Chris Febvre • July 14, 2020
UMFNL Study Completed
UMFNL Study Completed
The UMFNL Feasibility Study final report which was adopted by the AFLNEB Commission on Wednesday June 17th, 2020 has been completed.
In conjunction with UMFNL clubs, a Working Party has been established to develop an Amalgamated Club model for presentation to the UMFNL Clubs which is scheduled to be completed by August 15th and can be considered against the current UMFNL model.
Introduction
The AFLNEB 2020 Upper Murray Feasibility Study explored options for the continuation of Football and Netball in the communities of the Upper Murray beyond 2020.
The Study Team was compromised due to the COVID-19 situation with the Independent Facilitator terminated and the process undertaken in 8 Stages whilst remaining within the requirements of the projects Terms of Reference.
The Study considered the capacity of the Upper Murray Communities to:
- Sustain the Upper Murray Football Netball League as an ongoing concern
- Sustain a pathway for football and netball participants in the Upper Murray
- Establish sustainable alternate models for football and netball in the Upper Murray including but not limited to the formation of new entities
On adoption, the Final Report shall be delivered to the UMFNL Clubs within 7 days being Stages 7 & 8 which incorporates the presentation of the Final Report to the UMFNL Clubs and other Football bodies as maybe necessary and the implementation of the Upper Murray Football Netball Sustainability Action Plan.
The Feasibility Study established the following Guiding Principles which have influenced the Report’s conclusions.
Guiding Principles
- Maintain participation and pathway opportunities for sport in the Upper Murray
- Maximise participation opportunities for junior participants and their families
- Maintain the rich history of football and netball in the Upper Murray region
- Maximise the potential of developed community facilities
- By June 30th, 2020 establish a clear direction for the UMFNL for a period of at least 3 years
The outcomes for football and netball in the Upper Murray must to be owned by the clubs through constitutional processes and/or AFL Victoria Regulations and therefore information is to be made available to best inform the decision-making process.
As the outcomes may have unforeseen consequences, both positive and negative, seeking sustainable immediate and longer-term outcomes may have collateral damage as a result, however, as the highest priority, decisions are required in the interests of the future of football and netball in the Upper Murray despite the adversity presented by Bushfire and COVID-19.
2020 UMFNL Feasibility Study - Conclusions
1. That the future direction for football and Netball in the Upper Murray must be the responsibility of the UMFNL clubs and they must have options and access to information to make informed decisions
Rationale:
That all football and netball directions must be owned, planned and delivered by the communities of the Upper Murray and that they cannot be pushed in any direction which cannot be sustained by the local influences.
2. The immediate viability of the UMFNL is dependent on a commitment of a minimum of 4 clubs which currently cannot be guaranteed; a 4-club league would remain vulnerable to collapse
Rationale:
That any league with less than 4 clubs is vulnerable therefore other options need to be explored. Should the league collapse at any stage, no alternate options would be available and participation opportunities will not exist in the Upper Murray.
3. A model for an amalgamated club must be formally developed for football and netball in the Upper Murray by the Upper Murray Communities where the risks can be assessed by the UMFNL Clubs against the existing UMFNL proposition
Rationale:
Varying UMFNL club opinion on the future has prevented open and constructive discussion on any alternate modelling for football and netball despite growing challenges therefore threatening sustainable participation opportunities for football and netball. An alternative model must now be explored, considered and debated.
4. The Upper Murray cannot support an UMFNL (minimum 4 clubs) and a new entity under any guise participating in the TDFL
Rationale:
Insufficient resources available to support current club needs nor an additional football and netball club which would be competing in a higher level.
5. No clubs will be forced to join the UMFNL from neighbouring Leagues
Rationale:
Rules provide a process for club transfers and no club has expressed interest in the UMFNL. Forcing a club out of an existing league into the UMFNL is not considered a solution to UMFNL challenges.
6. That not acting now to secure future participation in the Upper Murray for football and netball will limit localised opportunities as capacity to rebuild will be further diminished
Rationale:
That the UMFNL is not expected to experience growth; the consequences of prolonging action to a later date will further diminish the area and leagues capacity and ability to revisit, therefore participation opportunities will not exist in the Upper Murray.
SUMMARY
The immediate future of the UMFNL is vulnerable and must ultimately be decided prior to August 30th, 2020. A Working Party will be established under a Terms of Reference to develop a model for an amalgamated club which would potentially seek application to enter the Tallangatta DFL. This is scheduled to be completed by August 15th and must include consultation with the TDFL. With the UMFNL clubs taking ownership of the direction, they will assess an amalgamated club model against the current UMFNL proposition and therefore make informed decisions. Any subsequent actions would follow the processes available under AFL Victoria Country Rules and Regulations.
