BENALLA has opened the door for a possible return to the Ovens and Murray.
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The Saints held their annual general meeting this week with finding the "most appropriate league" listed as an item of discussion under general business.
Discussions are only in their preliminary stages but there is support among members to rejoin the Ovens and Murray after being in the Goulburn Valley since 1998.
Many former players have strong sentimental links to the Ovens and Murray while the Goulburn Valley's decision to introduce under-16s next year has upset some sections of the club.
Benalla has no intentions of fielding an under-16 side as it believes it would destroy its junior structure in the township.
If they do contact us and want to go down that path we would welcome them with open arms
- David Sinclair
Ovens and Murray chairman David Sinclair said he would be open to meeting with Benalla officials if the Demons wanted to pursue the move.
"We haven't heard from Benalla as yet but if they do contact us and want to go down that path we would welcome them with open arms," Sinclair said.
"I would love to have them back.
"They are a strong, traditional Ovens and Murray club and we would look at anything that helps grow our competition."
Saint president Lloyd Johnson politely declined to comment.
Benalla had two sides - Giants and Bulldogs - playing in the Wangaratta and District Junior Football League's under-16 competition this year.
AFL NEB is against introducing under-16s in the Ovens and Murray.
