BFNL Statement

The Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL) Board met today and discussed the recent meetings and communication between the AFL Central Victoria (AFLCV) Commission, with BFNL clubs.

As a key stakeholder, the BFNL Board are disappointed at the lack of communication, consultation, and engagement with relevant leagues, particularly as it was mentioned in a recent email to AFLCV clubs and leagues that a ‘Division 2’ in the BFNL was suggested as a proposed future competition.

We are keen to be involved and acknowledge that improvements are needed in the region, however, strongly believe that there needs to be an appropriate process with agreed principles to guide the process involving all key stakeholders.

The BFNL do not support or understand what a second division of the BFNL competition would entail, however are open to finding out more about what is being proposed.

We are also disappointed at the apparent lack of acknowledgement towards netball in the limited communication, which is considered of equal importance to football by the BFNL.

Furthermore, we are concerned that 3 of our affiliated clubs have been identified publicly and have been directly targeted regarding interest in a possible new competition.

All 10 clubs that are affiliated with the BFNL are highly valued by the league and we have provided support in various forms over a long period where possible.

The clubs involved in these meetings are run by volunteers and having these discussions while preparing for finals and planning for 2024 season is an unnecessary burden.

We would urge the AFLCV Commission to meet with the relevant leagues and develop a process with agreed principles to guide collaborative future planning.

Professor Carol McKinstry | BFNL Board Chair