AFL Victoria denies Gisborne’s move; club vows fight

GISBORNE Football Netball Club is canvassing its options after its application to join the Ballarat Football Netball League in 2026 was knocked back by the AFL Victoria Appeal Panel.

The Bulldogs were advised on Wednesday (24 September) that their bid to switch leagues had been rejected, in effect, forcing them to remain in the Bendigo league against the wishes of the club’s rank and file.

The official notification came four days after the Bendigo league hosted its grand final day at the QEO.

While Gisborne had no football teams involved in premiership deciders, after its senior team was eliminated in the previous weekend’s preliminary final against Eaglehawk, the Bulldogs emerged with two netball flags (B-grade and B-reserve).

Acknowledging the outcome, the Ballarat FNL said it remained committed to having Gisborne as part of the competition and that dialogue between the league and the Bulldogs would remain open.

Gisborne FNC president Tony Brancatisano branded AFL Victoria’s decision as disappointing, but not unexpected.

“It’s not the end of it,” Brancatisano said. “Bendigo (FNL) doesn’t own this club and neither does AFL Vic.

“If AFL Vic want to pull the strings and tell us what we can do and can’t do, come down here and run the joint and pay all the bills.

“They talk about the viability of the Bendigo competition, how about the viability of our club?

“We are not accountable for the viability of the Bendigo Football Netball League.

“At the end of the day, we knew this was coming, but we have been working behind the scenes the last few weeks for the next stage.

“We won’t just sit there and take no. Watch this space.”

Regrettably, Brancatisano declared the club’s relationship with the Bendigo league as ‘gone.’

In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon, Ballarat FNL general manager Gemma Murphy said the league acknowledged the outcome of the AFL Victoria Appeal Panel regarding Gisborne’s application.

“Bendigo FNL appealed Ballarat Football Netball League’s submission on accepting Gisborne FNC as an affiliated member of the Ballarat Football Netball League,” she said.

“Although the league is disappointed with the outcome, the league accepts the decision.

“The Ballarat Football Netball League remain committed to Gisborne FNC becoming an affiliated member into the Ballarat Football Netball League in the future.

“We are looking forward to continuing dialogue with the Gisborne FNC.”

The appeal panel’s rejection came one month after Gisborne club members voted emphatically to endorse the move to the Ballarat FNL.

The final vote was 193-20 in favour of the move, with 11 members recorded as abstaining.

Ballarat clubs previously voted 46-4 to admit the Bulldogs.

In a statement of its own released on Wednesday afternoon, the Bendigo league confirmed its appeal had been upheld and as a result ‘Gisborne would remain as an affiliated member of the league for the 2026 season and beyond.’

“This is a positive outcome for the league and the BFNL looks forward to the continued participation of the GFNC as a highly valued member of our league,” the statement read.

“The GFNC holds a strong reputation both on and off the field and continues to bring great value to our competitions.

“We extend our sincere thanks to all BFNL member clubs and AFL Victoria for their cooperation and support throughout the appeal process.

“The BFNL reaffirms its commitment to working constructively and positively with all clubs, ensuring both club and league sustainability remains at the forefront within the defined framework of the AFL Victoria club transfer regulations.”