The South Australian National Football League (SANFL) has released its proposed restructure of local football in the state's South East, with a plan to reduce the number of leagues from three to two.
Discussions between the SANFL and the Western Border Football League (WBFL), Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League (KNTFL) and Mid South Eastern Football League (MSEFL) have been ongoing since 2021 around how best to manage the sport as player and volunteer numbers drop.
In a memo sent to clubs today, the SANFL laid out a proposed two-competition system to replace the established three leagues, with clubs now to be consulted.
The restructure would split the existing WBFL, with South Gambier, West Gambier, North Gambier and Millicent to join the KNTFL clubs in one competition.
This division would include Lucindale, Naracoorte, South Gambier, Penola, Border Districts, North Gambier, Padthaway, Kybybolite, Kingston, Mundulla, West Gambier, Bordertown, Keith and Millicent.
In the other competition, WBFL teams East Gambier and Casterton-Sandford would join the Mid South Eastern league.
Hatherleigh, Mount Burr, Port MacDonnell, East Gambier, Nangwarry, Kalangadoo, Casterton Sandford, Tantanoola, Glencoe and Robe would make up the second league.
The memo states the next stages for the SANFL will be to consult with all three existing leagues and affected clubs to continue detailed planning before the new structure is confirmed.
No surprises
South Gambier Football Club president Darren Sims said his club was still processing the proposal, but was not surprised by what was put forward.
"Something had to be done and something has been put forward, so we'll work through what it means for us, but it's great something has been done," he said.
"There's been a lot of work done over the past two years and whether it's been done in the right way or not, it's good we've finally got to a point where there's a structure put forward that we can work towards.
"One of the major things we'll look at is how it works for our junior competition.
"It's obviously a major thing for our club to make sure that works and we have as many kids playing football as we can and feeding into the senior competitions."
Netball working with changes
While the restructure has been led by football, it is also set to affect local netball, with each club's netball teams playing on the same day against the same opposition.
Western Border Netball League secretary and director of netball Di Gould said she would continue to meet with the football working group to establish what the changes meant for her sport.
"The Western Border Netball Association looks forward to working with the working party, associated sub committees, our current clubs and the KNT clubs to build a bright future for both netball and football in this region," she said.
"We understand there is a lot of work to do.
"We hope our members can keep an open mind as we look to put together this new-look competition.
"We can't wait to roll up our sleeves and bring everyone along for what we know will be a bumpy, but in the end, worthwhile ride."
