AFL Barwon blocks Lara from GFNL return

Lara Sporting Club’s hopes of returning to senior football next year have been dashed, with AFL Barwon ruling the club is not ready to rejoin the Geelong Football Netball League (GFNL).

AFL Barwon confirmed on Thursday it would not support Lara’s return to senior and reserves men’s football in 2027, citing insufficient player numbers, a lack of appointed coaches and ongoing governance concerns.

The decision comes just weeks after Lara announced plans to return to senior football and netball following a year on the sidelines due to inadequate player numbers.

In July, the Lara Future Planning Group developed a go/no-go plan to assess the club’s readiness to return, including minimum player-signing targets of 45 footballers and 10 A-grade netballers, the appointment of a new committee and the signing of senior coaches.

The club was given until 1 October to meet those requirements, with AFL Barwon later extending the deadline to 6 October and holding several meetings with club representatives.

AFL Barwon chief executive Kate Patterson and board chair Ashley West acknowledged the significant efforts of Lara’s volunteers to rebuild the club and plan for a return, but said the minimum requirements had not been met.

“A return to senior football requires more than an intention to compete,” their statement read.

“It requires a sufficiently strong and sustainable playing group, appropriate coaching appointments, effective governance and the operational capacity to support teams throughout a season.”

AFL Barwon said significant gaps remained in Lara’s preparations, particularly its playing list and coaching appointments.

“Significant gaps remain, including an insufficient senior playing list, both in numbers and demonstrated playing experience, and the absence of appointed senior football and netball coaching staff,” the statement read.

“While Lara has made recent progress in filling committee positions, its governance arrangements are still developing, with an interim president in place and no subcommittees established.

“These are not minor administrative matters. They go directly to whether Lara can field senior and reserves teams and sustain a safe, well-supported and viable program over a full season.”

AFL Barwon also considered the impact on the wider competition, including the need to finalise the 2027 fixture and allocate resources.

Despite ruling out a return to senior football next season, AFL Barwon said the decision did not prevent Lara from making a comeback in future years.

The club will be able to continue participating in female football, junior football and junior netball in 2027, and remains eligible to enter the new thirds competition as a pathway towards rebuilding its senior football program.

Lara’s senior netball future remains unresolved, with AFL Barwon saying it had attempted to discuss possible exemptions with the club but had not yet received an application.

“We understand this is a disappointing outcome for members, players, families and volunteers who want to see senior football return to Lara,” the statement read.

“The board has not taken the decision lightly. Our responsibility is to support sustainable community football and netball, protect the integrity of our competitions and make decisions that give clubs the best possible chance of long-term success.”

AFL Barwon will now plan for 11-team GFNL senior and reserve football fixtures in 2027.