PUT yourself in Kaniva-Leeor United's shoes.
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That is AFL Wimmera-Mallee's message to the Horsham District league's 11 existing clubs, as the Cougars lodge an application to join the HDFNL.
As one of the only clubs on the Victorian side of the border to play in the Kowree-Naracoorte-Tatiara league, border restrictions are threatening Kaniva-Leeor's ability to play community sport next season.
The club decided at an extraordinary general meeting last week that their best chance to play sport in 2021 was to join the Horsham District league.
Kaniva-Leeor United's proposal to join the HDFNL will first be considered by the league board.
The board will then likely survey the opinions of the league's existing 11 clubs.
AFL Wimmera-Mallee area manager Jason Muldoon urged clubs to be sympathetic to Kaniva-Leeor United's position.
"It's been made pretty clear this year, that if there is a COVID case in Victoria, the SA government will shut the border, and so Kaniva-Leeor can't play. And if there's a case in South Australia, Victoria will shut the border, so again, they can't play," he said.
"It puts them in a really difficult position, and it's not of their doing."
Mr Muldoon urged clubs to consider what was best for everyone in the region.
"This year has really reinforced the importance of sport to our local communities," he said.
"Like every other person and club across Australia, Kaniva-Leeor United deserve the opportunity to play football and netball next year.
"To sit back and tell them they cannot join the league, that would not sit well with me.
"And at the end of the day, I don't think it's going to sit well with anyone in the sporting community.
"They deserve a chance to play, and if coming to the Horsham District league is the best chance they have, then we need to maintain a measured approach toward their proposal."
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Clubs have mainly expressed concern for the extra travel and accompanying stress on volunteers if Kaniva-Leeor were to join.
"I totally understand that it is an inconvenience for some clubs," Mr Muldoon said.
"But I don't think that measures up to the inconvenience of Kaniva-Leeor not getting to play community sport."
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