General News
12 June, 2025
Wind up by end of season: review
AN AFL review has recommended the Golden Rivers Football League be wound up at the end of the season. The review is reported to have been released today, a week later than had been expected EARLIER THE future structure of football across northern...
AN AFL review has recommended the Golden Rivers Football League be wound up at the end of the season.
The review is reported to have been released today, a week later than had been expected
EARLIER
THE future structure of football across northern Victoria remains uncertain with the review into the Golden Rivers league still to be released.
Recommendations from the review chaired by Swan Hill’s Stuart King were to be unveiled last week.
That report is believed to back merging the six-team Golden Rivers with Central Murray to create a 17-club competition.
However, Macorna has had informal talks with the Loddon Valley league for a move south.
The Loddon Herald believes AFL Central Victoria’s regional council could offer Golden Rivers clubs more than the league merger option.
Golden Rivers clubs have already been given an extension on the June 30 deadline to nominate their league for 2026.
Wandella has also been mentioned as a club that could consider coming south in any league restructure.
At least one other Golden Rivers club faces an uncertain future for survival.
Nullawil left Golden Rivers for North Central three years ago and merged with Wycheproof Narraport to form Calder United this season.
Loddon Valley chairman Richard Hicks and deputy Glenn Catto watched a Macorna home match earlier in the season.
Golden Rivers has a two-tier junior competition - under 15 and under 18 - while Loddon Valley has just the under 18s.
Meanwhile, the Bendigo league’s immediate expansion plans have only Broadford entering the competition next season.