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2w ago

AFL Victoria Blocks Gisborne’s 2026 League Switch After Bendigo Appeal

Club leaders vow to fight the decision, with legal action foreshadowed.

Gisborne will be playing in the Bendigo Football Netball League next season after AFL Victoria handed down its decision on Wednesday.
Gisborne remains adamant it's days in the Bendigo league are now done. Picture by Enzo Tomasiello
Gisborne has no intent of returning to the Bendigo league, so the next move appears shrouded in mystery. Picture Bendigo Advertiser
Can Gisborne still make a play to join the BFNL next season? Picture Bendigo Advertiser

Overview

  • AFL Victoria on September 24 denied Gisborne’s bid to join the Ballarat Football Netball League for the 2026 season.
  • Club president Tony Brancatisano said Gisborne will not play in the Bendigo league and signaled a legal challenge to the ruling.
  • The governing body cited an internal vote held after the June 30 deadline and potential strategic harm as Bendigo manages an eight‑club competition.
  • The Ballarat league had voted 46–4 to admit Gisborne and says it remains supportive despite accepting AFL Victoria’s decision.
  • The Bendigo league lodged the appeal and called the outcome positive, after Gisborne members voted 193–20 to seek the move.