Essendon District Football League confirms Jacana 2019 withdrawal

The Essendon District Football League says it is in constant contact with its clubs to ensure they remain viable as Jacana’s withdrawal from the 2019 season was confirmed.

Jacana players celebrate their EDFL Division 2 premiership. Picture: Mark Dadswell

The Essendon District Football League says it is in constant contact with clubs to ensure their long-term viability.

The league confirmed on Monday night Jacana’s withdrawal from the Division 2 season.

As revealed by Leader last week, the Jaguars will go into recess for the remainder of 2019 with the view to returning for 2020.

Financial trouble and resultant player exodus forced the club to forfeit its senior and reserves fixtures twice this month.

Ultimately, the club and league decided a playing halt would be best for the club’s long-term future.

Essendon District Football League CEO Craig Armstead. Picture: Supplied

EDFL CEO Craig Armstead said the league worked hard to protect clubs from suffering similar fates.

“We do that every day and every week,” he said.

“We talk to clubs all the time around their operations whether it’s on-field, off-field, financial positions, their teams juniors and seniors.

“We do all that all the time and try as best we can to protect clubs and work with them if they’re having difficulties.”

GONE: JAGUARS FORCED TO PULL PLUG IN 2019

LEADER: GET YOUR EDFL FOOTY NEWS HERE

TROUBLE: JACANA FORCED INTO FORFEIT FIXTURES

Jacana had been in off-field difficulty since winning its maiden senior EDFL premiership in 2017.

In a joint statement from the club and league, Jaguars president David Currie said the club remained committed to surviving long-term.

“We believe the best use of our club resources is to focus now on developing our senior and junior football plans for 2020 and beyond rather than the battles of trying to field men’s senior and reserves teams every week,” he said.

“Whilst it is very disappointing and difficult to have to make this decision, the Jacana Football Club has a long and proud history and we are determined to ensure that continues.”

Cameron Cloke departed Jacana after the first forfeit. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Jacana’s junior teams will continue unaffected for the remainder of 2019.

The EDFL announced as a result of Jacana’s withdrawal teams who had been fixtured to face the Jaguars would have a bye and receive four points.

Jacana’s results from Round 1 to 7 would remain but all points for and against would be erased.

The league will review the impact of the Jaguars absence on major awards such as the league best-and-fairest and goalkicking award.

WHAT A LEADER LOCAL FOOTY SUBSCRIPTION GIVES YOU ACCESS TO

— Match reports, features, player and coach movements and analysis of all the leagues across Melbourne.

— Unprecedented AFL coverage.

— All the latest football news from across the country including Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph and Courier-Mail.

— Latest news and videos from the world’s leading leagues.

— Exclusive digital stories and videos before they go to print.