WRFL Div 2 Discussion 2026

[Dogs till i die]

They are a pretty determined group down at Manor Lakes. Good on them I hope they get up.

Yeh, good club. They should be trying to get their own 18s up too and get one over their rivals, Wyndhamvale.

 

[Dogs till i die]

Manor Lakes advertising for senior footballers starting a 3rds team, been 4(?) years without a senior team.

Glenorden trying again to re-establish themselves in D2, tough task after 2 years.

Truganina Thunder also attempting to field a men's Thirds for the first time next season too.

Good to see a newish club pushing on, formed about 8 years ago, but smashed by Covid

 

[Avg at best]

Truganina Thunder also attempting to field a men's Thirds for the first time next season too.

Good to see a newish club pushing on, formed about 8 years ago, but smashed by Covid

Always good to see a new side starting up however when is it too much??
Truganina, Wyndham Suns, Tarneit, Hoppers Crossing, Glen Orden, Manor Lakes, Werribee Centrals, Werribee, Wyndham Vale, Manor Lakes, Westbourne (do they exist) you can probably add in Laverton, Point Cook, Point Cook Centrals all within say 20 mins of each other and even then I’m probably missing some clubs.

Makes it incredibly difficult for clubs like Glen Orden, Manor Lakes to come back with such a diluted talent pool.

 

[SeaSide]

Always good to see a new side starting up however when is it too much??
Truganina, Wyndham Suns, Tarneit, Hoppers Crossing, Glen Orden, Manor Lakes, Werribee Centrals, Werribee, Wyndham Vale, Manor Lakes, Westbourne (do they exist) you can probably add in Laverton, Point Cook, Point Cook Centrals all within say 20 mins of each other and even then I’m probably missing some clubs.

Makes it incredibly difficult for clubs like Glen Orden, Manor Lakes to come back with such a diluted talent pool.

You are definitely correct AVG.

History agrees with you.

Unless these clubs communicate with each other, many will continue to struggle or likely disappear.

The WRFNL seems satisfied with the emergence of new and revitalized junior football teams, but it remains challenging in a crowded environment.

Volunteers often receive little support. Say no more.

Mergers and a generic urbanite local name change could work wonders, and this isn’t something to overlook. About forty years ago, clubs within the then Western Suburbs Football League were all located within a 7-square-mile area.

Every club attempted to attract the better players, which hurt other clubs in the WSFL. They were all clubs going nowhere in a league that was also going nowhere.

There weren't enough top local footballers for the clubs, thus weakening the competition. Some clubs with rich histories, like Central Altona, East Newport, formerly Newport YCW, Hobsons Bay, formerly Williamstown Methodists, Newport, West Newport, and Williamstown United, have disappeared.

Other clubs recognized the signs and moved to other leagues.

Many clubs from earlier years also vanished from the former WSFL, but the main point remains: having too many clubs in a small area weakens all teams and sadly leads to disappearances.

Think about it.

 

[random observer]

You are definitely correct AVG.

History agrees with you.

Unless these clubs communicate with each other, many will continue to struggle or likely disappear.

The WRFNL seems satisfied with the emergence of new and revitalized junior football teams, but it remains challenging in a crowded environment.

Volunteers often receive little support. Say no more.

Mergers and a generic urbanite local name change could work wonders, and this isn’t something to overlook. About forty years ago, clubs within the then Western Suburbs Football League were all located within a 7-square-mile area.

Every club attempted to attract the better players, which hurt other clubs in the WSFL. They were all clubs going nowhere in a league that was also going nowhere.

There weren't enough top local footballers for the clubs, thus weakening the competition. Some clubs with rich histories, like Central Altona, East Newport, formerly Newport YCW, Hobsons Bay, formerly Williamstown Methodists, Newport, West Newport, and Williamstown United, have disappeared.

Other clubs recognized the signs and moved to other leagues.

Many clubs from earlier years also vanished from the former WSFL, but the main point remains: having too many clubs in a small area weakens all teams and sadly leads to disappearances.

