MPFNL club presidents to vote on possible expansion

A date has been locked in for Mornington Peninsula Football Netball League club presidents to vote on whether to accept or reject six new clubs.

Picture: Valeriu Campan

A date has been locked in for Mornington Peninsula league club presidents to vote on whether to accept or reject six new clubs.

The presidents will meet to decide on expansion on Wednesday, August 23.

Cranbourne, Narre Warren, Pakenham, South Mornington, Carrum Patterson Lakes and Frankston Dolphins have lodged expressions of interest to join the MPFNL for season 2024.

They have all presented to club presidents in two sittings — on Wednesday, August 9 and Monday, August 14.

It’s understood approximately 20 clubs attended either in person or dialled in on the first night.

The 22 existing and six want-to-be MPFNL clubs have been told none, two, four or all entrants will be chosen to avoid the possibility of a bye.

If all six clubs are accepted, a new third division would be created and the MPFNL would increase from 22 to 28 clubs.

Devon Meadows and Pearcedale will face off in the Division Two finals this Sunday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

A possible make up of the divisions could be 10 teams in both division 1 and 2, and eight in division 3.

Any change to the structure of the MPFNL competition requires a 75 percent vote.

MPFNL board chair Graham Sherry wants to see a third division come in.

“That’s my personal preference, in the longer term I think it’s in our best interest to have a third division,” he said.

“It gives clubs who are struggling a chance to re group and to re form and attract players, and just get themselves in a better position and actually to advance up the ladder again.

“And it does work. It’s worked well for a long time in the amateurs. It gives clubs a chance to actually have some success rather than being flogged every week by teams that are much, much better…keep the enthusiasm around the club going.

“It’s not rocket science.”