Deer Park, St Albans officially join EDFL from WRFL

A final decision has been made on Deer Park and St Albans’ moves to the Essendon District league from the Western Region competition.

St Albans WRFL skipper Jack Sims. Picture: Local Legends Photography

The saga is finally over.

Deer Park and St Albans have officially joined the Essendon District Football League for the 2023 season.

The EDFL confirmed the news in a statement late on Friday afternoon, meaning the Western Region Football League is now two clubs lighter.

It comes after the WRFL launched one final appeal attempting to stop the moves.

But a hearing was held this week with an official decision now reached.

“We‘re pleased to welcome Deer Park and St Albans Football Clubs, whose entries into our competition will be very welcome additions for season 2023 and beyond,” EDFL chairman Bernie Shinners said.

“Given the calibre of these clubs, our competition will be significantly strengthened and enriched and we look forward to embracing both as member clubs of the EDFL.”

Deer Park expressed its excitement at the news in a social media post with “WRFL second appeal dismissed” written in capitals.

“AFL Victoria has just informed of the dismissal of the WRFL’s final appeal for Deer Park and St Albans Football Clubs to join the EDFL,” the club wrote.

“We are glad this process is now completed and we can get on with Season 2023 and joining the EDFL as planned.

“More will come from the committee of the coming weeks.”

Both clubs will slot into Division 1 of the EDFL, which is the second tier of the competition.

Their entries mean the division will feature 12 sides.

Fixtures and details about the newest EDFL clubs will be released in coming weeks.