Golden Rivers: Six teams left with exits of Nullawil and Quambatook

A big shake-up looms for the Golden Rivers league with the anticipated departure of the two best teams in 2022. See who remains.

Quambatook won’t be the only team departing the Golden Rivers league at the end of the season with minor premiers Nullawil given the chance to reapply for a switch to the North Central league.

After a bid to change leagues was blocked 12 months ago, Nullawil has the green light from AFL Victoria to apply again in a sure sign the move will be successful.

Nullawil and Quambatook have finished first and second on the ladder heading into finals, which start on Saturday.

Their exits would leave the Golden Rivers league with six clubs, Wandella, Moulamein, Macorna, Murrabit, Hay and Ultima.

“The other six clubs have got together and made a commitment to each other that they are quite comfortable running a six-team competition,” AFL Central Victoria manager Craig Armstead said.

Nullawil to Hay is close to a three-hour drive and considered one of the longest road trips in country football-netball.

Nullawil’s inclusion in the North Central league will create a bye.

Armstead said it was sad to see a club like Quambatook, which is 111 years old, fold.

“It’s unfortunate, but I take my hat off to them because you can stick your head in the sand and try to avoid it,” he said.

“They’ve been honest and transparent about where they’re at.”

Quambatook co-coach Tim Free. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Quambatook co-coach Tim Free said the club was entering finals with plenty of momentum and had the added bonus of playing Nullawil in the second semi-final at home.

The two teams have beaten each other this season, but Nullawil was a convincing winner a fortnight ago.

“We got caught starting to think too far ahead last week and the result probably showed,” Free said.

“Today was about correcting that and concentrating on the job at hand.

“Cleary Nullawil is the benchmark and we’re going to have to play somewhere near our best to overcome that challenge.”

Quambatook’s William Collicoat celebrates a goal against Macorna. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Quambatook will be further boosted by the return of ruckman Mick Bradbury and key forward Ash Murray for finals.

Free lives and works in Swan Hill and is in his third stint as Quambatook coach with only four players in the team on Saturday living locally.

He said it was unclear where members of this year’s team would play in 2023.

“We’ve got a few travellers so I’d imagine they will play closer to home,” he said.

“It’s not a conversation we’ve had to be honest.

“We’re very keen to make the most of this season.”

Quambatook’s Tobie Cameron starred in the big win against Macorna on Saturday. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Quambatook last won a premiership in 1997 and if successful next month it could follow the lead of Bunnaloo by winning the flag and folding the following year.

Bunnaloo won back-to-back premierships in 1988-89 in the Echuca league before going under.

Quambatook co-coach Gregor Knight, who was among the best in the big win against Macorna, said he was quietly confident the club could take out the premiership.

“We’ve got a really handy side,” he said.

“Nullawil is the team to beat and we got a bit of a touch up from them last week.

“But it’s good having a team like them in the comp to push yourself against.”