WRFL proposes changes to competition structure

One of Melbourne’s biggest local footy competitions could be set to undergo a significant restructure in the off-season. Here’s what could change.

One of Melbourne’s biggest local footy competitions could be potentially set to undergo a significant restructure ahead of the 2024.

The Western Region Football League could be set to go from three divisions to two if the recommendations from a new league competition review are adopted.

In a report called Western Region Football Netball Review draft recommendations seen by this masthead, it has been recommended Division 3 is scrapped.

If that were to occur, 10 teams would be placed in Division 1, up from eight in season 2023.

That would see Division 2 premiers Parkside and runner-up Albion pushed up into the top tier.

Division 2 would then become a 12-team competition.

Feedback on the structure of the league was sought through various surveys and workshops with member clubs.

“There was a large amount of feedback through both the workshops and surveys that indicates a move to a 2-division model of football would benefit the clubs,” the report said.

The report also suggested support would be required by some club when moving up a division.

“Salary cap and points of each division will be determined in the coming weeks as part of the wider statewide Community Club Sustainability Program,” it said.

“The WRFL will work closely and provide club development staffing resources to those clubs that may need extra assistance as they move from Division 3 into Division 2 football.”

Also among the key findings was that finding competitive balance in the under-18 boys competition was an issue.

Parkside will move into Division 1. Picture: Andy Brownbill

In 2023, only 14 clubs fielded sides across the two divisions.

“It is evident that youth football must be a key area of focus of the league for the future sustainability of clubs of the WRFL,” the report said.

“There are some clubs with no pathways from juniors to youth football at all, some that require strengthening of relationships between juniors and seniors and others that require assistance in recruiting and retaining players.

“There was an overwhelming amount of feedback that the grading for junior grades of football is currently not working as well as it could be.”

It was also suggested in the report that the WRFL could soon become the Western Football Netball League.

PROPOSED DIVISION STRUCTURES FOR 2024

Division 1: Werribee Districts, Point Cook, Altona, Yarraville Seddon Eagles, Caroline Springs, Spotswood, Point Cook Centrals, Hoppers Crossing, Parkside, Albion.

Division 2: Newport, Sunshine, Wyndhamvale, North Footscray, Braybrook, Suns, Albanvale, West Footscray, Sunshine Heights, Tarneit, Laverton, North Sunshine.