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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s rank and file.<\/p>\n
The official notification came four days after the Bendigo league hosted its grand final day at the QEO.<\/p>\n
While Gisborne had no football teams involved in premiership deciders, after its senior team was eliminated in the previous weekend\u2019s preliminary final against Eaglehawk, the Bulldogs emerged with two netball flags (B-grade and B-reserve).<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Gisborne FNC president Tony Brancatisano branded AFL Victoria\u2019s decision as disappointing, but not unexpected.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not the end of it,\u201d Brancatisano said. \u201cBendigo (FNL) doesn\u2019t own this club and neither does AFL Vic.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf AFL Vic want to pull the strings and tell us what we can do and can\u2019t do, come down here and run the joint and pay all the bills.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey talk about the viability of the Bendigo competition, how about the viability of our club?<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are not accountable for the viability of the Bendigo Football Netball League.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe won\u2019t just sit there and take no. Watch this space.\u201d<\/p>\n
Regrettably, Brancatisano declared the club\u2019s relationship with the Bendigo league as \u2018gone.\u2019<\/p>\n
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\u2019s application.<\/p>\n
\u201cBendigo FNL appealed Ballarat Football Netball League\u2019s submission on accepting Gisborne FNC as an affiliated member of the Ballarat Football Netball League,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough the league is disappointed with the outcome, the league accepts the decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Ballarat Football Netball League remain committed to Gisborne FNC becoming an affiliated member into the Ballarat Football Netball League in the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are looking forward to continuing dialogue with the Gisborne FNC.\u201d<\/p>\n
The appeal panel\u2019s rejection came one month after Gisborne club members voted emphatically to endorse the move to the Ballarat FNL.<\/p>\n
The final vote was 193-20 in favour of the move, with 11 members recorded as abstaining.<\/p>\n
Ballarat clubs previously voted 46-4 to admit the Bulldogs.<\/p>\n
In a statement of its own released on Wednesday afternoon, the Bendigo league confirmed its appeal had been upheld and as a result \u2018Gisborne would remain as an affiliated member of the league for the 2026 season and beyond.’<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe GFNC holds a strong reputation both on and off the field and continues to bring great value to our competitions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe extend our sincere thanks to all BFNL member clubs and AFL Victoria for their cooperation and support throughout the appeal process.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n