If a merger is successful, the combine would join the part South Australian league in 2016.

Representatives from the Saints – a Horsham District Football Netball League club – and Eagles said they expected to put the proposal to a member vote in the next few weeks.

They have cited player numbers – particularly in junior ranks – as the main motivator for the merger, as they aim to avoid either club folding. Border Districts president Wayne Hawkins said the Eagles met on Wednesday night to collate information to distribute to the community and club members.

“We’re all on the same page,” he said.

“Everyone will get the same opportunity to hear what’s going on and have their say.” Mr Hawkins said while the situation was not dire, the club was taking action to prevent a catastrophe in the future.

“We’re not desperate to do it now, but we can all see the future is going to be harder and harder,” he said.

“We want to get it to happen before it’s too late and before people think the club has no future.​” Edenhope-Apsley president Wayne Caldow expressed similar sentiments.

He said clubs often merged when it was already too late.

“The junior numbers are just too low to sustain the club in the long term,” he said.

“If it is going to happen, it should happen straight away because mergers are often left until it is too late for clubs.

“Each community will be part of a club that will still allow those communities to have ownership.”

Mr Caldow said details such as allocating home games still needed to be worked out.