Traditionally the two positions for the Goulburn and North East have come from Shepparton but Afonso said the growth of the game at this end of the zone demanded Border clubs had their own voice.

He said he wanted to be a voice for the Albury Wodonga Football Association sides south of the Murray River as well as lesser known clubs in Mount Beauty, Bright and Yackandandah.

Afonso said getting better grounds and facilities, encouraging more girls to take up soccer and the structure of the competitions were among his key priorities.

“Last year’s decision to exclude Cobram from the AWFA competition was an error in judgement and I think with the benefit of hindsight those that shunned a club with a full complement of teams in men and women’s competitions probably agree,” he said.

“We are facing unprecedented times of growth and change in the football landscape in our zone.

“We have unique challenges affecting football in regional areas but also exciting opportunities to achieve better outcomes for clubs at all levels of the game.

“I think if I was elected we will have a stronger voice and will be able to achieve more with unity and broader representation across all clubs within our zone.”

Voting for eligible clubs closes on Friday.