FIVE and potentially six clubs are expected to contest the inaugural season of the Heathcote District Football Netball League’s under-15s competition.<\/p>\n
The HDFNL last week unveiled the introduction of a fourth grade of football, to run alongside its senior reserves and under-17s.<\/p>\n
It’s the culmination of a long-term plan for the league, which suffered a setback in 2023, when the proposal was rejected by the former AFL Central Victoria commission in 2023.<\/p>\n
But in consultation with the AFL Central Victoria Regional Council and the Bendigo Junior Football League, the green light for an under-15s competition was given last week.<\/p>\n
The HDFNL anticipates the move will strengthen the entire pathway process for young players, helping clubs to identify and nurture talent earlier.<\/p>\n
In statement released last week, the HDFNL board said the new competition would deepen community engagement at both club and league level, boost participation and support long-term league sustainability by ensuring a steady flow of well-prepared athletes into the senior game.<\/p>\n
HDFNL chairman Rod Stephens said the announcement had been met with plenty of excitement from clubs and people around the league and region.<\/p>\n
“Especially the country clubs, it’s more an avenue for them,” he said.<\/p>\n
“The city clubs (Huntly, North Bendigo and White Hills) had the Bendigo Junior Football League, so they were right.<\/p>\n
“But the country clubs are very happy.<\/p>\n
“We’re hopeful the city clubs come across.”<\/p>\n
Heathcote, Leitchville-Gunbower, Lockington-Bamawm United and Mount Pleasant will all field teams next season, while Colbinabbin and Elmore will enter a combined team under the banner of Runnymeade as they do at under-10 and 12 level in the Goulburn Murray competition.<\/p>\n
North Bendigo is yet to commit, while Huntly and White Hills have indicated they will stay put in the BJFL for now.<\/p>\n
While they might not be talking part in year one, Stephens said the Bulldogs, Hawks and Demons were all supportive of the new competition.<\/p>\n
He said playing the under-15s on Saturday’s had obvious logistical benefits.<\/p>\n
“The rationale behind it is trying to get families together on the one day \u2013 they are tired of fronting up Friday nights and Sundays and having football all day on Saturday,” he said.<\/p>\n
“It’s hard on the parents and the volunteers, so we are trying to streamline it a bit.<\/p>\n
“Hopefully this gives more under-15s in the region a chance to play footy.<\/p>\n
“The league is extremely excited. The first game will be interesting; we’re still working through what time those games will kick-off.<\/p>\n
“It will be early.”<\/p>\n
On a broader level, Stephens is confident the HDNFL is heading into 2026 in great shape.<\/p>\n
“Looking at our clubs, with the recruits that are coming into the league, it’s shaping up to be a very good year,” he said. “I believe the league is in good shape to meet the challenges ahead,<\/p>\n
“The board have done a really good job getting us to this point.”<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the HDFNL will soon appoint a new league manager as it prepares to bid farewell to long-serving administrator Jan Mannes, who is retiring.<\/p>\n
The position is a three-day a week appointment.<\/p>\n
With the advent of under-15s, they will oversee a combined 11 football and netball competitions \u2013 four football and seven netball ranging from under-13s to A-grade.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
FIVE and potentially six clubs are expected to contest the inaugural season of the Heathcote District Football Netball League’s under-15s competition. The HDFNL last week unveiled the introduction of a fourth grade of football, to run alongside its senior reserves and under-17s. It’s the culmination of a long-term plan for the league, which suffered a […]<\/p>\n