Last night the Ballarat Football Netball League carried a strong 46-4 vote in favour of Gisborne FNC joining the league next season.
This is a further step in the saga surrounding the Gisborne club’s whereabouts in 2026.
The vote by the Ballarat League’s board members and delegates from 10 clubs considered Gisborne’s application to leave the Bendigo League and join Ballarat.
The only dissenting club was Redan.
Bendigo Football Netball League will be disappointed as it does not want to lose one of its strongest clubs.
Geographic advantages are a key factor in Gisborne applying to join Ballarat.
It is expected a vote of Gisborne members, both non-playing and playing, will be held shortly to see what they think.
This Saturday reunions of past players and officials will take place at Gardiner Reserve, where Gisborne is playing Strathfieldsaye.
There seems certain to be plenty of discussion among former ‘greats’ about where the club competes next season.
Recently the Bulldogs told the Express that ultimately, the outcome would be determined by the decisions of the Ballarat and Bendigo Leagues, and AFL Victoria.
Broadford, to be coached by former Hawthorn and North Melbourne star Nathan Thompson, is joining Bendigo League next season.
If Gisborne departs and Broadford comes in, the Bendigo League will still have eight clubs in 2026.
– Bill West.
