain.

Question marks remain over the future of Maryborough with the Magpies looking to leave after suffering large defeats throughout the season. At times the team failed to fill a senior side on their own.

The Magpies tried to join the Maryborough Castlemaine District competition but were unsuccessful.

The options left include persisting with the Bendigo league or going into recess for 2025.

No decision has yet been made.