WRFL/EDFL: Deer Park explore possible league change

A local footy powerhouse is “exploring its options” as it seeks a possible change of competitions.

Brayden May

@braydenjmay

2 min read

August 17, 2022 - 4:54PM

Brimbank Leader

Western

Don't miss out on the headlines from Western. Followed categories will be added to My News.

Big changes could be coming to Melbourne’s local footy landscape.

Western Region Football League powerhouse Deer Park has confirmed it is “exploring its options” about a possible change of competitions.

Lions officials including president John Nahyna and outgoing coach Mark McGoldrick are set to meet with the Essendon District Football League board on Wednesday night.

McGoldrick told Leader the meeting was the “first presentation” the seven-time reigning premiers would have with the EDFL.

Rumours had been swirling about a potential move in recent weeks.

“We’re not 100 per cent going to up and leave the WRFL,” McGoldrick said.

“We’re meeting with the EDFL where he will present to the EDFL and put our pitch forward. There won’t be any decision tonight.

“It’s about seeing what’s best for our football club moving forward. Our president alerted the WRFL a couple of weeks ago because we didn’t want it to be all smoke and mirrors.

“There’s no guarantee the move will happen, we’re just exploring it right now.

“There is no official decision from the club.”

Deer Park is hoping the move could help attract more junior players to the club in future.

“We’re 15km away from the EDFL competition,” McGoldrick said.

“Some kids might not want to play against their mates in the WRFL. It give us a point of difference.

“There’s still a lot of water to go under the bridge.”

While tonight’s meeting could shape the long-term future of the Lions, they still have plenty to play for in 2022.

They face Spotswood in the final round of the home and away season where a win would guarantee a double chance and top-three finish.

“It’s a pretty simple equation we have to win and not rely on other results,” McGoldrick said.

“If we give ourselves a top-three finish it gives us a better chance of contending. We were happy with Saturday (despite losing to Altona), they’re a quality side.

“The top two are clearly out in front of everyone.

“We’ve got guys to come back and they’ll make a difference. It’s going to give us more depth.

“There’s pressure on places over the next couple of weeks. It’s an exciting time for our footy club.”

Deer Park travel to take on Spotswood from 2.15pm on Saturday.