WRFL’s appeal against Deer Park and St Albans move to EDFL dismissed

Two outgoing Western Region league clubs have outlined their reasons to transfer to a neighbouring league. Here’s why.

Jeremy Mills in action for Deer Park in the WRFL. Picture: Local Legends Photography

Deer Park and St Albans are on the move from the Western Region Football League.

Both clubs are set to move to the Essendon District Football League AFL Victoria’s objection hearing panel dismissed the WRFL’s appeal against the move last week.

Since the confirmation, both clubs have indicated reasons for their decision.

“It has been a slow and long process but (we) wish to thank all the people involved for their efforts,” St Albans said in a statement.

“It is the start of a new chapter in our club’s history, and we can’t wait to see what is on the horizon as we compete in a competition that is geographically compatible for the needs, particularly of our junior families.

“The decision to leave the WRFL was not an easy one and we wish for their competition to continue to grow, but out future sits elsewhere, and we are so grateful and excited to be granted leave.

“Junior growth and development played a major factor in our transition request, and as a club, we will be contributing as many resources as possible to ensure our club will flourish for many years to come.”

Deer Park’s committee made a similar statement.

“The Deer Park Football Club wishes to advise that the objection by the Western Region Football League to the club transferring to the Essendon District Football League (EDFL) in season 2023 has been dismissed by the AFL Victoria Objection Hearing Panel,” the statement said, released on Friday night, said.

“This means that the club will be permitted to affiliate with the EDFL in 2023.

“The club believes that competing in the EDFL provides it the best opportunity of continuing to be a strong, viable, sustainable and competitive local footy club.

“The prospect of growing our junior program and challenging ourselves in the Premier Victorian Metropolitan Football Competition in 2023 is incredibly exciting for everyone involved in our proud club.”

The WRFL released its own statement on Friday evening.

“AFL Victoria has notified the Western Region Football League that our objection of Deer Park and St Albans’ application to transfer to the Essendon District Football League has been dismissed,” the statement said.

“We are incredibly disappointed in this outcome and will continue to update clubs of any further information as it becomes available.”

The EDFL is yet to release a statement on the matter.

It remains unclear how the EDFL will now structure its competitions in 2023.