Northern Football League makes call on premiership, promotion and relegation

The Northern Football League will not award premierships in 2021 but will recognise its top clubs. A decision on promotion has also been confirmed.

Hamish Shepheard in action for Bundoora. Picture: Steve Tanner

The Northern Football League will not award premierships or allow clubs to petition for promotion in 2021.

With the season cancelled earlier this month, the league’s three senior men’s competitions will be unchanged for the 2022 season.

While no premierships will be awarded, top teams will be recognised with a minor premiership title.

West Preston-Lakeside, Banyule and South Morang finished on top of the senior men’s Division 1, 2 and 3 ladders respectively.

All senior grade ladder-leaders will receive a minor premiers cup and flag, while top junior teams will be awarded full premierships.

Alden Meale in action for Lower Plenty. Picture: George Salpigtidis

The neighbouring Eastern league has also decided to recognise minor premiers but will consider promotion requests from teams keen to step up.

In contrast, the Essendon District league announced on Thursday that it would award full premierships to teams that finished on top of its senior and junior competitions and enforce both promotion and relegation.

The NFL had already scrapped relegation for 2022, saving Northcote Park and Fitzroy Stars from the dreaded drop.

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However, promotion has also now been ruled out with Banyule and South Morang to remain in Division 2 and 3.

The Lions had been desperate to step up next season after a dominant 2021 in Division 3 but will have to reload next season.

Banyule finished ahead of Lower Plenty on percentage after both winning 11 games.

Meanwhile, the Rosbrook Medal night is expected to be held in the week of September 20.