Concerns raised about Hay, Macorna, Moulamein, Murrabit and Wandella having suitable home in 2026

Golden Rivers stalwart Simon Morton fears the league could unravel if Ultima is granted approval to join the Central Murray league.

Murrabit’s Simon Morton has raised concerns for the future of the Golden Rivers league if Ultima is permitted to join the neighbouring Central Murray league next year.

Morton, a multiple premiership player for Murrabit, which is rebounding from a wooden-spoon season in 2024, believes there are no “perfect” fallback options for his club, Hay, Moulamein, Wandella and Macorna if Ultima departs.

Adding another layer of complications to the league’s future beyond 2025 is the club transfer window being brought forward this year and the findings of a review into the region presently underway.

“The league is actually in good shape, but all the talk is Golden Rivers will be gone next year and that is wrong,” Morton said.

“It all boils down to what Ultima wants to do.

“If they decide they want out, we’re all left scrambling to find other options.

“The two things that will matter will be the review recommendations and whether Ultima wants to go.”

Murrabit celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Ultima has already indicated it will be making another application to join the Central Murray league after its failed bid last year.

Clubs seeking a new home in 2026 have to start the process by the end of June

The Northern Rivers Project review headed by Swan Hill mayor Stuart King is handing down its recommendations next month.

“There are no perfect options for clubs if Golden Rivers falls over,” Morton said.

“I’m just looking at the bigger picture and I have some big concerns.”

Macorna and Wandella moving to the Loddon Valley league has been floated, but the neighbouring competition has only one junior grade and not all clubs field teams.

Golden Rivers have two junior grades with a full complement of teams.

Ultima, the reigning premiers, lost to Hay on Saturday by 41 points, Wandella downed Murrabit by 15 points and Moulamein defeated Macorna by 31 points.