Sport
27 June, 2024
BFNL address club rumours
A furious Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL) board are out to clear rumours circu-lating the future of multiple clubs in the competition after speculation intensified about club movements on the weekend. A league statement was released on...
A furious Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL) board are out to clear rumours circulating the future of multiple clubs in the competition after speculation intensified about club movements on the weekend.
A league statement was released on Tuesday morning after social media rumours circulated on the weekend that Kangaroo Flat, Maryborough’s opponents this weekend, were seeking a move to the Heathcote District Football Netball League.
The rumour was sparked after a Facebook post from the club about an upcoming stakeholders meeting last week, however, the Kangaroos have since emphatically shot the rumours down and will continue to play in the BFNL in 2025 and beyond.
Rumours surrounding Gisborne’s status in the league, and a potential move to Ballarat, has also been floated for a large portion of the season, but they too have emphatically denied they are moving from the BFNL.
At current, Maryborough’s current review of the club and which league they are playing in for the 2025 season continues to be investigated.
All that has followed Kyneton’s decision to leave the BFNL after the 2023 season, where they have since found a home in the Riddell District Football Netball League.
The constant speculation over the three clubs, as well as the future of the league structure in 2025 and onwards, prompted the BFNL to release a statement.
“It has come to our attention that there are circulating rumours regarding the future of club affiliation within the Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL),” the statement reads.
“The BFNL would like to take this opportunity to clarify and dispel any misconceptions currently circulating regarding the affiliation status of any current BFNL clubs for season 2025.
“Acknowledging the Maryborough Football Netball Club (MFNC) are currently undertaking a transparent, robust, and consultative sustainability review of the club, any other current affiliation speculation regarding BFNL clubs is ill-informed, disappointing, and seems derived from opinion or presumption across a range of media platforms including social media.
“Whilst the BFNL acknowledge some uncertainty remains regarding the ongoing MFNC member engagement process, it is important to note that dependant on the outcome and recommendations, 2025 affiliation with the BFNL remains a feasible option. The BFNL remain fully committed to support the MFNC regardless of the outcome of their member engagement process.
“The BFNL prioritise accuracy in all our communications and felt the importance of addressing and dismissing all current speculation promptly to maintain trust within our community.
“The BFNL will continue to support all clubs and are committed to providing clear and reliable information to the football and netball community across our region as deemed appropriate.”
Maryborough’s season will continue on Saturday, with the club making a trip to Dower Park to take on Kangaroo Flat.