“Commentary suggesting the clubs have made a decision to leave the PDFNL are untrue, defaming and distracting for both clubs,” Mr Railton told the Yarrawonga Chronicle.
Mr Railton said that both Tungamah and Katandra are valued members of the PDFNL.
“The PDFNL prides itself upon respecting all and will therefore not be drawn into commentary about other leagues or their clubs,” he said.
“We understand the Murray league are trying to form a second league, but we’ve got no interest in it.
“I think they are pretty delusional; I don’t think playing in a second division competition is attractive for any club.
“I find his (MFNL General Manager Dale Norman)’s comments about the sole purpose to form this competition is to accommodate one club, being Tocumwal, a very unique response.”
Tungamah Football Netball Club President Josh Buerckner said Tungamah is looking forward to the upcoming finals series with the Bears in a comfortable position on the ladder.
“We are 100% committed to the PDFNL for the 2023 season and looking forward to the coming finals series,” Mr Buerckner said.
However Murray Football Netball League officials have confirmed they have had meetings about the possibility of starting a new competition in the region.
Murray Football Netball League General Manager Dale Norman confirmed the league met with a number of clubs from across the region with several from the MFL, Kyabram District League and PDFNL to discuss plans on forming a new competition under its jurisdiction.
“We have been looking into a standalone league with its own identity, but governed by the Murray executive and using the same operation rules. The main aim is to assist with the sustainability of football and netball clubs in the region,” Norman said.
“Eight clubs is the minimum and we would cap it at 12 ... there won’t be promotion and relegation.
“We had a meeting with clubs last week and that was really positive.”
Norman said the idea of a second league under the eye of the Murray league gathered legs once Tocumwal joined its ranks at the start of the year.
“When we took on Tocumwal at the start of this season, we knew it would be a hard slog for them. To their credit they have never stopped trying, always with happy faces, full of enthusiasm and embracing the challenge,” Mr Norman said.
“We also knew that the league would be obligated to help them find a home for season 2024. We need district league clubs playing against district league clubs. But given the current environment Tocumwal cannot go back to their former league.
“After meeting with Regional Manager Shaun Connell, GM Commission and the Kyabram DL Executive last week, the Murray FL Executive was given the green light to pursue another league.
“It is the intention of the Murray FL Executive to form and incorporate a District League into the current Murray FL competition for season 2024. Two leagues governed by one Executive, Administration, Constitution and Operating rules. Such structures are commonplace in suburban areas, but largely untested in regional areas.”
Mr Norman said the main aim of a second league is to assist with the sustainability of the clubs and create a league where everyone is welcome to participate, promote development and bring back the fun.
“On Wednesday, July 12 the Murray FL Executive met with clubs with nine currently showing interest with no commitments,” Mr Norman said.
“Two of those clubs were subsequently penalised by their current league.
“On the other hand, the Kyabram DL Executive could not have been more accommodating. Murray FNL was under no obligation to inform Kyabram DL or any other party of our plans.
“The rules have changed where in the past a league or club would have to seek permission to start talking. This is no longer the case.
“Although disappointed with the prospect of losing clubs, the Kyabram DL Executive knew that for the region to evolve they must allow open and transparent communication between leagues and clubs.
“The KDFNL will not hinder the process nor stand in the way if a club wants to leave. The Murray FL Executive and I have the exact same attitude.
“After all it’s about the clubs and where they think they should be for longevity.”
Mr Norman concluded that the Murray FNL Executive is not out to take over the world.
“We are not offering these clubs a Eutopia where fields are covered by rainbows and butterflies. It’s going to be hard work to get this up and running,” Mr Norman said.
“Five years the Murray FNL has been dealing with this issue. The league and clubs have been the piggy in the middle through out and it’s time to bring it to a head.”