Think about it.

Good points, but there's a few differences.

The area you mention had maxed out in population 40 years ago and many parts of it were declining, particularly in the football playing demographic. Truganina and Manor Lakes are growth areas, where setting up new football clubs is getting ahead of the game. If there isn't a footy club for potential players to go to, they may be lost to football altogether. Glen Orden is harder to fathom, being an 'infill' club closely situated between Werribee District, Hoppers Crossing and Point Cook, but they may provide a home for blokes who would never get a game at any of these Div 1 clubs, much in the same way that Lyndale and Dandenong West can survive in the shadow of Noble Park.

Also, some of the clubs you mention (Central Altona, West Newport, possibly others) didn't die of overcompetition - they were killed by the league because they were feral.

 

[Dogs till i die]

You are definitely correct AVG.

History agrees with you.

Unless these clubs communicate with each other, many will continue to struggle or likely disappear.

The WRFNL seems satisfied with the emergence of new and revitalized junior football teams, but it remains challenging in a crowded environment.

Volunteers often receive little support. Say no more.

Mergers and a generic urbanite local name change could work wonders, and this isn’t something to overlook. About forty years ago, clubs within the then Western Suburbs Football League were all located within a 7-square-mile area.

Every club attempted to attract the better players, which hurt other clubs in the WSFL. They were all clubs going nowhere in a league that was also going nowhere.

There weren't enough top local footballers for the clubs, thus weakening the competition. Some clubs with rich histories, like Central Altona, East Newport, formerly Newport YCW, Hobsons Bay, formerly Williamstown Methodists, Newport, West Newport, and Williamstown United, have disappeared.

Other clubs recognized the signs and moved to other leagues.

Many clubs from earlier years also vanished from the former WSFL, but the main point remains: having too many clubs in a small area weakens all teams and sadly leads to disappearances.

Think about it.

Good post SS and your points were relevant to the 80s and 90s but the West is a vastly different place now than it was back then.

Truganuna had less than 3000 people in 2006 but 36000 at the 2021 census. It needs a senior footy club and can have its own senior club without weakening any others. Surely we can find 60 footy players in a 36,000 population? If we can't, footy is dying.

Same for Manor Lakes on a smaller scale but was not even a recognised suburb when the current club was formed. It is now recognised as a separate suburb from Wyndhamvale due to its growth and growing quickly up Ballan Road. The club infrastructure is already there and the club is already ten years old. This place already has 2 McDonald's, soon to have a mega Bunnings store, time for a senior footy club again.

In terms of Glenorden, again it's an established footy club, has successfully run senior teams prior, won a flag in D2 and played multiple seasons in D1. It's in a weakened state right now so accumulating 60 footballers won't weaken its 2 powerhouse near neighbours in Hoppers and Werribee Districts. You would think it would pick up returning players and others not capable of playing D1.

I'm not proposing forming new clubs in the inner west, there's no need, but if we can't grow in growing areas, the WFNL won't survive.

 

[Localsport]

Good post SS and your points were relevant to the 80s and 90s but the West is a vastly different place now than it was back then.

Truganuna had less than 3000 people in 2006 but 36000 at the 2021 census. It needs a senior footy club and can have its own senior club without weakening any others. Surely we can find 60 footy players in a 36,000 population? If we can't, footy is dying.

Same for Manor Lakes on a smaller scale but was not even a recognised suburb when the current club was formed. It is now recognised as a separate suburb from Wyndhamvale due to its growth and growing quickly up Ballan Road. The club infrastructure is already there and the club is already ten years old. This place already has 2 McDonald's, soon to have a mega Bunnings store, time for a senior footy club again.

In terms of Glenorden, again it's an established footy club, has successfully run senior teams prior, won a flag in D2 and played multiple seasons in D1. It's in a weakened state right now so accumulating 60 footballers won't weaken its 2 powerhouse near neighbours in Hoppers and Werribee Districts. You would think it would pick up returning players and others not capable of playing D1.

