Bendigo Football Netball League and Broadford Football Netball Club are exploring the possibility of Broadford joining the BFNL for the 2025 season.
“Exploring new avenues for growth is a key part of our strategic vision,” Bendigo League chair, Professor Carol McKinstry, said late last week.
Kyneton FNC departed from Bendigo to the Riddell District Football League for 2024, and there is uncertainty about Maryborough’s future in the league, with rumours having swirled around in football circles for months.
Broadford’s football department went into recess for the 2024 season, but the club’s netballers have been playing in the Northern Football Netball League.
The Broadford club recently held a special meeting to inform life members and others of the possibility of becoming a member of the Bendigo League.
Geographically, Broadford has a chequered history of football affiliations.
It was a powerhouse in the long defunct Waranga League, and spent some years in the Riddell League, winning a premiership and played in the Heathcote District League and the Outer East League (division two).
The late Harley Hammond, from Broadford, was a former president of the RDFL.
Broadford has been in the Outer Metro League in more recent years, but this came to a halt as the club battled to secure enough footballers, hence the football division going into recess.
Broadford has a strong netball contingent in the Northern Football Netball League, and the town also has a strong junior club.
Current Riddell senior football coach, Aaron Bray, once coached Broadford.
The inclusion of Broadford for the 2025 season aligns with the Bendigo League’s commitment to enhance the competitive landscape of the league as it assesses options to expand and strength its competition.
“We are excited about what the future holds and look forward to the possibility of seeing Broadford competing in the BFNL from 2025 onwards,” the league president said.
“This is an exciting time for our league, and we believe that such developments will contribute positively to the sporting community in the Bendigo region,” MsMcKinstry said.
The Bendigo League intends to work closely with member clubs and the Broadford FNC in the coming weeks and aims to ensure that any potential transition is seamless and beneficial for all parties involved.
Discussions are expected to focus on logistical considerations, competitive balance, and the overall impact on the league’s structure.
The league president gave an assurance that it will keep its supporters, clubs, and community members informed as the process evolves.
The league said continued support and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated as work continues towards making the BFNL an even more vibrant and competitive league.
Footnote: Broadford is known as the Kangaroos, and Harley Hammond Reserve is its home venue.
