For the third consecutive year, the Morwell East Football Netball Club (MEFNC) has failed in its attempt to join the North Gippsland Football Netball League (NGFNL).
The current Mid Gippsland Football Netball League (MGFNL) club’s application was voted on last week at a special general meeting of the NGFNL board and its member clubs.
It was again a disappointment for the Hawks, when the vote was split at 6-6, with the member clubs and the NGFNL board all entitled to one vote.
However, the Hawks’ hopes came crashing down as the voting result came in 6-5 against the move taking place, which would have begun for the 2026 season.
Unfortunately a 75 per cent approval vote is needed for Morwell East’s wish granted.
The board, alongside Traralgon Tyers United, Churchill, Yallourn Yallourn North, Rosedale, and Glengarry Football Netball Clubs all voted in favour of welcoming the Hawks into the competition in 2026.
Woodside, Yarram, Gormandale, Cowwarr, Sale City and Heyfield Football Netball Clubs all went against the motion.
Morwell East president Colin King expressed his disappointment from his club’s perspective.
“We are disappointed with the outcome of our application. We honestly believe all NGFNL clubs and MEFNC would benefit from our inclusion,” King said.
The club sees itself as a long-term fixture in the NGFNL landscape.
“We will continue to strive for success in the MGFNL, but the club does see our long-term future in the NGFNL,” King said.
Morwell East is heartened by the continued support of the NGFNL and hope to be able to answer all concerns of the clubs that voted in the affirmative going forward.
The major concerns raised from the clubs opposing the move are that Morwell East currently doesn’t field an under 18 team, which was a major requirement when former MGFNL club Yallourn Yallourn North got the green light to join the NGFNL.
