OEFN clubs in talks with rival leagues ahead of June 30 application deadline

Four clubs in the Outer East Football and Netball competion are considering their futures, with a “line in the sand moment” looming for football and netball in the region.

Wandin has had talks with Eastern league. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Trust, protection, stability.

Outer East Football Netball chief executive officer Brett Connell used those words as he urged clubs to think long and hard about leaving the competition.

Connell’s message comes amid speculation that Wandin and Upwey Tecoma are considering a move to the Eastern league, while Pakenham and Officer are eyeing the West Gippsland league.

In a pivotal meeting on Monday night, Connell spoke to OEFN clubs to address “a lot of myth and innuendo that is rolling around out there’’.

“There’s a lot of talk, and we just wanted to make sure we got in front of it,” Connell said.

Clubs have until June 30 to apply to change leagues.

It’s understood the Eastern league approached Wandin six weeks ago asking if they’d like to fill the hole left by Doncaster, which went into recess.

Wandin is torn; hesitant to leave because of its connection to netball, but also driven by an ambition to play in a higher level of football.

Connell said Wandin was exploring its options, but said Eastern league “doesn’t fit them in netball, it’s as simple as that’’.

“There’s a lot of history and tradition, 20 years of netball and footy being collective together, being a former country league,’’ he said.

“So that’s looming large for most. It all looks rosy when you dive in and have a look at it, but the netball piece is a big piece, so we’ve spoken to AFL Vic and Netball Vic about it.

“Our position is that we’ve got a competition that fits at the moment. If you want to explore others, you’re welcome to. We can’t stop you. June 30 is the cut off date. Keep your eyes open about what netball looks like.’’

Upwey Tecoma and Mt Evelyn do battle. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Connell stressed the importance of maintaining a unified approach.

“I used the analogy the other night, it’s a bit like we’re in the forest and we’re all lost,’’ he said.

“If we’re all going to be leaders and all going to go in different directions we’re going to lose a few on the way.

“So grab a jumper and follow us out of the forest. We’ll get you out and land you where you need to be. But if you want to run off on your own, you might end up somewhere you don’t want to be and you might end up lost as well. So we don’t want to do that.’’

Connell said the June 30 deadline would be “a bit of a line in the sand moment’’ for the OEFN competition, and for football and netball in Melbourne’s east.

“That’s the broader view and why we’re talking with AFL Vic and Netball Vic, and Eastern (league) at the same time too,’’ he said.