Geelong Advertiser |
GEELONG’S three footy leagues are facing a major shake-up, with AFL Barwon looking into a region-wide competition restructure.
One option could include an overhaul of leagues to create a divisional set-up with promotion-relegation, as used in English soccer.
Landmark changes are on the agenda of a seven-member working party formed to shore up the long-term viability of clubs and competitions.
Under such a model, struggling clubs, such as North Shore in the GFL or Newcomb in the BFL, would be dropped to a division suiting their ability while they rebuild.
The working party will spend the season debating the best competition structure. Club input will be sought next year and changes would be implemented for 2016.
AFL Barwon region manager Lee Hartman said “competition equalisation” and keeping clubs relevant and healthy were at the heart of any decision.
“Any restructure would need the buy-in from all clubs and all leagues,” Hartman said.
“The type or level of restructure hasn’t been reached yet. We’re still very early in the process, but we understand there needs to be some divisional structure.
“All leagues in Geelong have their cellar-dweller clubs. With no movement between leagues, nothing changes and, if that’s the case, those clubs may not survive.”
Under any change, each club’s football and netball teams will remain together and play in the same division.
The league will consider team performance, administration, junior set-up, club facilities, finances and location when assessing each club.
Hartman said the history and traditions of clubs and leagues would be respected.
It is possible a four-division competition could be established. Promotion-relegation could be automatic based on set criteria, discretion-based or by application.
These are some options to be canvassed — but it may end up being resolved that the current GFL, BFL and GDFL set-up is sustainable long-term.
AFL Barwon has taken this action after an AFL Victoria directive that each regional body creates competition equality in their leagues.
“When I go around and talk to clubs, they’re all in favour of making sure competitions can survive,” Hartman said.
“Whether it’s the current structure or a new structure, the number one thing is making sure clubs survive.
“We understand footy clubs are the lifeblood of the communities they’re in.”
While clubs may benefit from dropping down, Hartman said high-performing clubs should strive to play at the highest level.
The working party includes Hartman, three AFL Barwon commissioners, GDFL vice-president Wayne Moore, former St Mary’s president Adam Rodgers and former Football Geelong chairman Allan Bliss.
