Window closing on country footy player transfers

Maryborough’s woes could be about to deepen unless “exceptional circumstances” can be proven to keep a player lifeline going.

Maryborough has one match left to be able to source players from rival clubs unless an “exceptional circumstances” case can be mounted for the practice to continue beyond the June 30 player transfer window shutting.

The battling Bendigo league club plays Kangaroo Flat on Saturday, with its player crisis showing no signs of abating in the second half of the season.

Last round, Maryborough suffered a 147-point defeat and had three Castlemaine opposition players on its team ensure the match went ahead.

The same scenario unfolded earlier in the month when Eaglehawk loaned players to Maryborough, which hasn’t fielded a reserves team since round 3.

AFL Victoria community football manager John O’Donohue said permits to play with opposition teams weren’t generally available after June 30, but in the case of Maryborough “exceptional circumstances” may exist.

Maryborough would need to officially request for ongoing access to rival players to AFL Victoria.

Maryborough is weighing up its future in the Bendigo league. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Maryborough is committed to playing out the season as it weighs up its future beyond 2024, with staying in the Bendigo league still not ruled out.

More likely options are seeking a transfer to the Maryborough-District or Central Highlands leagues or finding a merger partner.

Kyneton left the Bendigo league at the end of last season, with remaining clubs becoming anxious about what the short term future holds.

Kangaroo Flat is holding a “stakeholders meeting” on Wednesday night, but was quick to house down speculation that it is going to request a move to the Heathcote District league.

The Bendigo league released a statement on Tuesday addressing “rumours regarding the future of club affiliation”.

“The BFNL would like to take this opportunity to clarify and dispel any misconceptions currently circulating regarding the affiliation status of any current BFNL clubs for season 2025,” the statement said.

“Acknowledging Maryborough is currently undertaking a transparent, robust, and consultative sustainability review of the club, any other current affiliation speculation regarding BFNL clubs is ill-informed, disappointing, and seems derived from opinion or presumption across a range of media platforms including social media.

“Whilst the BFNL acknowledge some uncertainty remains regarding the ongoing MFNC member engagement process, it is important to note that dependant on the outcome and recommendations, 2025 affiliation with the BFNL remains a feasible option.

“The BFNL prioritises accuracy in all our communications and felt the importance of addressing and dismissing all current speculation promptly to maintain trust within our community.”