Sport
13 August, 2026
UPDATED Bye bye Panthers - AFL grants switch
DEFENDING four-time Loddon Valley premiers Marong will leave the league that has been its home for 44 years.
In a statenment tonight, Panthers president Darren Turnbull said:
"We are very pleased with the announcement this morning from AFL Central Victoria that Marong FNC will be joining BFNL in 2027. It is an exciting time for the club with the move providing us with the ability to provide pathways from our foundational programs through to the best standard of football and netball in Central Victoria. The continued growth and long-term sustainability of the club has been the driver of this move and now we’ve got a fantastic opportunity in front of us.
There has been a lot of work put into the move and the Marong FNC Committee would like to thank our players, members, sponsors and supporters who have been a huge part of the process. After more than 40 years in the LVFNL we would also like to thank the Clubs that have been a part of the journey. The hardest part of the move will be the connections to the people and the communities that make up the League and we wish all of you the best.
Now the hard work starts. We’ll be spending the coming months preparing for the move and hope that all players, members, sponsors and supporters come on the journey with us. We can’t forget that there’s a lot to play out this season with plenty of senior and junior football and netball teams in finals so let’s finish the year in the best possible way. Go Panthers!"
EARLIER
The Panthers will play in the struggling Bendigo league from 2027 after winning an appeal on Wednesday night.
Marong's application to join Bendigo was approved by the league that has lost three senior teams in three seasons but Loddon Valley rejected the move.
AFL Central Victoria has upheld Marong's appeal.
In a statement, AFL Central Victoria said today:
"AFL Central Victoria can confirm that the Marong Football Netball Club has been approved to join the Bendigo Football Netball League commencing from the 2027 season. The transfer application was assessed in accordance with the AFL Victoria Community Affiliate Regulations. Following completion of the affiliate transfer process, including consideration of an appeal lodged by the Loddon Valley Football Netball League, the Region Appeal Panel determined that the appeal be dismissed. As a result, Marong Football Netball Club's transfer to the Bendigo Football Netball League has been approved for the 2027 season. AFL Central Victoria acknowledges the engagement of all parties throughout the process and thanks the Bendigo FNL, Loddon Valley FNL and Marong FNC for their cooperation and compliance with the AFL Victoria regulatory framework."
The Bendigo league rejected an application from a second Loddon Valley club, Maiden Gully.
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