MEDIA RELEASE
Central Rivers Board Confirms Key Governance and Competition Updates
*For immediate distribution*

The Central Rivers Board has today confirmed several key updates as part of its commitment to building a stronger 
and more sustainable future for football and netball in the region.

Effective immediately, By-Law 7.2: Application for Club Transfer between CMFNL & GRFNL has been removed. 
This change aligns with the AFL Victoria Community Affiliate Regulations, which override local by-laws and provide 
a clear, state-wide framework for club transfers. The former 75% club vote requirement is no longer valid under 
these regulations, and its removal eliminates unnecessary delays to 2026 planning.

Importantly, clubs will continue to be consulted on matters of competition structure and integrity. The 
removal of this by-law is not a removal of club voice, but a step toward greater consistency and fairness.

The Board has also endorsed Ultima Football Netball Club’s application to transfer to the Central Murray FNL from 
2026, in line with the club’s strategic direction and commitment to fielding football and netball teams across all 
Central Murray FNL grades. This endorsement will now proceed through the AFL Central Victoria Region Council 
process.

Looking ahead, the Board remains committed to delivering a minimum four-club Golden Rivers competition in 
2026, subject to club participation. However, it is important to note that there is currently no appetite from clubs 
for a five-club competition. A separate communication has been issued to GRFNL clubs requesting a time to meet 
and discuss their intentions for 2026, with plans to be advised no later than the 31st of July. Support is also being 
offered to Golden Rivers FNL clubs considering a move to Central Murray FNL.

Further strategic initiatives include:

• A full review of the Constitution and By-Laws in 2026.
• A mid-season competition structure review in 2026 to guide planning for 2027.
• Continued work on brand identity under the Central Rivers name, with club consultation to come.
These decisions represent proactive planning and alignment with best-practice governance and community sport 
principles. The Central Rivers Board remains focused on supporting strong, vibrant clubs and competitions across 
the region.

* Ends *

Please Contact: Jessie Chester (Leagues’ Manager)
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Media Release: Ultima Football Netball Club Application

*For immediate distribution* 

The Central Rivers Board can confirm that an application has been received from the Ultima
Football Netball Club affiliated with the Golden Rivers Football Netball League to seek a
transfer consistent with the AFL Victoria State Regulations to the Central Murray Football 
Netball League for season 2026.

Acknowledging the application from Ultima FNC has come through, the Central Rivers Board
will now review the application and follow the defined process as outlined in Section 4.3 of the 
AFL Victoria Community Affiliate Regulations.

*Ends*
Please contact Jessie Chester (Leagues’ Manager)

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MEDIA RELEASE
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
Date: 13 June 2025

BOLD STEP FORWARD FOR REGIONAL FOOTBALL AND NETBALL: ‘NORTHERN
FUTURES PROJECT’ RELEASES KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

The Central Rivers Leagues Board, with support from AFL Central Victoria, has today released the
recommendations of the Northern Futures Project (NFP), setting a bold course for a more sustainable
and competitive future for community football and netball in the region.

Following extensive consultation with clubs from both the Central Murray Football Netball League
(CMFNL) and the Golden Rivers Football Netball League (GRFNL), the NFP Steering Committee has
presented eight key recommendations designed to address declining participation and operational
challenges across both leagues.

Key recommendations include:
Concluding and celebrating the GRFNL in 2025, recognising its historic contribution to the region.
Encouraging GRFNL clubs to pursue sustainable futures through transfers to appropriate leagues.
Encouraging ALL clubs to explore amalgamation opportunities with neighbouring clubs.
Expanding the CMFNL by accepting capable and competitive clubs from GRFNL and/or other regions,
with minimum participation criteria applied to ALL clubs.
Exploring flexible competition models, including finals structure, home-and-away rounds, and CCSP
(Player Points and Player Payment Caps) policies, to support an expanded league.
Collaborative planning with AFL Central Victoria and surrounding leagues to manage transfers,
amalgamations and restructure proposals in a strategic and unified manner.

The recommendations come in response to widespread concerns around declining player numbers,
volunteer fatigue, and the viability of operating with reduced club numbers—particularly within the
GRFNL, which faces the prospect of operating with fewer than six clubs.

Northern Futures Project Committee Chair Stuart King stated:

“These recommendations aim to preserve the spirit of local footy and netball while ensuring we’re
building something viable and exciting for generations to come. Change is never easy, however the time
has come where decisive action must be taken."

The committee also noted that if no viable restructure is confirmed for 2026, the GRFNL may continue
with a transitional minimum four-club competition for 2026 only.

The Central Rivers Leagues Board acknowledges the valuable input from all clubs and stakeholders and
thanks the NFP Steering Committee for their dedication. Discussions will now continue with clubs and
AFL Central Victoria to refine and implement the most sustainable pathway forward.

For further information please contact:
Stuart King
Northern Futures Project Committee Chair/Central Rivers League Board Member
0428 396 234

Media Release - STATEMENT FROM THE CENTRAL MURRAY FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE 

The Central Murray Football Netball League (CMFNL) is committed to maintaining a safe, 
respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants, officials, and supporters across our 
League. 

Recent incidents involving anti-social behaviour, both on and off field, are completely 
unacceptable and stand in direct opposition to the values of our League.  
Let us be clear, this behaviour is not and will not be tolerated. 

The League has acted swiftly in addressing these matters and will continue to take immediate 
and appropriate disciplinary action in line with our rules and regulations.  

Any individual/s found to be engaging in anti-social behaviour, whether on or off the field, will be 
held accountable. 

We stand firm in our commitment to upholding the principles of respect, inclusion, and 
sportsmanship at every level of our game. It is the responsibility of all players, coaches, 
officials, volunteers, and spectators to contribute to a positive and welcoming environment. 
There is no place in our League for any form of anti-social behaviour.  

The integrity of our competition and the safety of our community depend on everyone playing 
their part. 

Let’s work together to keep our local sports community strong and respectful.

-Ends- 

Jessie Chester      
Leagues’ Manager     
Central Murray Football Netball League   

Gavin Campbell 
Chairman 
Central Murray Football Netball League