General News
4 November, 2023
Eagles' false start - but call expected soon
MAIDEN Gully has abruptly backed away from its announcement that the junior Eagles were Bendigo-bound in season 2024. Last Wednesday’s call by president Chris Garlick was removed within two hours from the Eagles’ online platforms. “We are...
MAIDEN Gully has abruptly backed away from its announcement that the junior Eagles were Bendigo-bound in season 2024.
Last Wednesday’s call by president Chris Garlick was removed within two hours from the Eagles’ online platforms.
“We are super excited to advise that our application to put an under 18 football side in the Bendigo League has been accepted by the board of the Bendigo Football Netball Club (League),” he had said. “While there are still a couple of items to tick off from a club and process point of view, it’s great to know where we are heading and be able to move forward in what is a history making time for our club.”
But Garlick’s Wednesday announcement came as a surprise to Bendigo and Loddon Valley league officials with sources saying no decisions had been made.
The Bendigo league was expected to make a formal decision by Tuesday, the final date for club movement under AFL rules.
If a decision was made, Loddon Vallley officials would have 24 hours to appeal. However, yesterday was a public holiday in Bendigo for the Bendigo Cup.
The Eagles have stood out of under 18 football for two seasons although it cited junior pathways as the reason they wanted to jump over to the Heathcote league. They have appointed an under 18 coach for 2024 and as reported last week, have been in talks with the Bendigo league.
It is believed Maiden Gully wants to take its juniors into the region’s major league and switch the whole club within five years.
Garlick was contacted for comment.
Maiden Gully is the only Loddon Valley league club still to confirm a senior coach for next season.
Jay McDonald coached the Eagles to three wins in 2023 but several key players have already been announced as heading to new clubs in the region including Bears Lagoon Serpentine who this week announced the recruitment of Tyler Miles and Heathcote league clubs Huntly and North Bendigo.