Sport
23 November, 2023
Commission decision on Eagles still to come
AFL Central Victoria commissioners are expected to make a decision within days on Maiden Gully’s bid to enter an under 18 team in the Bendigo Football League next season. Commissioners had been scheduled to meet on Monday to rule on Loddon Valley...
AFL Central Victoria commissioners are expected to make a decision within days on Maiden Gully’s bid to enter an under 18 team in the Bendigo Football League next season.
Commissioners had been scheduled to meet on Monday to rule on Loddon Valley league’s appeal against the move that would see the Eagles with teams in two leagues.
However, it is understood that the meeting has been postponed to late this week.
Loddon Valley clubs want commissioners to reject the splintering of one of its clubs and to have a decision before their annual general meeting on Monday night.
Bendigo league has refused to make a statement on its acceptance of a Maiden Gully junior side, saying the matter remained confidential.
Maiden Gully had prematurely announced Bendigo league had given its bid the green light before removing information from its online platforms two hours later.
The Eagles’ pitch is believed to include the whole club making the switch to Bendigo league within five years but it is believed Bendigo wants any change within 12 months.
Maiden Gully has stood out of under 18 football for two seasons although it cited junior pathways in making overtures to join the Heathcote league in 2022 and again this year.
The club’s bid last year was rejected on appeal by AFL Central Victoria commissioners.
Bendigo league has been reduced to nine teams next season after Kyneton moved to the Riddell league, creating a bye. A junior Eagles team would remove the bye in its under 18 competition.
Reigning premiers Marong also made unsuccessful bids to join Heathcote.