Gisborne Football Netball Club president Tony Brancatisano is emphatic — the club’s survival depends on being allowed to play in the Ballarat League, not Bendigo.
At the weekend he drew attention to the forthcoming special meeting of Gisborne financial members, both players and non-players, to consider affiliation with Ballarat in 2027.
The president has no doubts which way the vote will go — the same as last year when a strong majority of Gisborne members voted to leave Bendigo League and cross to the welcoming arms of Ballarat, which has four clubs within half an hour of Gisborne.
The Bulldogs were very disappointed the Bendigo League and the AFL rejected such a move, so it’s time to try again.
The special meeting takes place on Thursday, April 30.
Brancatisano said staying in Bendigo had been detrimental, with a shortage of numbers in both football and netball occurring this season. Potential players had shied off being recruited by Gisborne.
“Many don’t particularly like travelling to Bendigo, and it promises to be even worse next year if Moama comes into the Bendigo League.”
The president claimed that the recent change of personnel on the Bendigo League board of management has been favourable for Gisborne, and the AFL may change its tune as well.
In the meantime, Brancatisano gave an assurance the Bulldogs would try their best to win premierships with Bendigo League this season and continue to provide sporting outlets for players of all ages.
Ballarat League voted almost unanimously to accept Gisborne.
