More even … The EDFL could move to three divisions in 2012; EDFL general manager Marc Turri, above left.
By Luke D’Anello
THE Essendon District Football League (EDFL) could become a three-tiered competition from next year, with the league eyeing a more even competition and possible expansion.
Clubs were presented with a discussion paper at the EDFL’s annual meeting last December, but general manager Marc Turri stressed the idea was in its infancy.
With 24 member clubs, the plan is to leave the top grade at 10 teams and reduce B Grade from 14 teams to eight.
The bottom six sides this year would then make up C Grade in 2012 if the restructure is given the green light.
“It is something we’re looking at in the future. We’re looking at the best way of structuring our B Grade, particularly given we have 14 teams,” Turri said.
“It’s a difficult league in that there are 14 teams and 17 rounds. Therefore, it is impossible to create a fair and even fixture for those 14 clubs.
“To try and come up with a way of producing a more equitable fixture that’s better for all clubs, and as a measure to better service our struggling clubs in the B Grade competition, we think that could be a viable alternative to what we currently have.
“They (struggling clubs) then hopefully become a more attractive proposition for supporters, players and sponsors.
“We don’t want to touch the A Grade because it’s a model that works really well.”
Turri confirmed that the EDFL’s current clubs had been notified of the possible move.
“We’ve already spoken to the clubs about it,” he said.
“They’re fully aware of where we’re looking ahead. But it’ll be discussed at length during the course of the 2011 season.
“They are certainly aware of it and can start planning for it if we choose to move down that path.
“Most of the feedback has been positive thus far, but I’ve only had feedback from a small selection of our clubs.”
Turri said there were no plans at this stage to welcome new clubs into the EDFL, but the league did have one eye on future expansion.
Growth in Craigieburn could mean the area is a target for a new side.
Other areas where new teams could form include Greenvale and Melton, while teams affiliated with other leagues may also seek to move across to the EDFL.
“We’ll be open to any new clubs that want to come in on the basis that they’ll be beneficial to our league.
“But we’re not in a position to discuss any new clubs that might want to come to us,” Turri said.
“It’s a matter of just waiting to see who might be available, if any, but at this stage we’re concentrating on our 24 clubs and what’s best for our 24 clubs, not necessarily other clubs in other leagues.
“Eventually you’d like to build your competition into 10, 10 and at least eight in third division.
“But realistically you have to look at the strengths of any teams coming in and where they might fit into those divisions.
“At this stage, we’re not thinking about new clubs, we’re only thinking about our existing clubs.
“We need to be aware of where the population is spreading within our territory, and if there’s a population there that warrants a junior football club, we’ll be pro-active in getting one up and running.”
The new structure appears likely to be implemented in 2012, but there is “nothing set in stone”.
“We need to get a bit more feedback from our stakeholders before we move forward.”