I'm not proposing forming new clubs in the inner west, there's no need, but if we can't grow in growing areas, the WFNL won't survive.

Less people are playing football especially with the demographic in that area.
Cricket yes, football not so much!

 

[Dogs till i die]

Agree, but Truganina already has 2 soccer clubs and a RL club, does footy just give up? Only need 60 footballers out of 30,000+ people and still growing

 

[SeaSide]

Less people are playing football especially with the demographic in that area.
Cricket yes, football not so much!

I feel as though I was p!55ing into the wind with previous posts about endeavouring to implement a primary school Friday competition.
If nobody is interested, and the local inner west primary schools woill welcome such newcomers

Agree, but Truganina already has 2 soccer clubs and a RL club, does footy just give up? Only need 60 footballers out of 30,000+ people and still growing

I believe we’re all on the same page here, with all contributors engaged. Over the past three (or more) years, I feel as though I’ve been fighting an uphill battle, trying to rally some supporters to encourage their local clubs to get involved in their local primary schools.

The primary school competition in the inner west is popular among students, teachers, and parents, featuring popular gatherings during and after games, often with others they play against on weekends. It’s junior sports.

Primary schools from these emerging districts will be welcomed into the existing competition, and hopefully with more schools participating, a local competition will emerge.

Primary school teams include players who have played together, as well as others who have only played cricket and/or soccer but are willing to try Aussie Rules with their classmates.

Primary school recruits often come from neighbourhoods, many of whom have been ignorant of AFL, but choose to play with their classmates: they want to be included within the Aussie culture, and they enjoy the contest.

How about it?

 

[Localsport]

Agree, but Truganina already has 2 soccer clubs and a RL club, does footy just give up? Only need 60 footballers out of 30,000+ people and still growing

Don’t disagree
But AFL VIC was in conjunction with leagues need to rethink new clubs forming

I feel as though I was p!55ing into the wind with previous posts about endeavouring to implement a primary school Friday competition.
If nobody is interested, and the local inner west primary schools woill welcome such newcomers

I believe we’re all on the same page here, with all contributors engaged. Over the past three (or more) years, I feel as though I’ve been fighting an uphill battle, trying to rally some supporters to encourage their local clubs to get involved in their local primary schools.

The primary school competition in the inner west is popular among students, teachers, and parents, featuring popular gatherings during and after games, often with others they play against on weekends. It’s junior sports.

Primary schools from these emerging districts will be welcomed into the existing competition, and hopefully with more schools participating, a local competition will emerge.

Primary school teams include players who have played together, as well as others who have only played cricket and/or soccer but are willing to try Aussie Rules with their classmates.

Primary school recruits often come from neighbourhoods, many of whom have been ignorant of AFL, but choose to play with their classmates: they want to be included within the Aussie culture, and they enjoy the contest.

How about it?

Hey Seaside

Would love to chat and try and make it happen!

 

[SeaSide]

Don’t disagree
But AFL VIC was in conjunction with leagues need to rethink new clubs forming

Hey Seaside

Would love to chat and try and make it happen!

Go to 'Conversation'.

 

[ROOS77]

Good points, but there's a few differences.

The area you mention had maxed out in population 40 years ago and many parts of it were declining, particularly in the football playing demographic. Truganina and Manor Lakes are growth areas, where setting up new football clubs is getting ahead of the game. If there isn't a footy club for potential players to go to, they may be lost to football altogether. Glen Orden is harder to fathom, being an 'infill' club closely situated between Werribee District, Hoppers Crossing and Point Cook, but they may provide a home for blokes who would never get a game at any of these Div 1 clubs, much in the same way that Lyndale and Dandenong West can survive in the shadow of Noble Park.

Also, some of the clubs you mention (Central Altona, West Newport, possibly others) didn't die of overcompetition - they were killed by the league because they were feral.

You are correct about the population maxxing out 40 years ago in Williamstown and Newport but its demographic has changed and the population growth has increased significantly now, hence Newport Power JFC have over 25 teams.

