Thursday’s announcement revealed there would be a North West and a South East division from 2027.
The North West division will include Berrigan, Blighty, Deni Rovers, Jerilderie, Mathoura, Picola United, Rennie and Tocumwal.
The South East division will include Barooga, Dookie United, Katamatite, Katandra, Katunga, Strathmerton, Tungamah and Waaia.
Clubs are still processing what this decision means for them following the consultation process and announcement, with some still yet to host player meetings about the change.
The league has been a united Picola & District league since 2017.
League president Brian Purtill said the split was triggered by Barooga’s return to the Picola league this year.
Since then, there has reportedly been interest from other clubs to join the league.
Purtill said the split would ensure the league remained “strong and sustainable into the future”.
Barooga’s return prompted a lengthy review, during which Purtill said the league board consulted clubs, assessed the competition data, historical trends and considered.
‘’Over the past nine months, the board has carefully considered feedback from every member club and undertaken a comprehensive review of the competition,’’ he said.
‘’We believe this new structure provides the best opportunity to strengthen the league for the future.’
'’The introduction of the North West and South East divisions is designed to bring together clubs with similar community characteristics and resources, and create an environment where every club has the greatest opportunity to be successful both on and off the field.
‘’The PDFNL will continue to engage with clubs that have expressed an interest in joining the competition, and the board has committed to undertaking a further review of the competition structure within two years to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our clubs and communities.’’
Jerilderie Football Netball Club president Dean Knight said the club looked on the proposal favourably.
“The club welcomes the league’s decision and believes the new competition structure will provide a more balanced and sustainable outcome for all participating clubs,” he said.
“We believe the league is in a strong position both now and into the future, with confidence that the board will continue to review and refine the structure as required to ensure the long-term success of the competition.
“The revised format will provide the North West clubs with greater opportunities to compete in finals, assist with player retention by creating a more even and competitive competition, and support success across all grades of both football and netball.
“For the Jerilderie Football Netball Club, our role extends well beyond sport.
“The club is a vital part of our community, providing opportunities for people of all ages to participate, connect, compete and socialise.
“A strong and sustainable competition is essential to ensuring our club continues to play this important role within the community.”
In a club statement provided to the Southern Riverina News, the Blighty Football Netball Club acknowledged a split would have both benefits and drawbacks.
“In regards to the upcoming split, the positives outweigh the negatives as the club continues to build,” the club said.
“It is an opportunity to build stronger relationships with clubs officials and players, both on and off the field and court, thanks to more regular interactions.
“It will allow a stronger competition, providing all clubs to experience success.
“The negative impact Blighty may see is the increase of travel for out of town recruits. It might make retention and recruitment of those players much harder.”
Other local clubs are yet to comment publicly.
Further details on the split format and draft fixtures for 2027 are to be released in coming months.
5°C