Kinglake locked in tug of war between Northern and Outer East leagues

Kinglake has opened up on its decision to seek a return to the Northern league in 2023 saying it had been in the works for several years.

Kinglake Football Netball Club joins Northern.

The Northern and Outer East football netball leagues are locked in a tug-of-war for Kinglake.

The two leagues have both claimed the Lakes will play in their competitions in 2023.

The Lakers declared their intention to leave the OEFNL earlier this season and were unanimously voted into the NFNL by club presidents on September 6.

However, OEFNL board blocked the move under the league’s constitution on September 13, stating member clubs must give 12 months notice.

Yet the NFNL announced the move on Wednesday night, saying the Lakers’ return in 2023 had been ratified by AFL Victoria.

The OEFNL maintains the wantaway club has not been cleared and the league’s position remains unchanged and it will be held to the terms of its agreement.

In a statement to Leader, AFL Victoria said it was aware of Kinglake’s desire to move.

“AFL Victoria is aware of Kinglake’s intent to transfer to the Northern Football Netball League (and) the league is undertaking the normal procedure to admit Kinglake,” it read.

“AFL Victoria has acknowledged the notice from the NFNL that they intend to accept Kinglake and has no objections.”

Kinglake voted in favour of the constitution and signed a memorandum of understanding with the OEFNL at the start of the season.

If the move to the NFNL goes ahead, the club will be entered into in Division 3 and will also enter netball teams in the league’s summer competition.

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The Kinglake Junior Football Club is already a member of the Northern Football League.

Kinglake was a member of the Diamond Valley/Northern league from 1996 to 2007 before shifting to the Outer East, then known as the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League.

The Lakers claimed the minor premiership in the Outer East Division 2 competition this year but fell to Powelltown in the grand final.

KINGLAKE’S FULL STATEMENT FROM PRESIDENT BILLIE CVIJETIC

“We are pleased to announce that the Kinglake Football Netball Club has been accepted into the Northern Football Netball League for the 2023 season,” the statement said.

“The club has been exploring the option to return to the NFNL for quite some time, however, given the uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic, committed to continue in the Outer East Football Netball League.

“Our intention was always to return to the NFNL as soon as it was feasibly possible.

“After informing the OEFNL of our intention to leave we have been working extensively with the Northern Football Netball League towards rejoining them for the 2023 season.

“Given our proximity to Melbourne’s northern suburbs and the location of our players we feel that playing in the northern corridor will continue to strengthen our club.

“The NFNL Board have been a breath of fresh air to deal with, they have been very insightful and explained the process from both ends clearly. They have also been very understanding of our position and supportive of what is best for our club moving forward. Their support and the support of all clubs involved in the NFNL competition, is greatly appreciated.

“Advice received by our club from various organisations now gives us full confidence and certainty that we will be playing football and netball in the NFNL competition from 2023 onwards. AFL Victoria has accepted the KFNC decision to revert to the NFNL and have started the registration process.

“We look forward to re-joining the Northern League as it strengthens our connection with our junior club who already participate in the Northern competition. All clubs understand the importance of player transition from juniors to seniors and we look forward to working with our junior club to enhance player enjoyment and retention.

“Our members, players and coaches are excited to return to the NFNL competition and can’t wait to start preparing for the future.”