The current level of junior football and netball participation is a priority for Millicent Football Netball Club president Joel Redman.
He was one of the nine members of the SANFL Working Party which has recommended the region’s three competitions become two in 2024.
Players, parents and supporters of the Millicent Football Netball Club were due to meet this week under the chairmanship of Mr Redman at their McLaughlin Park clubrooms to discuss the proposed restructure.
If the proposal goes ahead, Millicent and three Mount Gambier clubs would join the 10 clubs in the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League.
The Millicent contingent could possibly face many extra kilometres of travel in 2024 according to the recommended restructured leagues from the SANFL Working Party.
The Saints play at home on nine occasions in 2023 out of a 16-round home-and-away season.
The longest journey away from McLaughlin Park is the 240km round trip to Island Park at Casterton and this has been scheduled just once.
There are six games at Mount Gambier grounds and so the total mileage this season is 840km.
Mr Redman told The SE Voice the extra travel next season was of concern to him and his club members as it could reduce junior participation.
“We will not know the exact amount of extra travel until the 2024 draw is finalised,” Mr Redman said.
Another dilemma facing Millicent is that it shares the same red/white/black colours and Saints mascot as Kingston which was a foundation club of the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League in 1994.
Mr Redman was aware of other clashes of mascots and team colours in an expanded competition.
“There have been discussions but no solutions yet,” he said.
“These matters are not overly relevant at this stage.
“This is also the case with the new names for the two leagues which the SANFL Working Party has proposed for 2024.
“The important task facing us is to work on the mechanics of how we go forward and the draft plan may require more refinement.”
Mr Redman and his fellow SANFL Working Party members are due to meet again next week.
Meanwhile, the Millicent Football Netball Club is facing a busy few weeks.
In association with McLaughlin Park Sports Incorporated, it is hosting the annual Millicent District Gala Day for underage footballers and netballers on June 4.
This event began at Tantanoola over 50 years ago and transferred to Millicent in 2013.
On Saturday, June 10, Millicent senior football coach Clint Gallio takes charge of the Western Border team which meets the KNTFL at Bordertown in the annual SE Carnival.
Numerous Saints footballers have been selected in the training squad.
