The club's members voted against a move to the Ballarat Football League at a special meeting last night. Bulldogs president Graeme Love described the ballot vote as "reasonably close" after around 150 of the club's members, many of whom are players, decided the club's fate.

"I'm pleased with the decision for one reason and probably the wrong reason," Love said last night.

"I am happy that it is over and done with.

"We play in the reserves grand final on Saturday. I'm looking forward to that."

Love was unclear whether a similar vote would occur next season if another proposal was put forward by the Ballarat FL.

"With all due respects, I don't think anybody really knows what's going to happen the next year or the year after.

"I believe at the moment the Gisborne Football Netball Club is quite happy where they are.

"It might change in a couple of years ..."

A message was posted on the Gisborne Football Netball Club website (gisbornefc.com) just after 9pm last night, detailing the decision.

RegionalOne Ballarat FL chief executive officer Rod Ward was "disappointed" after learning of the Bulldogs' decision, but admitted he wasn't overly surprised after the feel he got from attending last week's information night.

Ward thought that this would be the last attempt by the league to try and entice Gisborne to its ranks, admitting it may have to look elsewhere for its elusive 12th side, providing its member clubs continue that push.

Ballarat FL attempted to lure Gisborne to the competition in 1997, 1998 and in 2002 before this year's tilt, described as the biggest of the four.

"I think that will be the end of it," Ward said.

"We put our best foot forward and our strongest possible case to them.

"We have to respect that (decision to stay) and get on with it.

"We've still got a fantastic competition and a grand final coming up and we're looking forward to that."

Prior to last night's vote of members, Gisborne's committee had already voted in favour of becoming the Ballarat FL's 12th team in 2010.

But the decision of its members will mean Gisborne stays in the league it has been part of since 2000.

The Bulldogs have won four senior football premierships in that time, prevailing in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2006.