Ashwood has flipped on its decision to leave the Southern Football Netball League
There has been a major development in Ashwood’s bid to be the newest Eastern Football Netball League club. Here are the details.
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Ashwood has flipped on its bid east and pledged its allegiance to the Southern league.
Life members, committee members, supporters and players voted “significantly in favour” of a move to the Eastern league at a Special General Meeting last Tuesday.
The Magpies said “the future of the club” was the reason behind their decision.
The Southern Football Netball League confirmed it would challenge the bid should Ashwood have been accepted but the Magpies have since abandoned their effort.
Ashwood hoped to join Division 4 of the Eastern league but doubt over the move grew once Bulleen Templestowe edged closer to crossing from the VAFA.
In a club statement, Ashwood president Paul Hattersley said the decision allowed the club to grow moving forward.
“It has been decided, after careful consideration and discussions with the Eastern Football Netball League, that the club will remain in the Southern Football Netball League for season 2025,” Hattersley wrote.
“While we will not be joining the EFNL, we are excited to reaffirm our commitment to the SFNL, a league where we have established strong community ties and built a proud legacy of success.
“This decision allows us to continue growing in an environment where our players, supporters, and sponsors have thrived over the years.
“Throughout the application process, the Ashwood Football Club received overwhelming support from members, players, and life members, demonstrating the unity and passion that defines our club.”
Southern league CEO Lee Hartman was pleased with Ashwood’s decision to stay.
“It’s good that Ashwood is staying, we look forward to working with them,” he said.
“We are always going to fight for our clubs so it’s great that they’re going to be here next year.”
Ashwood finished seventh in Division 3 in 2024.
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