Lara appears set for another year in the football wilderness, with AFL Barwon not supporting its return to GFNL senior and reserves football in 2027.
The decision follows a meeting between the region’s governing body and the Cats on Tuesday,
In a statement co-signed by CEO Kate Patterson and chair Ash West, AFL Barwon says it will now start planning for an 11-team competition next year.
“The Board’s decision follows a detailed assessment of Lara’s readiness to return, including consideration of the information provided by the club, meetings with Lara representatives and the associated risks,” the statement said.
“The Board recognises the significant work undertaken by Lara and its volunteers to consider the club’s future and develop a pathway back to senior football.
“We appreciate the commitment of those who have worked to rebuild the club’s leadership and put plans in place for the future.
“However, a return to senior football requires more than an intention to compete.
“It requires a sufficiently strong and sustainable playing group, appropriate coaching appointments, effective governance and the operational capacity to support teams throughout a season.
Lara spent this year in recess after a mass exodus of players left the club with little option but to withdraw its teams from competition.
As a result, a Future Planning Group was formed, headed by former Football Geelong CEO Phil Clohesy, which set out a range of criteria for the Cats to meet by October 1 in what was labelled Go/No Go for 2027.
This included appointing a senior coach and signing 45 players. The FPG also recommended Lara return to action via the Bellarine League, but the predominantly coastal competition rejected those advances.
AFL Barwon granted Lara an extension until October 6 to provide further information, and the local governing body says it has held several meetings with representatives from the Cats to discuss their progress.
As of Monday night’s annual general meeting, where club stalwart Bernie Walker was appointed president, Lara was still to appoint a coach for senior football and A-grade netball, while only 29 players had signed with the club.
However, the Cats confirmed they were close to a football appointment.
“Despite recent announcements from the Lara Football & Netball Club, the Board concluded that Lara had not met the player and coaching criteria outlined in the FPG report,” the statement continued.
“Significant gaps remain, including an insufficient senior playing list, both in numbers and demonstrated playing experience, and the absence of appointed senior football and netball coaching staff.
“While Lara has made recent progress in filling committee positions, its governance arrangements are still developing, with an interim president in place and no subcommittees established.
“These are not minor administrative matters. They go directly to whether Lara can field senior and reserves teams and sustain a safe, well-supported and viable program over a full season.”
AFL Barwon says it was not limited to the criteria set out in the FPG’s criteria.
“It also considered the integrity and effective planning of the competition, including the impact on other participating clubs and the need to make responsible and timely decisions about the 2027 fixture and resources.”AFL Barwon will continue to support
Lara’s involvement in female and junior football and junior netball, with the prospect of entering the Thirds senior football competition also raised.
AFL Barwon says the Cats have yet to apply for an exemption to field teams in the GFNL senior netball competition.
“We understand this is a disappointing outcome for members, players, families and volunteers who want to see senior football return to Lara,” the statement concluded.
“The Board has not taken the decision lightly.
“Our responsibility is to support sustainable community football and netball, protect the integrity of our competitions and make decisions that give clubs the best possible chance of long-term success.”
Lara is expected to release a statement later today.
X: @krockfootball
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