Maryborough Rovers and Royal Park amalgamate ahead of 2024 season
Two country clubs in the state have voted on whether both should amalgamate ahead of next season. Find out what they decided to do and how they got to the outcome.
Country Footy
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Two clubs will officially become one next year in the Maryborough Castlemaine league.
Maryborough Rovers and Royal Park will amalgamate at the end of this season and form one club in the competition ahead of the 2024 season.
The decision impacts juniors, football and netball at both clubs.
Both clubs revealed the announcement on Friday night in a statement to its members.
“(We) are pleased to announce that the members of both clubs have agreed to amalgamate for seasons 2024 to compete in the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League,” both clubs said.
“This amalgamation is seen as a positive step forward (for) the Maryborough community and for football and netball in the town.
“The establishment of this exciting new club is seen as a fresh start for both clubs.
“This club will be community focused and a club that the Maryborough community can be proud to be part of and support.”
Both clubs have announced a new board will be established to allow for all options for a new name and new colours to be explored.
The favourite name and colours right now are the Maryborough Giants and using the same colours as GWS in the AFL.
But nothing has been confirmed yet.
The clubs are now keen to end their respective last seasons on a high and are intent to keep and respect the clubs heritage ahead of their new era.
“The heritage of the Maryborough Rovers and Royal Park will not be lost in the establishment of this new entity,” both clubs said.
“Both clubs will use the remainder of the MCDFNL season to celebrate the history of the clubs, with a view to an exciting future.”
Maryborough Rovers take on Maldon on Saturday with Royal Park playing Talbot.
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