The AFL North East Border (AFLNEB) LaTrobe University Junior Carnival celebrated its 18th year in 2025, continuing its proud tradition of showcasing emerging talent from across the region. The carnival provides junior footballers with a valuable opportunity to represent their league against strong opposition from neighbouring competitions. This year saw significant changes to the carnivals structure, with the Tallangatta and District Football Netball League and Hume Football League withdrawing from the Junior Carnival this year with both leagues facing off in an Interleague Match later this season. As such in 2025, we held four full matches between the Albury Wodonga Junior Football League (AWJFL) and Wangaratta & District Junior Football League (WDJFL) across 4 age groups – U13’s, U14’s, U15’s and U16’s. Held once again at the picturesque Lavington Sportsground, the event made full use of both ovals. With the sun shining and perfect playing conditions, the stage was set for an outstanding day of football. Match Results & Highlights U13s – Oval 2, 10:00 AM A thrilling opener saw the WDJFL control much of the play early, led by Tom Sealy and Jack Hart, and holding a narrow lead into the final term. However, a resilient AWJFL side, inspired by Best on Ground Ryder Pearce (Wodonga Raiders JFC), surged late to claim victory. Final Score: AWJFL 7.9 (51) def WDJFL 5.8 (38) U15s – Oval 1, 10:00 AM The AWJFL made the most of a first-quarter breeze to take an early lead, and despite a determined fightback from the WDJFL, they held on for a hard-fought win. Will Packer (Albury JFC) was instrumental and awarded Best on Ground honours. Final Score: AWJFL 7.8 (50) def WDJFL 5.5 (35) U14s – Oval 2, Midday This closely contested match saw multiple lead changes in the second half. Archie Knobel and Harris Bruneau were instrumental for the WDJFL. With pressure mounting in the final minutes, the AWJFL edged ahead with a goal after the siren, sealing a memorable 8-point win. Tom Toepfer (Albury JFC) was pivotal and named Best on Ground. Final Score: AWJFL 6.7 (43) def WDJFL 5.5 (35) U16s – Oval 1, Midday Featuring some of the region’s top junior talent, this match showcased high-level football. WDJFL started strongly, but AWJFL steadily worked their way back and dominated the second half. Blake Morgan (Albury JFC) delivered a standout performance to earn Best on Ground. Final Score: AWJFL 12.14 (86) def WDJFL 7.4 (46) Overall it was a fantastic day of football, with all but the U16’s match up for grabs until the final 5 to 10 minutes keeping everyone in attendance highly engaged. Zac Hedin, AFLNEB Region Manager, shared his thanks and reflections on the day: "On behalf of AFLNEB, I’d like to thank everyone involved in the 2025 AFLNEB LaTrobe University Junior Carnival. A special thank you goes to all the volunteers – coaches, team managers, trainers, runners, and first aiders – who make this event possible each year." "It was fantastic to see all games played in such great spirit. The conduct of players, coaches, and spectators was exemplary, and a credit to all involved. We look forward to seeing how these young players continue to develop through the 2025 season, and we hope to welcome many of you back in 2026." A big thanks to our AFLNEB Partners, in particular LaTrobe University, Hume Bank, the Commercial Club, Loco Apparel and APCO.
A huge congratulations to ALL 7 clubs from the AFLNEB region who’ve scored funding through Round 2 of the AFL’s Telstra Footy Country Grants! Across the first two rounds, 9 local clubs have shared over $18,000 to support their incredible initiatives and projects! This is a massive win for our community, and we’re proud to have played a small part in making it happen. We can’t wait to keep the momentum going and support even more clubs in the remaining two rounds this year! If your club is looking to make an application in the coming rounds please reach out to AFLNEB Club Development Lead, Chandan Kulkarni - chandan.kulkarni@aflneb.com.au More info - Telstra Footy Country Grants
The ultimate footy fundraiser is back for the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season and it’s your time to Raise Like A Legend! Toyota has been supporting grassroots clubs every step of the way since 2015. Last year, we helped raise $1,242,865 across 913 clubs. This year we want your footy club to be part of it. It’s free and easy, and Toyota provide the promotional tools so that anyone at your club can get involved, you’ll be smashing fundraising records in no time. For more info and to register your club, please follow the link here - Toyota Good For Footy Raffle
