Yallourn Yallourn North Football Netball club have won their appeal to AFL Gippsland to move to the North Gippsland Football Netball League next season.

Late last month the club was notified that their proposal to disaffiliate from the Mid Gippsland league was denied resulting in the appeal.

Club president Evan Sheekey said it was an exciting time for the club after learning of the result on Thursday. The club will apply for inclusion in the 2021 NGFNL season.

“The appeal being upheld vindicates the hard work that has been put in by our committee and members, this really is an exciting time for the club. ‘We can now focus all our energy into building our club to be stronger than ever before,” he said.

The club began looking at options in late July before undertaking a vote in September which showed 90 per cent approval for the move. 

Mr Sheekey said the club took a comprehensive approach when it came to evaluating both leagues and felt the future strategic approach and commitment to community in the NGFNL stood out. 

“I am unbelievably proud of the hard work and dedication from our committee and members. They are the backbone of our club and the driving force behind positioning us for the best possible future.

“We are excited about testing our strengths against new clubs, as well as embracing the opportunities the NGFNL has to offer,” he said.

They leave the MGFNL as reigning premiers, where they finished on top of the ladder without losing a game, going on to defeat Hill End in the grand final. 

The club awaits a league meeting for formal adoption.

The new inclusion takes the league to an 11-club competition.  Other clubs include Churchill, Cowwarr, Glengarry, Gormandale, Heyfield, Rosedale, Sale City, Traralgon-Tyers, Woodside and Yarram.