BULLIOH hold grave fears for its future if AFL North East Border knocks back its clearance application to join the Tallangatta and District league in October.
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Former president Shayne Ried said the situation had reached crisis point in the Upper Murray with only three of the six clubs fielding reserve grade sides.
The average winning margin in the senior competition is 136 points this season.
"We would be very concerned for our future if we stay," Ried said.
"That's not disrespecting other clubs in the Upper Murray either.
"We have the utmost respect for all the clubs up there as to this day I'm amazed how they have been able to continually attract players to drive from Albury-Wodonga up to Corryong. It's a 300-kilometre round trip.
"It's at crisis point now though and we want to try and protect our future."
Bullioh put forward a motion at a recent meeting with the AFL NEB to facilitate a merger of the Upper Murray and Tallangatta leagues and any other interested parties involving a divisional structure.
Border-Walwa, Corryong and Federal are desperately short of numbers and have no reserve grade teams this season.
Ried said a lack of football was hurting Bullioh on and off the ground.
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"Our reserves are completely disillusioned by it all (playing one match)," Ried said.
"We have had such strong numbers for a long period and are seeing a decline because we can't get a game.
"It's not about us thinking we are better than anyone, we just want a game of footy.
"The seconds have always been the heart and soul of our club and, without them playing, we don't see a future."
If Bullioh fail to cross to the Tallangatta league, it is unable to reapply for another two years.
Reid said he had been disappointed with feedback from AFL NEB.
"I think the AFL NEB has done some good things like introducing the salary cap and points system which has saved clubs," he said.
"The next is to totally look at the rehashing of league structures.
"We have floated the idea for three years so it hasn't happened overnight.
"We are fully aware we have a lot of obstacles to overcome to join the TDFL but we are disappointed with the feedback we are getting."
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