A drastic player shortage has forced GFNL club Lara to withdraw its senior and reserves teams for 2026.
The Cats, one of the region’s oldest clubs after being formed in the 1880s, made the tough call on Monday night following discussions with AFL Barwon and AFL Victoria.
An exodus of players, which started shortly after the completion of the 2025 season, in which they defeated North Shore in the last round to avoid the wooden spoon, has forced Lara’s hand.
“The Lara Football Netball Club wishes to express its deep regret that it will be unable to field Senior and Reserve Men’s Football teams for the 2026 season,” the Cats said in a statement.
“This has been a difficult decision, made in the interests of the long-term strength and sustainability of the Club.
“While this is a setback, it also provides an opportunity to focus on rebuilding and strengthening our foundations.”
Importantly, the Cats will continue to compete in the GFNL netball section after being granted an exemption by AFL Barwon, and AFL Barwon’s junior netball, and women’s and underage football competitions.
“Our commitment to our Senior Women’s Football, Under 18, Junior and Netball programs remains unwavering, and they will continue as planned,” the statement continued.
“These areas will continue to be a key focus as we invest in participation, player development, and a strong club culture for the future.
“We encourage all club followers to support each of our active teams, both football and netball, across the 2026 season.
“We sincerely thank everyone for their understanding and ongoing support during this transitional period.”
AFL Barwon, who narrowly avoided a similar situation with North Shore last year, says it will work closely with the Cats to ensure its absence from open-age football is a short one.
“AFL Barwon appreciates the gravity of the decision made by the Lara Sporting Club,” chair Ashley West said
“It is an extremely unenviable position for any club, and we acknowledge the careful decision-making process, which considered the broader impacts on the league.
“We remain optimistic that, through strong junior participation in both football and netball, along with recent consolidation in senior netball and senior female football, Lara can rebound strongly from the current senior men’s football challenges.
“AFL Barwon is fully committed to working with the Lara Sporting Club to rebuild what is a vital growth corridor and an important sporting community and social connection point for the town and region.
“Local football and netball are stronger with a sustainable and competitive Lara.”
AFL Barwon will now work with the other 11 clubs on any adjustments to the fixture.
With Lara’s departure, clubs that were drawn to play the Cats twice would only have 16 home-and-away matches, while those playing them once would play 17.
It is understood the local governing body is keen to have clubs play the equal amount of games for the integrity of the ladder and best-and-fairest voting.
All eyes will also be on what point reduction will be given to players who find new homes following this announcement.
OFF-SEASON MOVEMENT
The departures from Lara started with co-captain Aaron Stone joining GDFNL club Werribee Centrals, following 2022 GFNL Rookie of the Year Connor Linehan-Cunningham’s return to Galvin Park.
Ruck Ryan Bell accepted an offer from reigning Bellarine premier Anglesea, Cody Beckley headed to GDFNL contender Bell Post Hill, Jack Borchard joined Thomson, and Sam Hoffman followed the well-worn path between the Snakepit and Anakie.
Talented youngsters Dan Lowther and Josh Sanders joined GFNL rivals Newtown & Chilwell and St Mary’s, respectively, while contracted forward Tom Gunther was linked with a move to St Albans.
Last week, Vic Country under-18 representative Jett Elek joined Leopold, while talented teenager Jarvis Burley has been linked to a move to St Joseph’s.
Signings had been minimal.
Former North Shore forward Cooper Langan arrived from Noosa while attempting to win a spot on the list of VFL club Sandringham.
Regular West Coast WAFL player Tom Edwards-Baldwin nominated Lara as his interchange club.
The Cats are the first club in the region to enter recess since the mid-1990s, when Leigh Districts withdrew from the GDFNL before re-emerging as Inverleigh in 2002.
Lara entered the GFNL after winning the 1988 GDFL Division 1 premiership.
The Cats made their first grand final in 1992 and won the flag in 1994, before repeating the dose under former Geelong forward Paul Lynch in 2002.
Lara’s last finals appearance was in 2013. However, since then, the Cats have registered just 18 wins, never winning more than three games in a season or finishing higher than 10th on the ladder.
More to come.
X: @krockfootball
