Maryborough makes first move to join Maryborough Castlemaine league

One of Victoria’s oldest country clubs has made an application to join a new league for 2026 as it attempts to revive its senior program. This is what we know.

Maryborough, who played last year in the Bendigo league, is looking to make a move to another league. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Maryborough president Glen Bardsley is fearful if the club’s next move doesn’t happen it could be curtains for one of Victoria’s oldest clubs.

The Magpies, currently in recess, have made the decision to apply to join the Maryborough Castlemaine District league for next season.

Maryborough was forced to enter recess this year after losing all 16 games in seniors last year in the Bendigo league while also being forced to withdraw its reserves team during the season through a lack of players.

At times, they needed players from other teams just to take to the field and is currently on a 62-game losing run.

Bardsley said the option of returning to the Bendigo league was not one the club has entertained.

“We are putting an application in to join the MCDFNL, that’s where we are at,” the president said.

“We won’t be going back to the Bendigo league. We just haven’t got the players and the support for that.

“This is our last ditch to keep the side on the park.”

Kya Lanfranchi looks to take a mark for Maryborough last year against Golden Square. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Bardsley said the club had spent the past several months talking to every other MCDFNL team to explain why the Magpies should enter the competition.

The Magpies have never been in the MCDFNL but other sides based in the city have played or are currently playing.

The Maryborough Giants, an amalgamated side formed after Royal Park and Maryborough Rovers merged in 2023, are playing in the league currently.

“We’ve gone around and spoken to all clubs so they know where we are at, instead of the rumours going around,” Bardsley said.

“That’s been pretty positive so far. We present to the board next month.

“It is in their hands.”

For Maryborough to be successful in its bid, the club needs 75 per cent of the vote in favour from the board and club presidents.

The club argues the competition needs them to future proof the league.

“There’s a lot of people, even supporters from district sides, going ‘why aren’t you playing, what’s going on,’” Bardsley said.

“There’s a lot of want for it, people want it to happen. It will strengthen the district league.

“If clubs drop out from the district league they are a chance to drop the top eight finals format, which is a big hit financially to the league.”

The move is also vital for the Magpies.

Bardsley said a no vote would put the club on life support.

No move to the MCDFNL would force the club to continue playing Bendigo league juniors with the senior program sidelined.

“If we don’t get in, I won’t say it is the end, but it could be pretty close,” Bardsley said.

“There’s not a lot of other options. There’s a lot of kids not playing because they have got nowhere to go.

“A lot of netball clubs are full so (Maryborough) players are being turned away. The community wants this.

“They want another side in Maryborough.”

The presentation to the board and clubs will happen on June 4.