The Omeo District Football Netball League (ODFNL) could be thrown into turmoil heading into the 2026 season, with last season’s senior football runner-up Swan Reach on the verge of going into recess.
The club will meet tonight to formalise an approach heading into the season, with their options being recess, not fielding a senior football side or just fielding netball teams.
With Swan Reach unlikely to field a senior football team in 2026, the ODFNL has offered the embattled club an olive branch, to field just netball teams.
The ODFNL held a special general meeting via Zoom on Monday night, with Swan Reach’s delegates an apology.
Club representative, Greg Stephenson, outlined the club’s position in writing prior to a vote being taken.
Stephenson explained that he had discussions with club committee members, coaches, captains and interested supporters and sponsors since the last ODFNL meeting.
“The situation our club found ourselves in at the end of 2025 season was not likely to change in 2026. As a result we have had a large percentage of our senior football players decide to leave taking their children who make up a large portion of our junior football and netball players with them. They tell us they are not disappointed with the Swan Reach club but they have other reasons. The general consensus among those departing is they are not disappointed with the Swan Reach Football Netball Club, but have other reasons for leaving,” Stephenson’s statement read.
Stephenson and a sub committee including club coach Steven Cole, Anthony Bence, Les Solomon junior, Rick Gossow and Alison Stephenson have been in contact with all these players who assure the sub committee they have made up their minds.
Allison Stephenson, Brodie Harris, Jemma Wilkinson and Callie Youngs lead a group keen to keep the netball component of the club going in 2026.
The proposal to keep the netball sides going without a football side was put to the league delegates for a vote, with all voting in favour.
If Swan Reach was to go into recess, the ODFNL would revert to a five-team competition.
The next ODFNL meeting will be held on Monday, March 2.
