Mininera and District league club Penshurst to talk to Warrnambool and District league

Bombers president Brenden Cottrill confirmed to The Standard on Monday that the Mininera and District league outfit had formed a sub-committee to nut out its best direction.

Cottrill said options included remaining in the Mininera and District competition or relocating to the Warrnambool and District or South West District leagues.

Warrnambool and District league president Michael Harrison said his board would be happy to meet Penshurst officials to discuss a potential move.

AFL Western District general manager Rod Ward said clubs had until the end of July to notify it if they wanted to discuss playing in other leagues and any applications to do so needed to be lodged by the end of the season.

Ward also confirmed AFLWD would undertake a full review of the MDFL, which includes an Ararat Eagles' senior side coming off a 509-point drubbing, in 2020.

Cottrill said Penshurst, whose senior side sits atop the MDFL ladder, was "exploring everything".

"We'd rather be on the front foot rather than the back foot when it comes to a decision being made and we thought we'd do the homework and see which is the best option for our club," he said.

"We are looking at the options and we're hoping to have discussions with the Warrnambool and District league to see what offers are around.

"I think we'll still be staying put at the moment (for 2020) but we haven't had discussions with Warrnambool and District league yet."

Cottrill said the Bombers wanted to put their juniors' best interests at the forefront of any decision.

The WDFNL features a junior competition while the SWDFNL only encompasses seniors and reserves.

He said the MDFL's current plight, which includes weekly thrashings, was worrying.

"We're a little bit concerned about the league; some of these blowout scores are a little concerning," Cottrill said.

"You just don't know the future of some of the clubs and if a few go or disband, you don't know where it leaves us."

Ward encouraged clubs to be like Penshurst and take a proactive stance in an ever-changing environment.

"Every club should make their own decision and consider what is best for their future," he said.

"I don't think any league in 10 years will look exactly like it looks today.

"Just like 10 years ago didn't look like they do now."

Harrison said the WDFNL would be "open to any discussions with clubs that would be interested in maybe coming to the league".

The WDFNL currently has 11 teams, meaning a bye is included in each week's fixture.

"It is certainly something the league would look at it. Numbers of clubs within your league makes you stronger," he said.

"It will be an interesting discussion point with the board and the Penshurst footy club or any club for that matter. We'll certainly take the time out to sit down with them."

Ward said AFLWD was working closely with Ararat Eagles which lost 515-6 to Great Western on Saturday.

The rout included a 30-goal final term from the Lions.

"Regarding the Ararat Eagles' situation, no one likes to see a score like that," Ward said.

"Our role is to support any club that wants to have a sustainable future, so as long as the Ararat Eagles want to continue, we'll support them and help them try and continue.

"They certainly haven't put up the white flag so I suspect they want to continue."

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