Cohuna makes another move to join the Heathcote league

A country club in the state’s north is trying to join a new league for the second time in 12 months. The club reveals why it thinks this time it might be on the move.

Cohuna Football Netball Club run out on to the field earlier this season. Picture: Cohuna Football Netball Club.

The Cohuna Kangaroos are once again looking to make a move away from the Central Murray league to join the Heathcote District league ahead of the 2025 season.

The club will hold a meeting on August 6 allowing its members to vote on whether to make the move.

If 75 per cent or more vote yes then the Kangaroos will officially apply to move leagues.

The Kangaroos have played in the Central Murray league since 1997 when the club formed following a merger of Cohuna and United football clubs in 1996.

It’s tried multiple times to join the neighbouring league, dating all the way back to 2015.

Last year the club tried to move again, after gaining 80 per cent approval from its members, but Heathcote clubs turned it down.

New president Wade Mathers said joining the Heathcote league was vital for its future.

Former Golden Square player Jack Geary is the coach at Cohuna. Picture: Cohuna Football Netball Club.

“We’re just keeping that iron burning,” Mathers said.

“It’s all about retention of players. A lot of our juniors go off to uni and go that way (Bendigo) to work.

“We reckon it’s going to be easier to retain players, the young generation, that’s the reason for it.”

Mathers said the club was in a better position this year to convince the clubs in the Heathcote league to join than in 2023.

“Last year it was put in and none of the other clubs (in Heathcote), they were contacted, but they were not seen and a decent pitch put in (by us), he said.

“I know there was a fair few sitting on the fence and when a majority started voting no they jumped off as well.

“If we get a yes vote, we’ll go round and physically see the clubs and go from there.”

Cohuna needs two-thirds of the Heathcote clubs to approve to allow them to join.

The Central Murray then gets the chance to either reject or agree to the move.

If the league rejects the AFL Central Victoria will decide what happens.

But Mathers is confident if Heathcote approves, it won’t reach AFL Central Victoria.

“We have their (Central Murray) support,” he said.

“I’ve been up front and honest with them all the way.

“They know exactly what is happening. They don’t want to see us go, but said if we need a hand with anything let us know.”