Lara has hit back at AFL Barwon’s decision to reject its return to the GFNL in 2027, saying it “does not agree with the conclusions reached” by the local governing body, and will seek further advice on the outcome.
The Cats, whose open-age men’s football and A-grade netball spent this year in recess due to a shortage of player numbers, declared their intention to re-enter the competition earlier this month.
The Cats have labelled the decision “extremely disappointing”.
“The club… believes the decision fails to adequately recognise the significant progress that has been made throughout the past 12 months to rebuild a sustainable and successful future for the club,” the statement said.
“Since entering recess, Lara has undertaken substantial work to strengthen governance, rebuild participation pathways, engage its community, secure sponsor support, appoint football leadership personnel and develop a clear roadmap for returning to competition.
“The club remains confident that it has demonstrated genuine progress against the objectives established through the Future Planning Group process.”
With a new executive confirmed at Monday night’s annual general meeting, Lara says it is “committed to achieving a full club return rather than a partial return.”
“Throughout this process, Lara Football & Netball Club actively explored opportunities to establish a future outside of the GFNL and sought to pursue alternative league options that aligned with the long-term aspirations of our members and community,” the statement continued.
“Those efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, leaving the club with no viable pathway other than pursuing a return to the GFNL.
“Our community has consistently expressed the importance of local sporting opportunities and the role the club plays in bringing people together.
“The club will now seek further advice regarding the decision and continue discussions with AFL Barwon, GFNL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria to better understand the pathway forward.”
X: @krockfootball
LARA FOOTBALL & NETBALL CLUB STATEMENT
Lara Football & Netball Club is extremely disappointed by AFL Barwon’s decision not to support the club’s return to senior competition in 2027.
The club does not agree with the conclusions reached by AFL Barwon and believes the decision fails to adequately recognise the significant progress that has been made throughout the past 12 months to rebuild a sustainable and successful future for the club.
Since entering recess, Lara has undertaken substantial work to strengthen governance, rebuild participation pathways, engage its community, secure sponsor support, appoint football leadership personnel and develop a clear roadmap for returning to competition. The club remains confident that it has demonstrated genuine progress against the objectives established through the Future Planning Group process.
Importantly, a fully endorsed Executive was elected on 19 October 2026 and remains committed to leading the club through this challenging period. The club also believes the achievements of its women’s football program, junior programs and netball pathways demonstrate the strength, resilience and ongoing growth of the Lara Football & Netball community.
While we are disappointed by this outcome, we remain committed to achieving a full club return rather than a partial return. Throughout this process, Lara Football & Netball Club actively explored opportunities to establish a future outside of the GFNL and sought to pursue alternative league options that aligned with the long-term aspirations of our members and community. Those efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, leaving the club with no viable pathway other than pursuing a return to the GFNL. Our community has consistently expressed the importance of local sporting opportunities and the role the club plays in bringing people together.
The club will now seek further advice regarding the decision and continue discussions with AFL Barwon, GFNL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria to better understand the pathway forward.
We remain committed to our players, families, volunteers, sponsors and supporters and will continue advocating strongly for a full and sustainable return of Lara Football & Netball Club to senior competition.
Our focus remains firmly on the future, and we will keep our members and the broader community informed as further information becomes available.
Lara Football & Netball Executive
