By Nick Creely
With the full backing of member clubs at the recent Special General Meeting, the Outer East Football Netball League has moved from AFL Victoria Country to a Metropolitan league in 2022.
The new league – formally known as AFL Outer East – will launch in 2022, with the league releasing its new logo, reflecting the storied history of the competition, as well as the geographical region of the clubs and the future.
With the transition to a metropolitan model, which is going to occur over coming months, league chair Tony Mitchell said it was pleasing to get the wheels in motion.
“It is with great pleasure that after two years of assessment, and consultation with members clubs, the move was endorsed at a Special General Meeting on September 27th, with overwhelming support of all member clubs,” he said.
“Much consideration was undertaken over the past two years, with the positives and potential negatives with the move from Country to Metro, this included discussions with existing Metro Leagues throughout Melbourne seeking their guidance and assistance.
“This is a positive move for our clubs in both junior and senior, and all male and female Football and Netball competitions throughout our region.
“I would like to thank Brad Scott and his management team at AFL Victoria with their guidance, recommended approach and support with the transition across to Metro, we as a competition can
Some of the key changes to occur will be the re-introduction of voting rights for clubs in key matters such as new club entry, greater ability to implement local rules and by-laws, increased investment in staffing and club development, alignment with the talent pathway, clear governance alignment to neighbouring leagues and increased commercial opportunities and partnerships.
The senior fixtures are expected to be released in coming weeks.
“Not a great deal changes for our participants and clubs. Outer East Football Netball will still maintain the best elements of what country and metropolitan football and netball has to offer, with no changes to competitions and game day for participants or clubs,” Mitchell explained.
“The region has seen both significant change and growth over the past five years. Our focus now is to consolidate and build on the work been undertaken and this move will help us to achieve this.”
