Sport
20 March, 2023
Rovers and Bushy in talks to amalgamate for season 2024
It’s been rumoured for years, but 2024 could just be the year that the Maryborough Rovers and Royal Park football netball clubs combine forces, with current discussions to amalgamate creating a buzz of excitement at both clubs. Rovers and Royal...
It’s been rumoured for years, but 2024 could just be the year that the Maryborough Rovers and Royal Park football netball clubs combine forces, with current discussions to amalgamate creating a buzz of excitement at both clubs.
Rovers and Royal Park confirmed in a joint statement on Friday that a working party has been established to explore the possibility of the clubs amalgamating for the 2024 Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League season.
While both are stalwarts of the league, with Royal Park established in 1934 and Rovers in 1966, they’re two of three clubs located within the township of Maryborough — alongside the Bendigo league’s Maryborough FNC — which has a population of approximately 8000.
Serious discussions are now underway to look at combining the two clubs, with both boards agreeing to a consultation phase following a report from the working party.
Both clubs will now look to consult with their members to determine the possibility of amalgamation, while they have also sought the support of AFL Goldfields and Netball Victoria to look at opportunities for both clubs.
Royal Park’s Kate Balzan said while talks are still at a very early stage, the initial feeling around the club is one of positivity.
“In our initial discussions that we have had with our players, there was a bit of a buzz and the feel that this could be something really exciting for the community, so it was time to have that consultation together, ask questions and determine whether it is viable for us,” she said.
“It’s all about making sure we listen to everyone, and both clubs offer the opportunity to their members — they are the ones that are there, as well as the players.
“Our members will have a chance to voice any concerns or questions, but I think we can see that there is a need in the community to make sure we are strong moving forward. Two district clubs in one community can be challenging at times, so we feel like it does make sense.
“We’re really open to our members, having that voice and asking whether it works. They are discussions that are tricky to have, but they need to be had. It’s why we went to our players and members and put them out to start this process properly and ensure we have the support we need. AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria seem to be on board — they don’t want clubs to go, so this is the way we can preserve two strong clubs, and become a force in the district league.”
Balzan revealed that talks have been progressing for the last month.
“Our discussions have gone on for around the last month or so. We’re both in a situation where we’re still here and still strong off the field. We’re looking at how we can do best for our community and pull the forces together so we can have strong football and netball juniors and seniors together. It’s a discussion that started naturally between the two clubs,” she said.
“The working party is made up of a selection from both executive committees that have gathered to discuss that.
“Both clubs have lots of history, and we know that there would be a plan to acknowledge that in any amalgamation that went forward.”
Balzan said that some deep diving, which saw the clubs scramble to keep junior talent in both football and netball, was also a factor in deciding to start talks.
“It isn’t easy, but I think we are just looking to the future of the town and community, and how we can both support it in the area,” she said.
“We looked at the data of our demographic as well — our population is an ageing one, and finding junior players all the time makes us pull against one another. We feel it’s time to join forces and be one strong Maryborough community.
“Both committees are quite excited, so that’s the positive. Wanting to be a force for Maryborough in the district league is what it’s all about.”
Rovers’ Mark Raven shared the same viewpoint.
“It’s probably the first time that both clubs are at a point where we feel we had to talk,” he said.
“Me, personally, I think it’s exciting. It has been a struggle with getting players in juniors and seniors in football and some of the netball grades over the years. It makes sense that the clubs get together and amalgamate and make things better for football and netball in this town.
“It’s always been a topic where it’s difficult with three teams in the township. But we’ve been talking for the last month. The opportunity arose to get together and form a working party from both clubs and explore the possibility of coming together and amalgamating for 2024.”
Like Bushy, Raven said that Rovers consulted with their players prior to announcing the talks, saying that they too had received a positive response.
“We made sure our players understood what was happening. There’s been a favourable response, which is good — you need them on board,” he said.
“It’s not easy at all. There’s plenty to think about — plenty of people involved and the history as well. If it goes to a members vote, and if it proceeds to become an amalgamation, how it looks will be respectful for both clubs in regards to their history and acknowledging both clubs somehow.
“The good thing is that we’re doing it early, so we know how our year can pan out.”
Raven said that if the amalgamation was to go ahead, the year would be treated as a celebration of the club.
“There will be plenty of emotion. If it does go through, we’ll be respectful to the club and make it a celebration, rather than just get through the year,” he said.
The two clubs’ sole meeting on the field this year is set to be in round eight at Hedges Oval, with both teams desperate to earn good results in football and netball this season.
In the 2022 MCDFNL senior football season, Royal Park was the more successful team, winning five games, while Rovers ultimately went winless.
Meantime, in A grade netball, both teams finished ninth and 10th, with Bushy finishing half a game ahead on the ladder.