Cranbourne formally applies to shift from SEFNL to MPNFL for 2019 season

CRANBOURNE has officially applied to join the MPNFL, with the Eagles submitting their application with AFL South East on Wednesday.

Cranbourne celebrates winning the 2016 SEFNL flag. Picture: Richard Serong

CRANBOURNE has officially applied to join the MPNFL.

The Eagles submitted their application with AFL South East on Wednesday and it will now be up to the MPNFL clubs to vote whether to accept them.

“Under AFL rules they weren’t allowed to apply to change leagues until August 1,’’ AFL South East region general manager John Anderson said.

“We have received their application to shift from SEFNL to MPNFL. Under the MPNFL rules we have to call a special general meeting for the clubs to vote on whether to accept Cranbourne or not, so basically it’s 21 days notice for the special meeting, so later this month there will be a special meeting. Cranbourne will either be elected to join or not.

“The clubs have the power to admit or not admit new members into the MPNFL. That’s where it is at.’’

Cranbourne Football Club president Gerry Kelly.

Cranbourne president Gerry Kelly has been speaking with MPNFL presidents trying to gain support and he says the overall response has been positive.

He says Cranbourne has a lot to offer the MPNFL. The Eagles hope to join Division 1 of the MPNFL.

Anderson said no other clubs had “applied formally’’ to join the MPNFL for next season.

“There’s been a bit of talk about clubs down at a lower level but nothing formal,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, Anderson said the likelihood of a third division in the MPNFL in 2019 was “fairly low’’.

A group of presidents have formed a sub-committee to get expressions of interest for 2020.

“There is generally an acceptance among the clubs that a third division is required, it’s just a matter of when it happens and how it’s facilitated,’’ Anderson said.

“I would have thought the chances for 2019 are fairly low.’’