The lack of young kids 30-40 years ago in those areas killed off Central Altona and West Newport, both lost their junior clubs 10 years before their seniors folded, it was a natural decline, nothing to do with being feral.

 

[Who are ya]

You are correct about the population maxxing out 40 years ago in Williamstown and Newport but its demographic has changed and the population growth has increased significantly now, hence Newport Power JFC have over 25 teams.

The lack of young kids 30-40 years ago in those areas killed off Central Altona and West Newport, both lost their junior clubs 10 years before their seniors folded, it was a natural decline, nothing to do with being feral.

Central Altona definitely got booted from the league

 

[random observer]

Central Altona definitely got booted from the league

Wikipedia page for WFNL says that Central Altona got canned for "a variety of on-field violence and abuse issues, and they were also in trouble for re-registering banned players". It cites a Williamstown Star article but I can't find the original.

I seem to remember a Newport side (may not have been West) having a large brawl at their ground in the late 90s (1998 or 99), with players and spectators fighting on the field. Video appeared on 9 news at the time. IIRC, it was late in the season and they were suspended for the rest of the season and did not come back. There was a fire at WFNL HQ a few days later.

 

[Turbos mail]

Wikipedia page for WFNL says that Central Altona got canned for "a variety of on-field violence and abuse issues, and they were also in trouble for re-registering banned players". It cites a Williamstown Star article but I can't find the original.

I seem to remember a Newport side (may not have been West) having a large brawl at their ground in the late 90s (1998 or 99), with players and spectators fighting on the field. Video appeared on 9 news at the time. IIRC, it was late in the season and they were suspended for the rest of the season and did not come back. There was a fire at WFNL HQ a few days later.

That was Newport I believe. Think West Newport were gone before then. Think it was Newport vs Nth Footscray from memory.

 

[Who are ya]

West won a second division flag in the late 90’s and folded that off season due to an exodus of players. Had no juniors by that stage so the club was doomed unfortunately

 

[churner]

Wikipedia page for WFNL says that Central Altona got canned for "a variety of on-field violence and abuse issues, and they were also in trouble for re-registering banned players". It cites a Williamstown Star article but I can't find the original.

I seem to remember a Newport side (may not have been West) having a large brawl at their ground in the late 90s (1998 or 99), with players and spectators fighting on the field. Video appeared on 9 news at the time. IIRC, it was late in the season and they were suspended for the rest of the season and did not come back. There was a fire at WFNL HQ a few days later.

There's an archive link on the Wiki: https://web.archive.org/web/2013102...unity.com.au/star/2008-04-30/footy-clubs-out/

THE Western Region Football League (WRFL) has suspended the Central Altona Football Club from its Division Two competition for attempting to re-register a player.
Central Altona player Sam El Houli was found guilty on four different charges relating to behaviour towards umpires in round four against Glenorden this year.
El Houli’s original a 38-week suspension was later reduced to eight matches.
“They told us Sam could play after he served the eight-week suspension,” Central Altona Football Club president Dwayne Piercy said.
“We had done everything to support that and Sam feels really bad that his club can’t play for the rest of the season.”
WRFL president Ian Hamm said Central Altona had informed the league it had delisted El Houli from its playing list.
He said the ban was also due to a variety of on-field violence and abuse issues, and for re-registering banned players.
“The club had informed the WRFL they had got rid of the players off their list, including Sam El Houli,” Mr Hamm said.
“And that was enough to tip us over and suspend the club for the remainder of the season.”
The WRFL also suspended Brunswick Power for its Division Two game against Braybrook last weekend after the club was found guilty of playing unregistered players.
The WRFL executive was expected to met last night (Monday) to determine whether the ban was to continue.
In a statement, the WRFL said it viewed the safety and respect of the umpires and players as “absolute paramount”.
“It is imperative that clubs ensure that their players, officials and supporters respect the umpires,” the league said.
Teams scheduled to play the suspended teams are to receive four points and be credited the for and against score recorded by the team with the greatest winning margin in Division Two for that particular round.

