Goulburn Valley League officials revoke premiership decision
A competition in the state’s north has reversed its decision to award premierships to the teams who had finished on top of the ladder. Here’s why.
Goulburn Valley league officials have reversed their decision to award premierships for the cancelled 2021 season.
Last week, the competition had announced Echuca as senior football premiers having finished on top of the ladder when the home and away season was called off.
The Murray Bombers had only edged out Euroa and Seymour — who lost two games in a row following another restart — on percentage.
But on Tuesday afternoon, GVL chairman David Roff confirmed teams would now be acknowledged as minor premiers.
“Following the decision to terminate the season, the board felt the need to recognise clubs who had finished on top of the ladder being either Echuca, Shepparton or Shepparton United, as premiers,” he said.
“However subsequent discussions with clubs affected, and other clubs, as well as feedback from interested supporters indicated a level of concern with the decision.
“In particular, the three clubs affected indicated they would prefer recognition as minor premiers.
“In some cases, concerns were strongly expressed to members of the clubs concerned, when they had not been a party to the decision, which was neither fair nor appropriate.”
Roff said he was pleased with how the three clubs handled the situation.
“This season and 2020 has required the League and clubs to respond to situations not previously encountered,” he said.
“The off season will give the league and clubs an opportunity to review competition bylaws to make clear what should happen should a similar situation occur again.”
Football minor premiers
Seniors: Echuca.
Reserves: Echuca.
Under 18s: Echuca.
Under 16s: Echuca.
Netball minor premiers
A grade: Shepparton United.
B grade: Echuca.
B reserve: Shepparton United.
17 and under: Shepparton United.
15 and under: Shepparton.
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