EFL 2019: Eastern Football League clubs vote against Berwick move from AFL Outer East

EFL clubs have shut down Berwick’s move to the competition after voting against its application to join the league from the AFL Outer East.

Berwick celebrates its SEFNL premiership last year. Picture: Chris Eastman/AAP

Berwick’s move from AFL Outer East has been roadblocked after EFL clubs voted against its application to join the competition.

The EFL had suggested that Berwick be placed in Division 1 in 2020, which would have made the second-tier a 12-team competition.

But clubs were emailed on Friday — less than a week before the vote — that an alternative option of placing the Wickers in Division 2 would be adopted.

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“We have consulted with clubs, entered some robust discussion and received plenty of constructive feedback — mostly centred around disruption to the competition — a year after we completed the five-division restructure and concerns around promotion and relegation,” the email stated.

“As a result of that … (Berwick) would enter our Division 2 competition.”

It stated the original recommendation for Berwick to join Division 1 was “ruled out based on club feedback”.

Berwick and Woori Yallock lock horns earlier this year. Picture: Stuart Milligan

EFL club delegates voted against the transfer application on Wednesday night.

It’s believed at least one Division 2 club encouraged other clubs to vote against the proposal.

Berwick needed a 50 per cent majority for the vote to be approved, but its transfer would have required clearance from AFL Outer East.

The EFL has been contacted for comment.

AFL Outer East region general manager Aaron Bailey said Berwick was a required club in the competition.

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“We’ve always felt they’re a part of our long-term structure,” Bailey said.

“We believe what we’re building in the AFL Outer East, Berwick is a key part of it.

“We’ll work with them to once finals are finished to understand what their concerns are and continue to build the competition.”

Berwick president Glenn Gambetta had previously said in a letter to the league that the club’s life members, sponsors, coaches and players unanimously supported the move to the EFL.

“A move to the EFL we believe is not only in the best interest of the Berwick Football Club but is also in the best interest of football in the local region,” Gambetta said.

“Berwick has a population of 50,000 and at some point has to realise it has outgrown country football.”

Berwick sing the song after last year’s grand final win. Picture: Chris Eastman/AAP

Berwick was the dominant side in the defunct South East league, winning three premierships in four years between 2015 and 2018.

It finished on top of the AFL Outer East Premier Division ladder this year with a 14-2 record and percentage of 224.02 and will contest the Premier Division grand final on Friday.

As part of its transfer reasons, the club stated: “The move to AFL Outer East was a path of least resistance decision and was made in conjunction with four other SEFNL clubs.

“Berwick FC is now making a decision based on what is right for the Berwick FC.”

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