Torquay will remain in the Bellarine league until at least the end of 2027 after informing AFL Barwon it would not accept promotion to the GFNL.
Under the non-mandatory promotion-relegation system introduced ahead of the 2024 season, the Tigers finished second behind Geelong Amateur in the two-year rolling club championship, which takes into account results from senior and reserves football, as well as A-grade and B-grade netball.
After Ammos declared their hand last month, the focus turned to Torquay, a foundation member of the Bellarine.
Following extensive consultation with members, including a survey, which failed to deliver a clear majority, and the establishment of a GFNL steering committee, the Tigers’ football and netball sections made the joint decision to stay put.
“After careful consideration, we’ve made the decision to remain in the BFNL for the next two seasons,” football president Cam Healy and his netball counterpart Michael Gibson said in a statement.
“For us, it’s about timing. Right now, we believe staying gives our club the best chance to continue building on and off the field.”
“We’re really proud of the process we followed. We listened to our members, ran a survey, and formed a GFNL Steering Committee to make sure all perspectives were considered.”
“A decision of this size can sometimes divide a club, but what we’ve seen is the opposite — our members, players, and volunteers have come together through this process, and we’re stronger for it.”
“A big focus for us will continue to be player development and pathways, particularly for our juniors. That’s something our members told us was important, and it’s something we’re committed to.”
“We’re excited to now turn our focus to supporting our teams in finals and continuing to make the Torquay Football Netball Club a great place to play and belong.”
According to the letter to members seen by K rock Football, 46 per cent of survey respondents were in favour of promotion, 40 per cent were against, and 14 per cent were undecided.
“This shows there is no single clear direction, but rather a range of perspectives that have helped shape our decision,” the letter said.
“We will be sharing the survey results in more detail over the coming weeks, so that all members can see the themes and feedback that informed this outcome.”
Those in favour of the move cited player development and retention, especially at the junior level, as reasons why Torquay should consider leaving the Bellarine after 54 years.
“Remaining in the BFNL must come with a commitment from our committees and members to continue looking at ways to grow, challenge, and develop our players,” he said.
“This will remain a central priority for our club moving forward.”
Torquay says it also factored in “the ongoing uncertainty and recent instability within AFL Barwon, combined with the addition of new clubs and the uneven competitiveness of the GFNL compared to the more even nature of the BFNL”, and “the significant effort, investment, and volunteer support required to make such a transition, at a time when we know our club resources are already stretched.”
“It’s important to note that this decision is not permanent,” the letter continued.
“This process has put strong foundations in place for us to revisit the question of promotion in two years’ time, should the opportunity present itself again.”
Torquay’s senior and reserve grade football teams will both play for a grand final berth in second semi-final meetings with Geelong Amateur at Portarlington Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
The Tigers A-grade netball outfit faces Queenscliff in a first semi-final on Sunday. Their B-grade line-up finished seventh, one win outside the top five.
The Tigers’ decision comes 24 hours after North Shore president Maryian Szponar declared that the Seagulls, who finished at the bottom of the GFNL’s club championship, see their future in the region’s top flight.
X: @krockfootball
BELLARINE FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE ROLLING CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP 2024-25
| CLUB | 2024 TOTAL | SNR | RES | A | B | 2025 TOTAL | COMBINED TOTAL |
| GEELONG AMATEUR | 36 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 39 | 75 |
| TORQUAY | 35 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 29 | 64 |
| O/GROVE | 25 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 9 | 23 | 48 |
| Q’CLIFF | 22 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 2 | 26 | 48 |
| DRYSDALE | 20 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 24 | 44 |
| ANGLESEA | 25 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 17 | 42 |
| B/HEADS | 20 | 5 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 19 | 39 |
| M’WARRE | 16 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 16 | 32 |
| PORT | 12 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 14 | 26 |
| N’COMB | 9 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 13 | 22 |
