WODONGA Saints are keeping an "open mind" on any future merger talks.
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The Saints held several discussions with Bullioh about a potential merger with the Bulldogs looking to switch leagues after concerns about the future of the Upper Murray Football Netball League.
Wodonga Saints had voted on the merger last month and despite falling short of the required numbers, the club remained keen to explore the option further.
But merger talks have been shelved for at least 12 months after Bullioh recently decided to remain in the UMFNL for the immediate future.
Saints president David Hansford said the club certainly hadn't ruled out merging in the future.
"Who knows what the future holds and we are keeping an open mind in regards to any merger talks," Hansford said.
"We will remain a stand alone club for this season.
"I suppose when we get to June or July both clubs will have a better idea on how they are tracking.
"If merger discussions happen again it remains to be seen but we will cross that bridge when we come to it."
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Hansford said the spiralling costs of running a club and a lack of volunteers was making it harder to survive.
"There is probably not one specific reason that we are contemplating a merger, other than the direction football is heading," he said.
"You only have to look down the road and Glenrowan has been forced to go into recess for at least 12 months because of a lack of players and volunteers.
"Our motivation to merge is more to stay ahead of the curve.
"We would rather be proactive and make sure that we have got a sustainable club.
"If that means merging is a more realistic option - than so be it."
The Saints are keen to play more home games at their spiritual home at Bethanga in preference to Martin Park.
But Hansford said the cost of upgrading the existing netball courts at Bethanga is a major stumbling block.
"We would love to play more matches at Bethanga," he said.
"But unfortunately we haven't got the money required with quotes ranging from $80,000 up to $180,000.
"We are keeping our options open but we are desperate to get back out to Bethanga and get the community involved in the club again."
Hansford revealed the Saints will field under-17s next year after not having a third grade side this season.
They were also still on the lookout for a coach for the under-12s.