Central Rivers AFL has handed down recommendations to wind up the Golden Rivers Football and Netball League (GRFNL).

The Northern Futures Project was commissioned by the Central Rivers Leagues Board to address sustainability concerns affecting football and netball competitions in the region.

The project ran from November 2024 to May 2025, and the board says it involved extensive consultation with clubs across both the Central Murray Football Netball League (CMFNL) and GRFNL.

Currently Hay Lions fields AFL and netball sides in the competition, alongside Ultima, Macorna, Murrabit, Moulamein and Wandella.

Ultima Roos applied to move to the Central Murray league in 2024, which prompted the review.

Hay Lions President George Auldist said the club is weighing up their options.

“The Hay Lions club are currently assessing the best options for the Golden Rovers league and our club,” he said.

“We will discuss and vote with our club members.”

In a statement released to the media Central Rivers say they have the support of AFL Central Victoria, in handing down the recommendation to wind up GRFNL.

“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,” Northern Futures Project Committee Chair Stuart King said.

“Change is never easy, however the time has come where decisive action must be taken."

The recommendations handed down by the review team are:

1.That 2025 be the final season of the GRFNL providing an opportunity to celebrate its history during the 2025 finals series.

2.That GRFNL clubs, consistent with AFL Victoria Transfer Regulations, individually consider transferring to a league either within or outside of the Central Rivers region where they can compete sustainably, and that specific to this review an exemption to current AFL Victoria transfer deadlines be sought on behalf of transferring clubs.

3.That clubs explore amalgamation opportunities which can maintain the geographic footprint of football and netball and participate in a league where they can compete and be sustainable.

4.That the CMFNL expand by accepting club transfers which can value add to the league, which are considered capable of competing and being sustainable, and acknowledging that any participation criteria or developed minimum standards will become applicable to all new and existing clubs

5.That the region considers all transfer and amalgamation propositions individually whilst recognising that a collaborative approach with neighbouring leagues is necessary

6.That the operational and functional model of an expanded league should not be an obstacle to immediate decision making, and consideration should be given to:

a. CCSP (sustainability) consideration (Player Points and Player Payment Caps)

b. Finals modelling

c. Number of Home and Away games

7. Relevant regional league Boards should collaborate with AFL Central Victoria to ensure any proposed regional restructure be considered sustainable, viable and within regulatory limits.

8. Should no acceptable 2026 model be achieved, that the GRFNL continue with a minimum of four clubs for 2026 only (as a transitional arrangement).