Wooden Spoon - would more be along the lines of North Wang / Goorambat & District which is just looking like the same team as last year.
Anyone know what is going on with the newly formed Benalla and district team. Do they get new jumpers or are they staying the same??
TATONG and Swanpool football clubs have conceded they will not field teams in 2014.
The clubs had been searching for a new league after a heated split with the Ovens and King competition late last year.
Governing body AFL North East Border recommended the merger of three Ovens and King clubs — Goorambat, Tatong and Swanpool — in July, after a review of the ailing competition where huge losing margins are common.
Tatong and Swanpool refused to be part of the three-way merger, instead formally requesting to be released from the league.
Goorambat agreed to the merger and has since rebranded as the Goorambat and District Football Club, while Tatong and Swanpool were left off this year’s fixture.
The cast-off clubs made a last-ditch bid to transfer as a united entity to the Picola and District Football League, but AFL Victoria stymied negotiations as the cut-off date for league transfer talks had passed.
Tatong and Swanpool yesterday announced they would not field teams this year, through a statement on Tatong’s Facebook page.
“After lengthy discussions and negotiations which appeared to be progressing, we unfortunately need to step away from pursing fielding a team in 2014,” the statement said.
“We have been very fortunate to have received audience with higher level AFL administrators but it appears the system the AFL has created is greater than the communities that support it.
“For the footballers and netballers, we thank you for your continued loyalty in putting your options on hold while we aimed to secure a team for 2014.
“We wish you all the best with whatever option you choose to take for season 2014.”
But the statement warned the fight to return to the field was not over.
“Both Tatong and Swanpool football netball clubs continue to pursue the best option for our communities now and into the future,” it said.
“There will be a public meeting in coming months so stay tuned.”