While that side has been placed in recess, the Bulldogs will continue to be part of the Central Highlands league this season.

Smythesdale is expected to field teams in all other grades of football and netball.

A statement issued by Bulldogs president David Tuohy said the club has come to the decision “due to unforeseen circumstances and a significant drop in senior player numbers”.

“The club does not take this decision lightly and will be doing all it can throughout this season to make sure it does not have a repeat occurrence for season 2018,” the statement read.

“We have been more than grateful to the board of the CHFL, who have been very helpful and flexible in making sure we get on the park this season.

“As a club we still have a lot of off-field work to do to make sure the club survives for the long term, and together with the Golden Plains shire, CHFL and our volunteers, we believe we can make this happen.

“We thank all our sponsors, members and stakeholders for their ongoing support.”

With the fixture for the upcoming CHFL season already complete, teams scheduled to play Smythesdale in the senior football will now receive a bye and the four points.

Rokewood-Corindhap was scheduled to take on the Bulldogs in round one on Saturday, April 1.

This latest news follows a recent crisis meeting at Smythesdale, where the future of the club was discussed. This came after a public call for more players and volunteers to help the Bulldogs.