OEFN Competitions Structure Review Outcomes

Throughout the 2023 Season the Outer East Football Netball Competitions, Clubs, Staff and Board have participated in a Competitions Structure Review. 

We are now pleased to provide the outcomes of this review for the 2024 season and beyond.

A copy of the Final recommendations from the Outer East Football & Netball Competition Structure Review project can be downloaded by clicking here.

Following much deliberation and consideration of the recommendations by the Board, we are pleased with the final outcomes from which Outer East Football & Netball can look forward to strong, vibrant and stable competition.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all clubs for their input throughout the process and we would particularly like to thank Travis Switzer (WeCultureVate) for leading this project.

The Board and Administration look forward to implementing the recommendations as outlined.

For further explanation the Board has chosen to implement a (12) team Premier competition in 2024 to provide clubs surety in terms of competition structure, protection from major disruption and with a firm focus on establishing competition stability. The remaining clubs will form the second tier Division.  

While a (10) Premier competition was the preferred model from club findings the Board took a longer -term strategic approach in their view, following strong club feedback at the February AGM related to providing competition stability.

It is the Board’s position that we will transition to a (10) club top tier competition when we have a clearer position on the movement of clubs.

The (12) team competition will provide all clubs with (18) H&A matches, there will be a (4) week final series and the fixture will be seeded (based on both football & netball) to provide the fairest
and most equitable competition possible.
Promotion and Relegation for 2024 will be subject to club composition. The Board will determine the promotion & relegation model prior to the start of the 2024 season.

Other significant recommendations related directly to our 2024 structure are as follows:
• There will no  longer be any stand-alone Senior football or netball clubs
• Junior netball competitions will be offered again by Outer East Football & Netball

Offerings for all Junior clubs to field teams from U9’s through to U14’s with competitions at every age level:
o U16 Boys being the oldest grade for males
o A new U18 Girls competition being the oldest grade for females
• Offerings of both an U18 and an U19 competition for Senior football clubs
• Development of an Umpiring Strategy
• Development of a Women & Girls Strategy
• Veteran’s Structure to be confirmed early in 2024

 

In closing we can confirm the following Junior football age groups for season 2024:

U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U16.

Girls only competitions: U10, U12, U14, U16, U18.

 

Netball competitions will continue with:

Open age groups – A, B, C, D.

Junior age competitions – 13&U, 15&U, 17&U.

 

Senior football divisions:

Top tier Clubs – Berwick Springs, Emerald, Gembrook Cockatoo, Monbulk, Mt Evelyn, Narre Warren, Officer/ROC, Olinda Ferny Creek, Pakenham/Pakenham Lions, Upwey Tecoma, Wandin, Woori Yallock.

Second tier Clubs – Alexandra, Belgrave, Broadford, Hallam, Healesville, Powelltown, Seville, Warburton Millgrove, Yarra Glen, Yarra Junction, Yea. 

Along with U18’s & U19’s boys football competitions. 

 

Women’s Football – Will continue with two divisions and include all OEFN clubs who have a Women’s team. 

 

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