EFNL 2024: VAFA club Bulleen Templestowe to join Eastern league from 2025

The Eastern league has welcomed a new club to its ranks, with the move of a longstanding VAFA outfit approved by AFL Victoria. Latest here.

Bulleen Templestowe is the Eastern league’s newest club.

The Bullants are in.

Bulleen Templestowe has been confirmed as the Eastern league’s newest club, with the VAFA outfit’s move approved by AFL Victoria from the 2025 season.

It will join the league’s fifth tier, Division 4 – which comprised seven teams in 2024 – with its addition removing the weekly bye.

The longstanding VAFA club of almost 50 years held a special general meeting on September 11, with members voting unanimously in favour of the move.

Two resolutions were put to a vote – the move, along with changing the club’s name from ‘Bulleen Templestowe Amateur Football Club’ to ‘Bulleen Templestowe Football Club’.

“Today marks a huge step for our club and the success we hope that follows on and off field in the years and decades to come,” Bulleen Templestowe president Greg Chivers said in a statement.

The Bullants’ shift is expected to “not only boost revenue but also help with player recruitment and retention while adding a new level of excitement for the club’s passionate supporter base”, the club said.

Bulleen Templestowe has competed in the VAFA since 1975, winning six senior premierships – its last coming in Division 2 in 2012.

Eastern league chief executive officer Jy Bond said Bulleen Templestowe brought “a rich history, (and) a strong community presence, that aligns perfectly with our league values”.

“Their entry into the league reflects our continued commitment to providing quality football and netball experiences for players, coaches, and supporters alike,” Bond said in a statement.

“We would also like to thank Jason Reddick CEO (of the) VAFA and the VAFA board for their professional approach through this process.”

The Eastern league said it hoped to have 10 teams in Division 4 by the start of the 2026 season.

Bulleen Templestowe competed in the VAFA’s Division 2 this season – the association’s fifth tier of competition – finishing last with four wins and a draw.

“The Bullant community is excited about a new era with the EFNL, which has already made us feel welcome and supported,” Chivers said.

“We’re thrilled to be building a strong and successful relationship with the EFNL moving forward.”

More to come.