A request by the Bellarine league to be classified as a premier competition has been rejected for a second time; however, the door has been left open for adjustments to be made to areas including individual player points.
The BFNL board was informed last week of the decision by the Barwon Region Council and AFL Victoria, with the clubs told this morning ahead of a meeting of club presidents tonight, and the decision has already raised the ire of one vocal Bellarine club, which has raised the prospect of the competition again breaking away from AFL Barwon.
In a statement, AFL Victoria says they, along with AFL Barwon and other stakeholders -understood to be the Geelong and District and Colac and District leagues – in the region, “carefully considered” the application for the Bellarine to join the GFNL as a Premier League.
The statement said further analysis was required before the Bellarine was reclassified, with “the potential impacts on player movement, competition balance, salary cap expectations, recruitment opportunities and the long-term sustainability of football and netball competitions across the Barwon region” among the considerations.
“The assessment also recognised that many of the matters raised through the application are currently being examined through the Barwon Regional Blueprint Review,” the statement continued.
“The Review has been identified as the most appropriate process to assess league classifications, competition structures, player movement frameworks, Total Team Points settings, salary cap settings and broader regional sustainability considerations.
“The Barwon Regional Council is willing to work with the AFL Barwon team to explore appropriate local changes for the upcoming season, including practical measures that support the BFNL while recognising the potential impacts on other competitions across the region.”
It is understood a detailed letter has been sent to Fitzgerald and AFL Barwon chair Ash West further outlining reasons for rejection.
The Bellarine first lodged an application heading into the 2026 season,
However, president Michael Fitzgerald told K rock Football on April 3, “the commentary we had back from Jack Henty at AFL Vic at the time was that there wasn’t enough time”.
Portarlington is leading the charge against the decision, saying it has “lost all confidence” in AFL Barwon, AFL Victoria and the Barwon Regional Council.
The Demons say the BFNL needs a coordinated response “outlining the displeasure and disappointment in the advice just received”.
“We have been advocating for Premier League status now for 18 months and getting stalled at every opportunity,” the statement said.
“A decision is required by 30th September to allow prudent strategic and operational planning for the next 3 years.
“In the interim, BFNL Presidents should demand a 2027 salary cap of $115,000 for all clubs with no change to TPPs from 2026 for the next two years.
“Clubs are responsible, dynamic organisations that live and die by recruiting and retaining players over multi-year contracts. The current perverse incentives that result in “success results in resource reduction” is (sic) ludicrous.
“If they cannot accommodate these BFNL requirements immediately, then the league should break away for season 2027.
“The time for talk and no action is over. This is now a very emotional, passionate topic.”
X: @krockfootball
