THE Southern Mallee Giants have confirmed on Tuesday evening their desire to compete in the Wimmera league this season.
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The Giants held a committee meeting on Monday night where they arrived at a decision that their club would be best fit in the Wimmera league.
A club statement reads: “After much deliberation and consideration the Giants committee...voted strongly in favour of our club making a move to the Wimmera league.”
Giants netball president Mikala Roberts said all aspects of the club were considered in the decision.
“We had a very positive conversation and considered all aspects of our club – players, members, netballers, everyone,” she said.
“I hope that we can be competitive across the field, in netball and football.”
Ms Roberts said the move would be vital in ensuring the ongoing viability of the club.
“It will help keep interest and competitiveness involved and keep people around the club. Some things are out of our hands with changes in the future but this one we had a say in,” she said.
AFL Wimmera-Mallee had given the Giants until the end of this week to make their decision, to allow both leagues and the commission enough time to push the changes through before the start of the season.
While the club has announced their wish to compete in the Wimmera league, the move is not yet official.
Horsham District Football and Netball League chairman Graeme King said the club would have to apply to leave the league in writing.
“The Giants would need to put it in writing that they would like to leave the district league,” he said.
“It’s a process that has to be ticked off. Initially it would be a board decision for the district league.”
The Giants would then need to apply in writing to join both the Wimmera Football League and the Wimmera Netball Association, with AFL Wimmera-Mallee to give the move the final tick of approval.
The Giants’ statement also said the club would hold an information session for any members later this month.
“We are lucky to have a brilliant committee who have made every effort to approach what can be a tricky situation with plenty of tact, care and concern for our players, members and community as a whole,” it reads.
“There will be an information session held for members, most likely on the night of the first training on the last Wednesday of the month.”