The group — made up of hall of famers Peter Tossol and Tim Sanson, along with Jon Henry, Adrian Villella and Nic Conway — say the situation has become dire and it’s time for a tough conversation.

Tossol has gone as far as to say that the O and M brand is being damaged, while Sanson says there is despair among struggling clubs.

The O and M has resisted exploring equalisation in the past, hoping lower ranked teams would eventually rise to the level of Albury and Yarrawonga, which have played off in the past five grand finals.

It is apparent, despite the best of intentions, that is not happening, and will not happen.

Teams like Albury and Yarrawonga are to be commended for their successes — this is not a case of sour grapes.

But as Tossol points out, most other teams cannot hope to reach that level without huge financial risk.

Now would seem to be the right time for the league and all clubs to put their heads together for a long-term solution that is best for the league.