IT is full steam ahead for the Mininera and District Football League (MDFL), with Neil Robertson re-elected on the board and retaining the vice presidency for the 2023 season.

Dale Bruns will serve the last year of his term next year in the top role, with two changes to the general board for the upcoming season.

Jacinta Jubb and John Box did not stand for re-election, with Tom Lynch and Colin McKane giving Woorndoo-Mortlake and Caramut representation.

Bruns said he was grateful for the contribution of Jubb and Box but was excited for two new people to join the board.

“We really appreciated the help and enthusiasm from Jacinta and John, there is not much Boxy hasn’t done in football and Jacinta has been an integral part of the board as well,” he said.

“We are sad to see them go.

“Obviously there is a wealth of experience coming on board, Tom is a lawyer and so having him onboard will provide great experience and depth for future things.”

There are a few areas the executive will focus on in the next 12 months, including a new area agreement and the criteria for prospective life members.

“We will be looking into life memberships, that process needs a bit of refinement,” Bruns said.

“AFL Western District and all the leagues are hopefully going to re-write the area agreements just to make it easier for juniors to play as many games as they want.

“Instead of giving clubs the authority to say yes or no, the new agreement will hopefully give the parents a bit more control.”

An increase in junior numbers is also on the cards, with Lismore-Derrinallum likely to field an Under-16.5 team, along with a combined Woorndoo-Mortlake and Wickliffe-Lake Bolac team, bringing the competition to 10 teams.

Bruns also expects the 2023 fixture to be released before Christmas, with next season set to be a 16-round home and away campaign.

“We have spoken to Ararat and the way we will structure it as per usual, we will look at playing on a Sunday or making other arrangements for a rare clash with the other Ararat team at Alexandra Oval,” he said.

The season will get underway on April 15, with two byes scheduled – King’s Birthday and the usual winter school holidays on July 1.

The grand final is locked in for September 9.