Club and league representatives met to discuss an appropriate way of moving forward after AFL Goldfields’ recommendation to move eight CHFL clubs into a new Goldfields District league, which would include some clubs from other leagues.

After much discussion, it was made clear that the majority of the clubs wished to remain in the league, however, four clubs were open to the idea of moving – the struggling Smythesdale holding the loudest voice for change.

Central Highlands Football League president Eddy Comelli said the league’s response to the recommendations was to have a smaller competition, but largely maintain the current status of the league.

Comelli understood the need for change given the significant void between the competition’s top teams and those at the bottom. But the feedback from clubs was that such severe change, eight clubs on the move, was not appealing.

“We’re well aware that we need to accommodate everybody and try and even the competition up and we’re well aware that there’s a big differential from top to bottom,” Comelli said.

AFL Goldfields have given clubs until September 15 to provide feedback on the initial recommendations.