Bendigo Football Netball League has dug in and will fight all the way to prevent Gisborne moving to the Ballarat League.
Less than a week after Gisborne members/players overwhelming voted to join Ballarat, the Bendigo League has made it clear it wants to retain its southern-most club.
Late yesterday afternoon the Bendigo League issued a four-paragraph media statement spelling out its immoveable position.
Bendigo stated it will appeal against Gisborne’s transfer request, meaning AFL Victoria will have to make a final decision.
“The Bendigo League remains steadfast in believing that the Gisborne FNC is an integral part of the league’s competition and community and is committed to pursuing all available avenues to ensure the club’s continued participation in the BFNL.
“The BFNL has a responsibility to safeguard the strength, stability and sustainability of the league and given Gisborne’s reputation within the BFNL, we believe their ongoing involvement is important to the health of our clubs, players, volunteers and supporters.
“The BFNL will continue to follow the relevant AFL Victoria processes,” the statement concluded.
Ballarat League has voted very strongly in favour of accepting Gisborne, with Redan the only dissenter.
Gisborne has several football and netball teams playing in the first round of Bendigo finals this weekend.
