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4h ago

Gisborne Members Overwhelmingly Back Move to Ballarat League

The switch now awaits AFL Victoria's transfer process following any appeal by the Bendigo league.

Gisborne members have voted loud and clear that they want to leave the Bendigo Football Netball League to join Ballarat in 2026.
Gisborne has been a member club of the BFNL since 2000. Picture by Luke West

Overview

  • Members voted 193–20, with 10 abstentions, to pursue a transfer from the Bendigo Football Netball League to Ballarat.
  • The decision does not enact a move, as the Bendigo league can appeal and AFL Victoria will rule under its six-step transfer process.
  • Club leaders say reduced travel would aid retention, noting their closest Bendigo opponent is Castlemaine at 76 km compared with several Ballarat clubs within about 35 km.
  • President Tony Brancatisano called the outcome convincing and said the club will now await the next procedural steps.
  • Gisborne cites sustainability pressures, including a reserves side with one win from 15 games this season, despite competitive senior football and netball teams.