THE Murray Football-Netball League is holding off signing an affiliation agreement with AFL Goulburn-Murray as the start to the season draws closer.
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League general manager Dale Norman confirmed clubs were unanimously behind the decision not to sign off on the agreement until all matters were clarified.
Mr Norman declined to reveal the league’s sticking points, but expected there to be no repeat of the dramatic decision by AFLGM to withdraw services from the neighbouring Picola and District Football-Netball League.
“There is goodwill from both parties to work through the agreement,” he said.
“There is an intent from the Murray league to sign once terms in the affiliation agreement are clarified.
“We’ve been given no timeline on a due date for when an agreement must be signed.
“But the executive would expect something to be done over the next two weeks.”
Administration services performed by AFLGM are not part of the affiliation agreement between the Murray league and AFLGM for the 2018 season which begins at Easter.
But access to insurance, computer programs, development staff and talented player pathways fall within the agreement.
Geelong and District league president Neville Whitley said leagues remained steadfast in their opposition to being forced to join a RAC.
“The GDFL won’t be signing its affiliation agreement until after March 19 because it would be a waste of time,” he said.
“Leagues don’t want to be forced, pushed or shoved into a system we don’t believe is going to be good for clubs.”