John Cranny has taken over from David Tuohy as new president of the Bulldogs and is aiming to rebuild the club in the future.

Cranny told The Courier the club’s committee – sorted at a third meeting – had about 20 people involved and included the new role of netball president, which has been filled by Jill Birt.

“It’s a really strong family-based committee and there’s a lot of husband and wives that have come onto it,” Cranny said.

“It’s been the most positive committee I’ve seen and probably the biggest.”

Smythesdale failed to field a senior football team throughout season 2017 and under the AFL Goldfields senior competition review key findings, it has been noted that the Bulldogs can continue for one more year without a top grade football team. After this, the report states, Smythesdale must field a full compliment of football and netball sides.

However, the club’s viability in the Central Highlands competition is set to be discussed at a league board meeting on Wednesday night, according to CHFL administrator Diane Ryan.

Ryan, board member Jarrod New and CHFL president Eddy Comelli attended a meeting of Clunes members and supporters on Tuesday night, with the AFL Goldfields’ recommendation that the Magpies join the Maryborough Castlemaine District competition in 2019 the key topic on the agenda.

Clunes president Brendan Sheehan said the club had started the appeal process, which it had to do within seven clear business days of the findings being handed down (last Thursday).

Sheehan expressed the club’s disappointment it even had to go through the process when it had never requested a move away from the Central Highlands league.

Comelli said it was clear that the Magpies, which are a founding member of the league that started in 1979, wanted to remain in their current home and that the board would support them in their appeal to AFL Victoria Country.