COUNTRY clubs had a message for Northern Futures review members: local problems should not be addressed in isolation.
Review chief Stuart King (pictured) said clubs had wanted a broader approach to mapping the future strategic direction of football.
King said: “The situation for Golden Rivers and Central Murray clubs is not unique.”
He said clubs heading into Central Murray league would need to field more junior football and netball sides.
“Clubs will need to be realistic about their players (already) doubling up in multiple grades,” King said.
The review has recommended clubs explore amalgamaion opportunities and expanding Central Murray “by accepting capable and competitive clubs from Golden Rivers and/or other regions with minimum participation criteria applied to all clubs”.
King said: “These recommendations aim to preserve the spirit of local footy and netball while ensuring we’re building something viable and exciting for generations to come. The time has come where decisive action must be taken.”
Nullawil jumped from Golden Rivers to North Central in 2023 and merged with Wycheproof Narraport to form Calder United this season.