It comes after news last week that Edenhope-Apsley and Border Districts were discussing a merger before the start of the 2018 season.  

If the merger goes ahead, the combine would play in the Kowree-Naracoorte-Tatiara league. 

AFL Wimmera-Mallee officials have met with clubs across the past few months as part of their future directions review of football and netball in the region. 

AFL Wimmera-Mallee football development manager Jason Muldoon said it was not a surprise Edenhope-Apsley had announced it was looking at a merger with a neighbouring club.

“There has been some ongoing talk about a merger,” he said. “The club has to make a decision on what they think will be the best for them.

“We’ve given them the information from the future directions review and it’s up to them to make their decision.”

Mr Muldoon said clubs were finding it increasingly difficult to attract players, as population numbers continued to decrease. 

“I think we are in an environment where clubs understand that if they are going to survive, they do need to look at various options,” he said.

“If merging is one of those, then I think most clubs are at a mature enough stage to realise with declining populations, it might be something they need to consider.”

Mr Muldoon said a merger could be both a short-term and long-term solution.

“Edenhope-Apsley merged 20 years ago. That was probably a successful merger,” he said.

“Harrow-Balmoral did the same thing. Country football is an ever-changing environment. You need to give these things time. Clubs would probably admit they might need to consider a merger at some point.”

The future directions review will deliver recommendations to clubs mid-year with changes to be implemented in 2019.

Mr Muldoon said it was positive the commission could help clubs make changes now, should that be their preferred choice. 

“I think it’s about grabbing an opportunity that is there – I don’t see too many negatives with making changes now,” he said.