Country footy: GVL club Benalla desperate for new players

A Goulburn Valley league club is desperate for new players before it’s “too late” with its future at a crossroads.

A Goulburn Valley league club has launched a desperate plea for players before it’s “too late”.

Benalla has revealed it is fighting for its short and long-term future after a significant number of departures left the club well short ahead of the 2022 season.

The Saints have been decimated with some players moving to the Ovens and Murray league and other local competitions.

Others have cited an unwillingness to commit after two Covid interrupted seasons and relocation for work or studies.

It has left co-coaches Will Martinello and Mark McKenzie scrambling to get a side on the park.

“Benalla Saints are at a crossroads as we look toward season 2022,” the club said in a statement on Friday.

“Many players who have left the club have made the comment ‘I will be back in a year or two’.

“ Unfortunately, with our current situation the club may not be here for their return. Once a club is gone history tells us they do not come back,

“Please do not sit back and say in a couple of years ‘I should have gotten involved’ as it will be too late.

“We need players and now is the time to get involved.”

Supplied Editorial Will Martinello and Mark McKenzie were named Benalla coaches for 2022. Photo: Facebook.

Despite the bleak look on the field, the Saints said it was in a strong position to continue supporting itself.

“Off field over the past five years the committee have actively worked to secure the financial security and ongoing sustainability of the club,” the statement said.

“Saints have run a successful off-field program to ensure there are a variety of functions through the season to allow supporters and players to engage and participate and build a strong club community.”

The statement also revealed Benalla’s netball program is facing similar issues.

Kellie Keen, a seven-time premiership winner with the club, has been working to help address the problems.

“We have struggled with numbers in all of our pre-season sessions to date,” the club said.

“This is disappointing as all players could be making the most of the coaches we have secured and developing their skills and experience and setting themselves up for success in 2022.”

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