Tara Murray
AFL Victoria has dismissed the Western Region Football League’s objection to Deer Park and St Albans leaving the competition and joining the Essendon District Football League.
On Friday, AFL Victoria handed down their decision following an objection hearing into the matter.
As reported by Star Weekly, the two clubs had applied to join the EDFL for 2023, which was supported by the EDFL board.
The WRFL decided to exercise its right to go through the AFL Victoria objection process.
AFL Victoria in an email sent to both leagues on Friday, which has been seen by Star Weekly, said the objection had been dismissed and both clubs will be permitted to affiliate with the EDFL.
“The panel was not satisfied that there was compelling evidence for the clubs not to transfer,” the email said.
“The panel was satisfied that the Deer Park Football Club and the St Albans Football Club move was consistent with the considerations of the club transfer process, being the geographic nature of the leagues, league viability, community development and future growth of the leagues concerned.”
The WRFL does have the ability to appeal the decision.
In a statement, the WRFL said it was incredibly disappointed in this outcome would continue to update clubs of any further information as it becomes available.
Both teams were part of the WRFL’s top flight. Deer Park, which won seven premierships in a row before COVID, finished this season in fourth spot. Former AFL player Heath Scotland has been appointed to coach them next season.
The Saints finished this year in seventh spot. They have been busy already in the pre-season signing a number of new players.
Star Weekly understands that the two teams will go into the EDFL division 1 competition, the second division in the EDFL.
Both clubs were also notified of the outcome on Friday.
Deer Park had a statement on social media.
“The club believes that competing in the EDFL provides it the best opportunity of continuing to be a strong, viable, sustainable and competitive local footy club,” it said.
“The prospect of growing our junior program and challenging ourselves in the premier Victorian metropolitan football competition in 2023 is incredibly exciting for everyone involved in our proud club.”
St Albans’ in a statement said it’s the start of new chapter for the club.
“We can’t wait to see what is on the horizon as we compete in a competition that is geographically compatible for the needs, particularly of our junior families.
“The decision to leave the Western Region Football League [WRFL] was not an easy one and we wish for their competition to continue to grow, but our future sits elsewhere.
“Junior growth and development played a major factor in our transition request, and as a club, we will be contributing as many resources as possible to ensure our club will flourish for many years to come.”
