The proposal, which has not been publicly tabled by any governing body, would have the GVL and BFL unite in a single league, with teams playing each other once in a streamlined fixture – a marked departure from the traditional home and away format in both competitions.
Under the speculative restructure, GVL clubs Mansfield and Euroa would be diverted north east to Ovens and Murray League, while Bendigo league powerhouse Gisborne would be absorbed into the Ballarat league.
The result? A dramatic geographical and cultural shake-up.
And not everyone’s convinced.
GVL officials were quick to douse the suggestion in cold water, labelling the concept “a rumour” that has borne “no discussions at board level” with no formal standing.
But even that dismissal has done little to stem the tide of questions – not least because of the ramifications such a shift would have on footballing identity, travel, history and viability.
Few understand that better than Tatura’s John Ryan, a long-time servant of the league, who was left bemused by the proposal.
“It’s interesting; I think something has to be done to try and even the comps up,” he said.
“Whether they’re ready for it now, I don’t know, but it’s probably something worth looking at.
“It’s worth a discussion; whether it fits in with the junior football or netball side of things remains to be seen.
“Do Euroa or Mansfield want to go to the O&M? There’s all these different proposals for it and, whether or not it’ll happen, I don’t think so — but I think it’s well worth a discussion and people having a look at it.”
Teams changing leagues is no new thing.
Dookie United’s switch from Kyabram District League to Picola District Football League this season is the most recent example under the AFL Goulburn Murray banner.
But a league merger?
That’s a big leap, no matter how you look at it.
“Both leagues are pretty even standard-wise,” Ryan said.
“There has been talk over time whether Moama would go into the Bendigo league or whether Echuca and Rochester would go back there.
“Whether this sort of thing could come to fruition, I don’t know.
“But I think it’s something they could have a look at, it’s a discussion point and the powers that be could say ‘down the track, this could be the way to go’.”
For now, the proposal remains just that: a murky blend of speculation and uncertainty.
But if nothing else, it’s reminded people of how much their local leagues mean.
