Incentives to entice the Penola Football Netball Club to switch leagues have been raised by the SANFL according to Penola Eagles president Matt Tilby.
His club has recently been approached by the SANFL on this matter but Mr Tilby said no guarantees had been given.
Recent interstate reports have claimed the SANFL had stated the 2024 and 2025 grand finals would be hosted by Penola and Portland in the case of a restructure of leagues in this region.
However, Mr Tilby said no such assurances had been given by the SANFL at this stage.
“Potential carrots like (additional) player transfer points have been bandied around,” Mr Tilby said.
“There has been no mention of cash incentives for Penola.
“SANFL are not just saying it will be a case of adding a couple of clubs to the Western Border.
“They are talking about a new league with potential for growth.”
Last week, Penola Football Netball Club called an open meeting of its members to discuss the possible restructure of leagues.
It will be held at its licensed clubrooms at McCorquindale Park at 7pm on July 4.
The forum will include a question-and-answer period and Mr Tilby expects it will be addressed by Adelaide-based SANFL head of Country Football Shawn Ford along with local SANFL officials Michael Mourbey and Heath Sims.
Mr Tilby would not offer an opinion on the reaction of his members to any change of leagues.
“It is too early to gauge,” he said.
“As a committee, we will undertake due diligence and do the right thing by our members.”
Founded in 1865, the Penola Football Club has already played in five different leagues since the end of World War II.
It was a foundation member of the Western Border in 1964 but left after 25 seasons without winning an A Grade flag.
The Eagles have since won four premierships in the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League.
Last month, the SANFL Working Party recommended the creation of a new 16-club competition comprising four of the Western Border clubs and all 12 KNTFL clubs.
This recommendation was rejected by Penola and the 11 other KNT clubs.
The SANFL was approached for comment and The SE Voice received this statement.
“The South East working group, which includes representatives from SANFL, will be meeting with members of the Penola Football Club as part of the ongoing engagement process with clubs and leagues in the region,” a SANFL spokesperson said.
“The Working Group is considering all options to ensure the best possible balance in competition size, evenness, proximity for participants, junior participation and pathways.
“A further update on recommendations will be provided once we have explored all of these options and are closer to finalising details of the competition model.”
