Eastern league: East Burwood, Park Orchards promoted for 2022

A further two clubs will be promoted in the EFNL for 2022 as the league approves the applications of two new clubs for next year.

East Burwood will be promoted to Division 2 for next year, while Park Orchards goes to Premier Division. Picture: Steve Tanner

A further two Eastern league clubs will be promoted for season 2022.

In a memo circulated to Eastern league clubs today, chief executive officer Troy Swainston confirmed that Park Orchards would be promoted from the second tier to Premier Division, while East Burwood would move from Division 3 to Division 2.

The pair’s move comes after the league recently put a freeze on automatic promotion and relegation following the shortened season, but confirmed clubs could submit a case for promotion.

Park Orchards finished on top of the Division 1 ladder this season, while East Burwood finished second in Division 3.

It was confirmed last week that Division 4 minor premier Coldstream would be lifted to Division 3 for next season.

“Park Orchards and East Burwood have accepted an invitation from the League to move up to Premier & Division 2, respectively,” Swainston said in the memo.

“It should be noted that some (minor premier) clubs opted to continue to pursue their primary goal of a Premiership in 2022, rather than take up the opportunity to consider promotion.

“These are difficult decisions for clubs to make and the League understands perfectly, the path they have each preferred to take for next year.”

Park Orchards was promoted to the league’s second tier after its Division 3 flag in 2017. Picture: Davis Harrigan

It’s East Burwood’s second divisional move in two years, after its move out of Division 3 was approved in 2019 after it competed in Division 4 but lost the grand final that season. It’s Park Orchards’ second move in four years after it won the 2017 Division 3 flag and was promoted to the league’s second tier.

It’s been some rise for the Sharks after they entered the Eastern league in 2012 in Division 4, moving to Division 3 after finishing runner up in 2014.

The Sharks and Rams’ promotions come as two additional clubs have had applications approved by the Eastern league board to join the league.

Southern league club Oakleigh District and the AFL Outer East’s Beaconsfield are both in the frame to compete in the Eastern league from 2022.

A special general meeting with clubs is to be held on September 29, where the pair’s moves will be voted on. Beaconsfield is looking to be voted into Division 1, and Oakleigh District, Division 2.

Division 2 would go from an eight-team competition to 10 teams with East Burwood and Oakleigh District’s additions. Meanwhile, Division 1’s balance as a 10-team set-up could be maintained with Beaconsfield’s addition. Premier Division would be a 12-team comp, after it operated with 11 this season, with byes.

“The League is seeking your support for this important vote,” Swainston said to clubs.