League Statement | The AFL Barwon Board has confirmed that it does not support Lara's return to senior and reserves men's football in the Geelong Football Netball League (GFNL) in 2027.

AFL Barwon will now plan for an 11-team GFNL competition in 2027, providing certainty for the GFNL clubs and community.

The Board's decision follows a detailed assessment of Lara's readiness to return, including consideration of the information provided by the club, meetings with Lara representatives and the associated risks.

The Board recognises the significant work undertaken by Lara and its volunteers to consider the club's future and develop a pathway back to senior football. We appreciate the commitment of those who have worked to rebuild the club's leadership and put plans in place for the future.

However, a return to senior football requires more than an intention to compete. It requires a sufficiently strong and sustainable playing group, appropriate coaching appointments, effective governance and the operational capacity to support teams throughout a season.

Lara's own Future Planning Group (FPG) report set specific criteria to guide a potential return in 2027, with 1 October 2026 as the key decision point. AFL Barwon provided an extension until 6 October for Lara to supply supporting information, and has held several meetings with club representatives since that date to discuss its readiness for the proposed return.

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