West Gippsland division dream on hold after clubs snubbed

West Gippsland footy clubs have had their say on three clubs wanting to join the league, with one approved and two rejected. See the latest.

West Gippsland’s goal of introducing divisions has suffered a major short-term setback with two clubs rejected on Wednesday night.

The present 11 clubs voted to allow Drouin to join the league, but refused to admit Pakenham and Officer, in part due to huge junior bases at both clubs.

West Gippsland elected its first independent board of directors earlier this year and a two-tier league was one of its major strategic aims.

It was a driving factor behind Drouin wanting to leave the Gippsland league with members voting last month to start the process of transferring competitions.

But Gippsland has the option of wanting to keep Drouin in a move that would trigger an appeal to AFL Victoria.

West Gippsland would need an influx of at least five clubs to be able to create two divisions.

Divisions presently exist in the Mornington Peninsula-Nepean and Outer East competitions.

Drouin’s entry into the West Gippsland competition has taken a step forward, but its biggest hurdle of getting approval from Gippsland is about to start. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Pakenham and Officer presently play in separate divisions of the Outer East league.

A 75 per cent majority vote is required to approve a club coming into West Gippsland.

Chairman Tony Mitchell said the initial focus would be ensuring Drouin came into the competition in 2026, but divisions weren’t dead.

“We’re still committed to that, but I get what the clubs are saying,” he said.

“We haven’t been in the role for four months and to get three applicants in four months is something to be proud of.

“We’re trying to take a positive out of a negative.

“We’ve got to get the confidence of clubs in the direction we’re heading.

“But the clubs are the ones who have the votes, not us.”

Pakenhan presently plays in the Outer East league: Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mitchell said he expected Gippsland to fight hard to retain Drouin.

Drouin president Luke Gilbert said: “We’re grateful the members of West Gippsland have given it consideration and voted in favour of Drouin.

“We look forward to moving on to the next stage in the process.

“We’re excited to get this done.

“But as a club, either way, we’ve got to work on some things inside our four walls to get better.

“It’s good to know you’re wanted.”

Originally published as West Gippsland division dream on hold after clubs snubbed