Geelong Advertiser | LOCAL footy’s proposed league restructure is back on the agenda, with AFL Barwon quietly moving towards a formal announcement.
The league’s commission met last night and remains determined to roll out changes for the 2017 season, hastened by the plight of uncompetitive teams in each league.
Despite the standard of each league increasing at the top end this year, AFL Barwon region manager Lee Hartman admitted the gap was widening at the bottom.
AFL Barwon whipped up a storm of controversy in March when it revealed plans to cut the GFL to 10 clubs, expand the GDFL to 14 and leave the BFL at 10.
League commissioners have spent recent months tinkering with the proposal and hope to sign off the refined blueprint by November.
“The wheels are turning in the background and we hope to be in a position no later than our AGM this year to re-present to the clubs,” Hartman said.
“Obviously we’re on record as saying nothing will happen for 2016, so if something was to happen for 2017 and we announce it at the AGM, it gives clubs 18 months before that (2017) season to consider what the structure will look like.”
Asked if AFL Barwon was still committed to slashing the GFL by two clubs and beefing the GDFL to 14, Hartman said: “we haven’t locked that away”.
“There’s been different feedback from clubs on that structure, so we have to see where it lands,” he said.
“We got some great feedback. Clubs will find that the model that will be put back out will be based on their feedback.
“I think we might have been accused of not listening to anyone and having our minds already made up — but that’s not the case.
WINCHELSEA 600-GAMER TREVOR WILSON ENJOYS FAIRYTALE FINISH
“The reason we floated the original concept was to generate discussion and get feedback, which is what happened.”
Key considerations for the commission, for example, are where the axed GFL clubs will be placed and whether a BFL club, such as Torquay, would fit into the region’s premier league.
Hartman pointed to an increased number of lopsided matches across the region’s three leagues as proof a restructure was needed.
“The commission are still committed to making changes to ensure clubs survive,” he said.
“This year there’s no doubt the margins have increased between clubs on previous years, so the situation has actually got worse in terms of competitiveness.
“There are one or two clubs in each league that have been absolutely belted each week — that’s not good for anyone.
“The commission is committed to making some changes.”
