EFNL 2024: VAFA club Bulleen Templestowe eyeing Eastern league move

A Victorian Amateur club of almost five decades has set its sights on a move into the Eastern league from next season, citing its “future was front of mind” in the decision. Latest here.

VAFA club Bulleen Templestowe has begun the process for an Eastern move.

Longstanding Victorian Amateur football club Bulleen Templestowe has its sights set on a move to the Eastern league from 2025.

The VAFA club of almost 50 years last night declared its intention to switch competitions, issuing a notice of a special general meeting for next month.

“The Bulleen Templestowe Amateur Football Club (BTAFC) Committee recommends that BTAFC make an application to Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) to join that competition from the 2025 season,” the club said in a statement.

“Our club’s future was front of mind when arriving at the recommendation to apply to the EFNL.

“A subcommittee was appointed this year, charged with the responsibility of evaluating the merits of remaining in the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) or moving to a different league.

“The decision was arrived at after careful consideration and consulting with representatives from our affiliated junior club, current playing list and past players’ group.”

The meeting will be held on September 11 and will put two special resolutions to a member vote: to “Update the ‘Purpose’ of the Club to reflect a move from the VAFA to the Eastern FNL in season 2025” and “Change of the Club name from Bulleen Templestowe Amateur Football Club Inc. to Bulleen Templestowe Football Club Inc.”

The special resolutions will each require at least 75 per cent of voting members’ approval to be carried.

Bulleen Templestowe has issued notice for a special meeting.

The club, nicknamed the ‘Bullants’, has competed in the VAFA’s Division 2 this season – the association’s fifth tier of competition – and currently sits last with just one win, with one round remaining.

A move into Eastern’s Division 4 – also the league’s fifth tier – has been rumoured.

The addition of another club would even the Division 4 competition to eight teams, removing the weekly bye.

The Bullants have won six senior VAFA premierships since joining the association in 1975 – last saluting in Division 2 in 2012.

The club said while a move would “no doubt create new challenges”, it would “also create new opportunities”.

“Ultimately, we have been stagnant for a long time, but since this has become a real option for us there has been a dramatic shift of energy within our walls,” the club said.

“There is tangible excitement amongst the players, coaches, committee members and the supporters.”

More to come.