The Magpies have declared to fight the AFL Goldfields’ recommendation that they join the Maryborough Castlemaine District league in 2019.

This was one of the shock recommendations handed down last Thursday following the extensive senior competition review.

Comelli admitted he was surprised to hear that Clunes had been “granted its request” to leave the CHFL given it had not been on the radar in the past couple of years.

The league president attended a special meeting of Magpies members and supporters after The Advocate went to press yesterday. He said if the club wants to remain in the CHFL, the board would support it in any way possible.

After learning of the key findings, Magpies president Brendan Sheehan expressed his disappointment at the news and said the club had never requested such drastic action. Sheehan said the Magpies categorically did not want to leave the CHFL.

AFL Goldfields general manger Rod Ward said he would be sending Clunes information on how to appeal the recommendation.

Ward conceded that the club had never requested to join the Maryborough Castlemaine District league, but had made it clear that it was a preference to be part of a new split competition or separate division of the CHFL.

“When we were unable to split the Central Highlands league, we thought and remain of the view that they’d be a good fit for the Maryborough Castlemaine District league, (but) respect their right to appeal that,” Ward said.

A 14-page report declares that the Ballarat, Central Highlands, Maryborough Castlemaine District and Riddell District leagues are to remain largely unchanged in season 2019.

In terms of the Central Highlands league, this outcome is in contrast to the indications that came out from the review's working party during the long-running consultation process. 

On two occasions, the working party sought feedback on its recommendations that involved dividing the 18-club competition. In the second instance, feedback was sought on which of two split options – based on competitiveness or location – were preferred. This had been met by strong opposition from the CHFL board.

Another key outcome in the final report is that AFL Goldfields work with the Central Highlands Football League and Central Highlands Netball League, with the aim of merging the two administrative entities.