Eagles to look east

Beaconsfield wants to move competitions in 2022. 243408 Picture: ROB CAREW

By Nick Creely

The Eastern Football Netball League has called a Special General Meeting (SGM) for its member clubs on Wednesday 29 September, with two clubs including a south east powerhouse looking to join the competition in 2022 and beyond.

Eastern CEO Troy Swainston sent the memo to clubs, informing them that both Beaconsfield  Football Club and Oakleigh Districts Football Club are both aiming to join the competition next season, with the league fully supporting their transfer applications following meetings with “key stakeholders and a review of the presentations prepared by both clubs.”

Beaconsfield’s Matthew Wilson is delighted after this kick sails through the middle of the big sticks during a game this season. 241975 Picture: ROB CAREW

Clubs will vote on these applications at the meeting, which will begin at 7pm, with senior affiliated clubs entitled to have two member votes, while junior affiliated clubs will have one and board members will also have one.

They will be asked to vote on recommendations of the EFNL board, which endorses Beaconsfield to join Division 1 in 2022, and for Oakleigh Districts to join Division 2.

The move from Beaconsfield – which clinched the 2021 minor premiership in the AFL Outer East Premier Division after an undefeated 8-0 season under an Eastern league coaching great in Mick Fogarty – has been touted for some time like Berwick’s move last season, with several clubs from the Outer East, such as Cranbourne and Doveton also weighing up their future in the competition.

Speculation has been rife that the Eagles would look to make the same move that their great rival across the creek Berwick made last season, with the Eagles’ location, facilities and growth, particular within their junior ranks, a huge catalyst.

Keep your eye out on next week’s Pakenham Gazette for more on this story..