The Ballarat Football Netball League looks set to carry out its own administration as the AFL Goldfields region enters a new era.
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BFNL chairman Adrian Bettio is adamant that the competition will maintain its autonomy and identity regardless of what takes place with the AFL Goldfields Commission and a planned advisory committee.
The Courier reported on Monday that all nine members of the commission had stood down and were replaced by Andrew Dillion (AFL General Counsel and General Manager Game Development), Jennie Loughnan (AFL Victoria Commissioner) and Sam Graham (AFL Head of State and Game Development).
These changes came on the back of financial liabilities, which now appear to have been taken on by AFL Victoria.
The developments raised fears about a lack of local passion on the new commission.
But an advisory committee would ensure decisions are made by local people, said AFL Goldfields regional manager Gerard Ryan.
Bettio said while the BFNL would work with AFL Victoria, it would maintain its autonomy.
"Irrespective of what that (advisory committee) structure looks like, ultimately the Ballarat Football Netball League will remain autonomous in an operational sense and we are in a position to continue operating in our own right if required," Bettio said.
"Our commitment is to our member clubs and we will continue to scrutinise and analyse all costs and make decisions based on what is in the best interests of our league."
Most AFL Goldfields Regional Administration Centre (RAC) staff lost their jobs in March when it was announced the doors would be closed on the organisation.
Shane Anwyl had worked for AFL Goldfields as the BFNL operations manager, and while he has continued in that role, is now employed directly by the league.
One gripe about the RAC was the costs for leagues and clubs and what they got in return.
If the BFNL was to carry out its own administration, it's expected the costs would be far less for stakeholders.
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