The municipality's recreation team leader Dean Veenstra told a Smythesdale "crisis" meeting on Monday night that it would immediately set in place a partnership with the club under the Targeted Support Program.

He said the program would not provide a quick fix.

"It's be a slow burn."

The program begins with a review of existing operations, determining with rights and wrongs, and progresses into a planning and strategy phase.

Veenstra said it would take time and passion, and importantly committed people to take up the challenge.

He said the shire had and was investing significantly in football and netball facilities at the Smythesdale Recreation Reserve, meaning it was important to have a football and netball presence in the community.

Projects include new multi-use courtside change facilities, and a total redevelopment of the oval, which is under way and expected to be finished midway through the upcoming CHFL and CHNL seasons.

Golden Plains Shire Council CEO Rod Nicholls added.

“Council is currently upgrading the Woady Yaloak Recreation Reserve with a substantial investment to support Smythesdale sporting clubs. Council is also ready to assist the Smythesdale Football Club through our Targeted Support Program.”

CHFL Diane Ryan also told the meeting that AFL Victoria had a program a Country Club Improvement Program - developed specifically to assist clubs to examine their operations and identify areas for improvement.

On completion of the program, clubs are provided with a report that provides best practise information to help formulate action plans on improving club operations and governance. Ryan said the program had been offered to the club several times - as far back as when it was still known as Illabarook - but never taken up.

Smythesdale officials will meet with CHFL administrators on Wednesday in the next phase of its battle.