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Second bid for Cats after SANFL rejects change

A SECOND bid is on the table for Casterton Sandford Football Netball Club to change leagues in 2023, after the Cats’ initial application to move to the Mid South East Football League in 2023, was rejected by the SANFL.

Labelled as a “kick in the guts” for many hours’ work already done by the club and SANFL staff, Cat president, Dylan Ayton said the club would continue its call for real change in south-east country football.

“The SANFL has already said that change is necessary for the future of country footy and netball, both junior and senior,” he said.

“This is not a new thing, this has been on the table for years … (in 2021) we were asked to make submissions, we were called to meetings, we were asked to work with SANFL and the clubs and leagues over there because change was needed, recommendations were made and nothing was done.

“For (the current application) we had discussions, made contact with (the Mid South East league) over two years and we were asked by SANFL to go through the correct processes, then Shawn Forde and the SANFL took over those conversations.

“Saying that, we had really good conversations going with other (Mid South East) clubs about going into their league and it’s really disappointing, the statement that went out that they didn’t want us to be part of their league.

“You’ve got the SANFL who don’t want to look bad, saying they’ll help facilitate the change with local stakeholders, but they don’t want to take the blame from the people it won’t best suit – the minority.

“We’ve got zero confidence that any change will happen, unless the SANFL stops being naïve, still believing the stakeholders will be able to organise this themselves when, as every investigation has shown, is not going to happen.”

In a statement to members, Ayton said the club met with SANFL representatives Tom Zorich and Shawn Ford to hear the decision on its clearance application, where key points arising from the decision included that Casterton’s defection would lead to the dissolution of the WBFL and the flow-on affect that would have to football in the regions.

The club was also advised SANFL was working towards setting up a 15-team competition in 2024 which would include all MSEFL and WBFL clubs – despite the fact that this model was rejected 12 months ago.

The Cats’ application move came on the back of a member vote in August, where 97 per cent presented in favour of the move.

Following a 60-day investigation period, the SANFL issued its response to the Cats’ application last week, where it acknowledged “the in-depth and thorough consultation that has occurred with South East clubs and leagues in the past 24 months” and again, the urgent need for change in the region.

SANFL Executive General Manager Football, Matt Duldig said SANFL’s decision not to approve the Cats’ application took into consideration the “wide-ranging impact of football across the entire South East region”.

“It was clear from the investigation the ramifications of such a move would trigger the need for a significant and immediate, shift in the broader structure of competitions in the region,” Duldig said.

“Therefore, the transfer application could not be considered in isolation, but as a bigger picture for the future of football in the South East.

‘’Consultation has confirmed that changes are required to support sustainability and participation growth in the region.”

In its statement, SANFL said the investigation committee indicated that any application for transfer under similar conditions submitted in 2023 will be accepted, with a revised 15-team competition identified as potential model.

It said the independent review committee’s recommendation, endorsed by the SA Football Commission, was that work on the formation of new competition structures should commence immediately to ensure changes can be introduced for the 2024 season.

Consideration of junior models, including equity in junior player allocation to clubs, and the impact on local netball competitions were also critical as the region progresses to its proposed structure.

“It is evident change is required to ensure the future health and sustainability of football in the South East region,’’ Duldig said.

‘’The independent investigation clearly identified many clubs are struggling and need assistance with junior and teenage player numbers, attracting and retaining volunteers as well as umpire retention.

“We acknowledge this will be a significant change for the region, which is why a target to have it in place for the 2024 season is more realistic.”

SANFL will now establish a local working party, of football and netball stakeholders, to commence the process of implementing competition change.

Despite the statement from the SANFL, Casterton president Ayton said his club’s lack of confidence in the process was unwavering and the club re-submitted its application - with some amendments - for a 2023 transfer on Monday morning, prior to the gazetted deadline.

The SANFL has not made any comment regarding receipt of the new application, or its potential carriage.

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