EFNL 2024: Inside Bulleen Templestowe’s 2025 Eastern league move
The Bullants will embark on a new chapter in the Eastern league from 2025 following five storied decades in the VAFA. We go inside the move and meet the EFNL’s newest club ...
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THE time was right for a change, Bulleen Templestowe president Greg Chivers declares.
In what was described as a “landmark” day for the Bullants by Chivers, the longstanding VAFA outfit was announced as the Eastern league’s newest club on Thursday after its move was approved by AFL Victoria.
The months-long process followed a special general meeting at the club in September where a shift from the VAFA after five decades was met with unanimous favour among the rusted-on members.
“I reckon turning 50 on some level made us have a good look at ourselves,” Chivers said.
“Being such a proud VAFA club, personally, it was a process for me to see us in a new light.
“We did so much due diligence, it was a comprehensive process, we reached out to every part of the club and there was robust discussion with passionate Bullants.
“We all came together and voted – and the vote went unanimously.”
Player recruitment and retention, larger crowds with increased scope for revenue, and “a new level of excitement for the club’s passionate supporter base” spearheaded the Bullants’ march east.
Chivers said while moving to another neighbouring metropolitan league was floated, Eastern was the top option.
“We’re on the cusp of the Northern (league) as well, so that was a potential option for us, but all opinions led towards the Eastern – we absolutely love what they offer,” he said.
“We’re excited about moving to the Eastern league and all the opportunities that it’ll give us.
“We believe that it’ll take us in the direction of a viable and sustainable future which is really good – that’s what we’re after.
“We’re still mindful that we’ve got a rich, proud history with the VAFA, but that said, it is exciting, the opportunities that are in front of us.”
Chivers featured in two senior premierships with Bulleen Templestowe in 2004 and 2008 across more than 200 games with the club in a career which took in the highs of VAFA representative honours.
The three-time senior best and fairest was captain for the ’04 flag in a best-afield display.
He’s also a former head coach and vice-president of the club.
But the Bullants boss said while the next chapter was exciting, leaving the VAFA – which the club had competed in since 1975, winning six senior premierships – was “a little bit sad”.
“I’ve been a proud VAFA player,” Chivers said.
“It (the move) is exciting, but at the same time, it’s a little bit sad leaving the VAFA too because they’re an awesome comp.
“They were super understanding of our situation and really took it on board.
“Things have moved quickly, although it has been months in the making. They (VAFA) were first-class and respectful.
“We’ve been a proud VAFA club for 50 years so we’re incredibly grateful and appreciative of all their support that they’ve given us for half a century.”
Bulleen Templestowe makes it eight teams in Eastern’s Division 4 next season – with the league declaring on Thursday it hoped to have 10 sides in the fifth tier by the start of 2026.
The Bullants will share the division with neighbouring club Warrandyte, with the Manningham-based pair set to square off in local derbies.
The likes of forward Corey Shiels alongside midfielders Jamie Cortese and Joshua Torounoglou are just some of the names Eastern spectators can expect to watch lighting it up for the Ants next season, among a side overseen by captain Harry Vogler and senior coach Andrew Verga.
Verga coached the club to an under-19s premiership in 2022, with 2025 marking a third year at the senior helm for the stalwart.
“He’s an amazing coach and he’s been around the club for 30 years,” Chivers said.
“If I could draw a comparison, he’s a bit like a (Chris) Fagan … this whole group came through together, so there’s really strong relationships.”
The Bullants sign off at the VAFA finishing at the foot of the table in Division 2 – the fifth tier – with four wins and a draw this season.
But there’s a swell of optimism as the proud club steeped in history embarks on its next chapter.
“In terms of how we go, I just know we’ll have a real crack and it will be well worth the admission,” Chivers said.
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