MOULAMEIN Football Netball Club has voted against a possible merger and to keep its club alive after a special meeting on Saturday.
The cancellation of the season due to COVID-19 restrictions has had a devastating impact on the Golden Rivers League club, with an exodus of 10 senior players, including two coaches.
But, after an urgent public meeting of players and community members on Saturday, the Swans have decided to continue as an entity.
Moulamein received letters of support from Golden Rivers FNL clubs urging the club to keep an open mind, fearing the impact its loss would have on the competition.
“Following robust discussion, the overwhelming majority who attended the meeting voted to continue as Moulamein FNC was the best option going forward at this time,” the club said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions on the NSW-Victorian border, Victorian members of the club were unable to attend the meeting.”
The club said it had received great support from Swan Hill and surrounding communities in keeping the club going in terms of players, sponsorship and supporters.
“While this may change in the future, the community of Moulamein has to be forefront in keeping the club alive as without them the club and the town will disappear,” the club said.
“Moulamein has committed to recruit for 2021 and beyond and, while there will be substantial change in the senior group and broader committee, keeping the club in its current format is best for the future of Moulamein.”
Swans co-coach Ben Booth, who exited his position to move in a different direction, said he was personally disappointed to see the situation unfold at his lifelong club.
“You just have to look at Wakool to see what impact it has on a town when the club folds,” he told The Guardian last week. “Businesses suffer and close, so the effects are felt cross the whole community.”
He said the impact of COVID-19 restrictions this year would have a profound impact on country football clubs everywhere.
“I don’t think we’re the only club who will find ourselves in this position,” Booth said.
“It’s going to be a challenge for all clubs, particularly those smaller clubs who were already struggling prior to COVID-19.”
