BRIGHT is adamant its future belongs in the Tallangatta and District Football League.
Club president David Kelly said yesterday the Mountain Men would be doing everything in their power to switch leagues next year.
Bright members have voted overwhelmingly to seek clearance from the Ovens and King Football League.
Kelly cited a desire to unite the junior and senior teams and a more structured junior competition as the big reasons.
“We will put our case to the O and K,” Kelly said.
“I imagine they mightn’t be too happy about it — it’s a hard situation.
“We are not trying to dunce anyone, but we just want what is best for the club and we think the TDFL is the best fit for us.”
Bright, which will meet the O and K board next Tuesday, has several hurdles to overcome as a move must be cleared by the competition and be accepted by the TDFL.
The VCFL must also endorse the move.
Bright’s senior, reserve and under-18 teams play in the O and K on Saturdays, while the under-14 and 16s compete in the Wangaratta District Junior League on Sundays.
The club fears the Ovens and Murray’s mooted plan to introduce an under-16 competition will create further problems.
“The main reason is club unity,” Kelly said.
“We have discussed it at length and aren’t flying off on a whim.
“Our kids aren’t getting games at the moment — they are getting byes.
“It’s a five-team competition and one is forfeiting which makes it hard.
“Travel wise, it’s probably on a par.”
Chiltern, Rutherglen and Beechworth have successfully crossed from the O and K to the TDFL in recent seasons, citing similar reasons to Bright for the move.
Alpine Eagles, Benalla Panthers, Londrigan Bulls, Southern Suns and Snow Road Saints at present play in the O and K’s under-18 competition.
VCFL area manager John O’Donohue met with Bright officials earlier this week.
“They presented some of their issues and we spoke about some of the challenges they have got and how each club fits into a network and what taking one out means,” O’Donohue said.
“Their first step is to talk to the O and K.” Bright, who have won four senior premierships in their 57 years in the Ovens and King league, must lodge a clearance application by October 31.
By - BRETT KOHLHAGEN.
Aug. 10, 2012,
Last Modified on 12/08/2012 08:44