THE Wakool Football Netball Club will return to on-field Golden Rivers Football League action in 2017, close to 12 months after going into recess.
League management and clubs approved the Hawks’ return to competition at Monday night’s annual general meeting, with the club to field seniors, reserves and under 14 teams.
With 25 players already approved to move from teams they played with in 2016 to the Hawks and talks continuing with other potential recruits, club management is on track to sign up 50 players by the start of the season.
“It is a big relief to get the approval to play, as a lot of work has been done behind the scenes,” Wakool senior coach, Stephen Arthur said.
“Around 50 people attended the club’s annual general meeting a couple of weeks back, and 20 people have joined the committee to run the club.
“We are grateful for the support the other clubs, the league and AFL Central Murray have given us throughout the year.”
Although not being able to field any sides during season 2016, Wakool management still attended regular club meetings and had a presence in off-field matters.
“We wish the Wakool Football Netball Club the best of luck in their return, as it will be something good for the community,” league chairman, Daryl Billing said.
The Hawks face a tough start to the season, with the side travelling to take on reigning premiers, Murrabit when competition starts on Saturday, April 1, before hosting last season’s grand finalists, Ultima – which has the opening round bye – seven days later.
“We are looking forward to the challenge to see where we sit in relation to the standard of the competition,” Arthur said.
In other round one matches, 2016 preliminary finalists, Nullawil will host Moulamein, Quambatook will travel to Macorna, and Wandella takes on Hay.
Sunday action will return in 2017, with Ultima hosting Nullawil on April 23, with grand final rematches between the Blues and ‘Roos scheduled for rounds four (April 29 at Murrabit) and 13 (July 15 at Ultima).
Three league-wide byes will occur next year, with breaks scheduled for Easter (April 15), the league’s AFL Victoria Community Championship match against Kyabram District (May 13) and Queen’s Birthday (June 10).
Finals matches will be spread across three weekends – the second time this will occur in the past three seasons – with the second semi-final and first semi-final scheduled for the weekends of August 26 and 27.
The preliminary final will occur on September 2, with the grand final to be played on Saturday, September 9. All finals venues are to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, a separate under 17.5 draw will be developed after the Hawks and Quambatook confirmed they will not be able to field teams in the league’s top underage grade.
