Mystery surrounds the identity of the club that would become the 12th member of the Bellarine Football Netball League, as AFL Barwon confirmed that the local governing body had received two applications to join the competition.
An email sent to clubs today (Wednesday) – and seen by K rock Football – by Region General Manager Ed Wilson confirmed the Surf Coast Suns and one other club were having their applications reviewed by AFL Barwon.
Applications to join an expanded BFNL, part of the restructure finalised by AFL Barwon in late March, closed on April 24.
“The second new club application is currently under review, and this will be completed by the Commission prior to communication publicly,” Wilson wrote.
“The review of these applications is in-depth, noting the significance new club admission to the league would be if this was to occur in the coming years.
“These reviews are transpiring with the four criteria pillars at the forefront of the process, as shared at the Bellarine FNL Clubs Meeting on April 22 – Facilities, Financials, Participation & Club Development.
“We share this update to keep all Bellarine FNL clubs engaged with this process, and as mentioned at the April 22 meeting, all Bellarine FNL Clubs will be invited to a second meeting to enable further insight and consultation prior to the AFL Barwon Commission making a final decision.”
There has been speculation that Colac and District League club Lorne was interested in joining the Bellarine, which would renew rivalries with clubs it played against in the BFNL’s forerunner, the Polwarth League.
However, President Carly Enticott confirmed to K rock Football in March that they were not entertaining a move.
Surf Coast has publicly stated its desire to field open-age football and netball teams in the BFNL as soon as next year.
AFL Barwon has been contacted for comment.
X: @krockfootball
