Golden Rivers: Five clubs left in limbo scramble to find new homes

The clock is ticking for five Golden Rivers clubs that have been told their competition could be wound up in early September.

Golden Rivers clubs left in limbo are pleading for more time to secure their futures in the wake of a bombshell recommendation that could result in the league closing down in less than 75 days.

Hay, Macorna, Moulamein, Murrabit and Wandella have been left scrambling for new homes in the Central Murray, Loddon Valley or Picola District leagues.

Ultima is pressing ahead with a second application to transfer from Golden Rivers to Central Murray, but remaining clubs have major reservations about joining them in the higher standard competition.

The other two options also carry risks.

Loddon Valley has less junior grades and Golden Rivers juniors could be ineligible to play for Bendigo Pioneers under-18s due to Picola District not being AFL affiliated.

Golden Rivers and Loddon Valley were interleague rivals in 2018. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

More talks with Loddon Valley and Picola District will take place this week after the 17 clubs in the Golden Rivers and Central Murray leagues met AFL Central Victoria last week to discuss the Northern Futures Project findings.

“The problem is Ultima wants to leave and none of us that are left want to play in a five-team comp,” Wandella president Leigh Hollingworth said.

“It was a bit like the big brother coming in and bullying the younger sibling pretty much.

“We’ve had to wait for these recommendations to come out.

“We haven’t been sitting on our hands doing nothing, but the reality is some of these leagues aren’t ready for us.”

Murrabit president Ross Stanton shared concerns about unrealistic time frames clubs have to work with for 2026.

“We’re going to work our backsides to find a solution that works for all of us,” he said.

“We are a different league to Central Murray which views itself as a major league and the Golden Rivers is a community league.

“The time frame is the most disappointing aspect.

“The AFL is starting to concern me. What is their agenda?

“We’re not asking for them to support Golden Rivers forever, but what we’re asking for is a bit more time to work out what our best options are.”

AFLCV regional manager Cameron Tomlins said the Central Rivers board, which oversees the two leagues, will consider the “valuable club discussion last week” before determining the next steps.

He said Golden Rivers had the fall back option of playing on next year with a minimum four teams.