‘It’s sad’: GFNL presidents back league, react to Lara decision

Geelong Football Netball League clubs have backed AFL Barwon’s decision to deny Lara re-entry to senior football in 2027.

The AFL Barwon board released a statement on Thursday morning confirming the decision, citing the club’s failure to meet deadlines set by the Lara Future Planning Groups and concerns about the broader competition.

Lara did not compete in senior football or A-grade netball in 2026 due to insufficient player numbers.

Club presidents have agreed that making an early call on the club’s entry into the 2027 season was the best decision.

St Joseph’s president Sue Cormack said it was disappointing to see the Cats unable to return, but clubs needed to support the league’s decision.

“We support their decision,” she said.

“The AFL Barwon crew have based it on research and they’ve had a fair bit of intel and made the decision in the best interest of the league and the competition.

“As clubs, we need to support that. Obviously, we’re disappointed for the Lara community, but if you can’t be competitive in what we do hope to be the premier league, it’s pretty difficult for everyone.”

Cormack said she trusted the decision had been made following due diligence and encouraged clubs to support the AFL Barwon leadership’s position.

Along with the presidents of St Albans, Colac and North Shore football and netball clubs, Cormack welcomed the early decision.

The Cats withdrew from the 2026 football season in February and the A-grade netball season in March.

North Shore president Maryian Szponar said he struggled to see Lara returning to the GFNL.

Having narrowly avoided entering recess in 2025, Szponar has a unique understanding of what it takes to work with a club on the brink.

“It’s sad,” he said. “They should not have folded this year, I don’t think. It’s a hard track back in.

“Their facilities are second to none and there is a valuable resource there, but I can’t see them coming back.

“When they disbanded, their players went everywhere and they’ve realised it is a little bit greener on the other side of the fence. They would be reluctant to go back to Lara if they’re enjoying themselves at other clubs and winning games.

“If they go again with Lara, they’re going to be on the back foot for two or three years. You’ve got to have a strong off-field before you start putting people on the ground.”

Szponar said the early notice from AFL Barwon that one fewer team would compete next season would allow clubs and players to prepare better for 2027.

St Albans president Craig Osborne echoed Szponar’s comments, saying the extended notice would help clubs prepare for the additional byes they would face next season.

All four presidents shared the view that the early decision would allow their committees to plan more effectively, with certainty that Lara would not withdraw at the last minute again.

Osborne said his club had been excited by the prospect of returning to a 12-team competition next year and was disappointed to learn that football, at least, would fall short of that goal.

“I think a 12-team competition is a good competition,” he said.

“I reflect on what it would be like to be running a club that has this challenge. The amount of time and effort put in by volunteers, to receive that news would be disappointing, so my first thought is that I feel for the Lara community. We all want to see them return.

“I am sure AFL Barwon will be working with them to see if there is a softer way for them to work their way back into GFNL.

“We don’t know the inner workings of it all, but I was looking forward to returning to a 12-club competition, so it’s disappointing to hear that.”

Colac president Phil Lang said it was a shame Lara had been unable to find a way back into the competition for 2027.

He supported the idea of the club entering a lower-level league to help it return to competition if necessary.

“They should have a team, in my opinion, but at the same time you want to be competitive,” Lang said.

“It’s disappointing, but it would have been nice if they could have maybe gone to the Geelong and District or Bellarine league.

“It is concerning for footy in the region and I think it is a symptom of a bigger issue. I don’t think it is just about participation.”

AFL Barwon confirmed it was yet to make a decision on Lara’s participation in the A-grade netball competition in 2027.

All four club presidents said allowing Lara to continue in netball while remaining out of senior football would present a difficult balancing act. However, they stressed they did not want to prevent anyone from playing community sport.

They agreed that a decision on netball should be made soon.

Cormack said she hoped AFL Barwon would carefully consider the needs of the 11-team competition when preparing next season’s fixtures, including netball scheduling and opportunities to align with clubs’ women’s teams where possible.

All four presidents expressed disappointment for Lara and its club community and wished the club well as it considered its next steps.