FOOTBALL/NETBALL

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

 

IN Morwell East Football-Netball Club’s latest attempt to join North Gippsland Football-Netball League from Mid Gippsland FNL, the Hawks have again failed at the last hurdle.

A special general meeting was held by the NGFNL board and its member clubs on Wednesday, August 14, to determine if Morwell East would finally see out their wish for change after applying for North Gippsland the last two years.

However, the Hawks’ hopes came crashing down, as the voting result came in 6-5 against the move taking place, which would have begun for the 2026 season.

While the ultimate result was split 6-6, with the NGNFL board entitled to one vote, a 75 per cent approval needed to occur to see Morwell East across the line.

The board, alongside Traralgon Tyers United, Churchill, Yallourn Yallourn North, Rosedale, and Glengarry football-netball clubs all voted in favour of accepting the Hawks into the competition.

But, six clubs didn’t agree, with Woodside, Yarram, Gormandale, Cowwarr, Sale City, and Heyfield all going against.

Morwell East FNC President Colin King was, of course, displeased with what transpired yet again.

“MEFNC are disappointed with the outcome of our application to join the NGFNL for season 2026 and beyond,” he told the Express.

“We believe all NGFNL clubs and MEFNC would benefit from our inclusion.

“The club does see our long term future in the NGFNL, but for the short term, will continue to strive for success in the MGFNL.

“We thank the efforts of the NGFNL Board for their strong endorsement and hope to be able to answer all concerns of the clubs that voted no.”

The concerns raised from the clubs opposing the move included Morwell East not currently being able to field an under 18s side, which was a major requirement and was also applied when former Mid Gippsland club YYN was accepted into North Gippsland.

The Hawks have not been able to get up a thirds team since 2017, but King was adamant when they first submitted their application to join North Gippsland next year that they stand a better chance of doing so in the new league, due to geographical reasons.

Another concern regarding Morwell East’s acceptance was the stress that would be applied to umpiring numbers within the Sale Umpires Association and questioning if they would be able to continue to service all North Gippsland games with the Hawks in the picture, pushing the competition to an even 12 clubs.

The NGNFL Board were for the acceptance of Morwell East, and expressed their disappointment.

“The Board of Directors were disappointed in how the vote fell, but are bound by the NGFNL Constitution, with the member clubs voting and required nine clubs to approve the application,” NGFNL President, Martha Truin told the Express.

Similar sentiments followed the fallout of last year’s vote, the NGFNL Board will likely encourage Morwell East and other clubs to try again, proud to be a league which is sought after.

Last year’s vote included fellow Mid Gippsland clubs Newborough and Yinnar alongside the Hawks however, the former two did not submit their applications this time around.

There are quite a number of clubs who have had a change of heart since Morwell East first reached the NGFNL club vote in 2023, with Heyfeld, Yarram, Sale City, and Cowwarr all for the move back then.

Rosedale and Glengarry voted against that time around, but have since shifted in opinion and warmed to the idea.

We will see if next year holds a different fate for the Hawks.