MPNFL: interest sought for new third division
The MPNFL could be set to expand, with another division on the cards.
Local Footy
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The push is on for a third division to be added to the MPNFL.
A sub-committee of local club presidents has been working towards expansion for the past 18 months and is now calling for expressions of interest from existing or new senior clubs to join the MPNFL in 2020 and beyond.
It has put together a list of key selection criteria for prospective clubs to meet, including fielding seniors, reserves, under 19s and an A Grade netball team and the need to “complement the geographical footprint of the MPNFL’’.
Mornington FNC president Robert Smith, who is on the sub-committee, said a third division would strengthen the MPNFL.
“We believe that we need to expand for the long term competitiveness and strength of our league,’’ he said.
“For those struggling clubs in Division 2 we want to be able to introduce that Division 3 and make it more competitive, which will bring economy of scale and reduce our costs.’’
The call to recruit clubs comes almost 12 months after Cranbourne’s quest to join the MPNFL was rejected in a vote by clubs.
Peninsula based clubs like South Mornington, Skye and Southern league newcomer Frankston Dolphins are seen as possible Division 3 arrivals, as is Chelsea Heights.
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In May, AFL South East region general manager John Anderson said a third division would allow current division two clubs which are struggling to drop down and “grow again’’.
He said in years to come the MPNFL could consist of 10 teams in division one, 10 in division two and eight in division three.