THE Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League will back a potential request by Clunes to join the competition.
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A MCDFNL source, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Courier most clubs within the league would support the Magpies’ transfer should they wish to defect from the Central Highlands ranks.
Clunes will meet with AFL Goldfields on May 26 in what looms as a pivotal point in the club’s decision-making process.
The source said the Magpies were an “obvious fit” for the MCDFNL.
“They seem a fantastic fit for the league in terms of their proximity and club structure,” the source said.
“The MCDFNL represents similar small towns and small communities, and from a travel perspective there may well be savings for them.”
Following its meeting with AFL Goldfields, Clunes will hold talks with the Central Highlands board of management the following night.
The Courier reported that Clunes would have official talks with the MCDFNL next week, but president Steve Broad said the league had yet to receive a formal request for a meeting with the club.
AFL Goldfields regional general manager Rod Ward said the commission would look to get a feel for the wishes of the Clunes membership base before any process would be undertaken with stakeholders.
Ward said generally the addition or expulsion of a club/s from a league would be voted upon by member clubs of the competition concerned.
“If Clunes decide to go and the clearance is refused by the Central Highlands Football League or if the clearance is approved by the Central Highlands Football League and rejected by the Maryborough clubs, Clunes has appeal rights under AFL Victoria Country rules, and that appeal would be heard and considered by the AFL Goldfields Commission, “ he said.
It is believed leaving the Central Highlands competition and joining the MCDFNL in 2016 is currently the preferred option among the majority of Clunes members.
tim.oconnor@fairfaxmedia.com.au