 

[SeaSide]

Wikipedia page for WFNL says that Central Altona got canned for "a variety of on-field violence and abuse issues, and they were also in trouble for re-registering banned players". It cites a Williamstown Star article but I can't find the original.

I seem to remember a Newport side (may not have been West) having a large brawl at their ground in the late 90s (1998 or 99), with players and spectators fighting on the field. Video appeared on 9 news at the time. IIRC, it was late in the season and they were suspended for the rest of the season and did not come back. There was a fire at WFNL HQ a few days later.

Newport East and Williamstown United.

 

[random observer]

Nice find Churner.

That was Newport I believe. Think West Newport were gone before then. Think it was Newport vs Nth Footscray from memory.

Newport East and Williamstown United.

I think you may be thinking of an earlier blue, SS. I have no memory of Newport East or Williamstown United - think they exited from the old WSFL in the 80s or early 90s.

I think Turbo may be on the money - I seem to remember some of the players being in maroon jumpers.

I had a look around but couldn't find any footage (searching 'Newport football fight / brawl / riot' on Google or Youtube throws up a lot of possibilities, but not the right one). Until Turbo replied I was thinking I may have been misremembering the North Melb Kensington brawl (also 1998/99). It is disturbing there were so many large fights / small riots to choose from...

 

[Turbos mail]

Nice find Churner.



I think you may be thinking of an earlier blue, SS. I have no memory of Newport East or Williamstown United - think they exited from the old WSFL in the 80s or early 90s.

I think Turbo may be on the money - I seem to remember some of the players being in maroon jumpers.

I had a look around but couldn't find any footage (searching 'Newport football fight / brawl / riot' on Google or Youtube throws up a lot of possibilities, but not the right one). Until Turbo replied I was thinking I may have been misremembering the North Melb Kensington brawl (also 1998/99). It is disturbing there were so many large fights / small riots to choose from...

Think ex West Newport full forward was playing for North Footscray and was a bit going on with cowards in the crowd. They had to call 10 other mates ( a few taxi’s arrived ) true story, as were to scared to try anything until they had a 15-1 situation. The FF is a ripping fella and could handle himself very well.

 

[Dogs till i die]

Nice find Churner.



I think you may be thinking of an earlier blue, SS. I have no memory of Newport East or Williamstown United - think they exited from the old WSFL in the 80s or early 90s.

I think Turbo may be on the money - I seem to remember some of the players being in maroon jumpers.

I had a look around but couldn't find any footage (searching 'Newport football fight / brawl / riot' on Google or Youtube throws up a lot of possibilities, but not the right one). Until Turbo replied I was thinking I may have been misremembering the North Melb Kensington brawl (also 1998/99). It is disturbing there were so many large fights / small riots to choose from...

Willy United certainly played in the FDFL (played as "Hobsons Bay" in their final few years) but folded about 1997. They played in Willy jumpers and shared Fearon reserve with Willy CYMS in the Ammos at the time. They were a decent D2 team in their day and played in at least one Prelim Final that I recall. They were ex- WSFL.

They weren't kicked out, weren't angels by any means, but weren't kicked out. On field they struggled in their last years and made headlines when they announced a sponsorship with a local "massage" parlour. Just folded through lack of support in the end. Willy CYMS were becoming stronger, Willy VFL were only 500 metres up the road and playing with reserves at that time. Willy is not a big place.

Newport East were ex Newport YCW, played at Digman Reserve, played in Black and White (Carlton design) and transferred from the YCW Comp to the WSFL shortly before the FDFL merger. Maybe played à season or two in the new FDFL but didn't last long. In those days there was the old Newport, West Newport, Newport East and Newport Centrals, a junior club. Again, Newport is not a big place. Ironically by the turn of the century, none of them were left. Pretty sure the Centrals had merged with the old Newport before it's demise. Played in St.Kilda jumpers at Bryan Martin oval.

Centrals had a few junior teams, West had a few as well in the years before their demise, but there was no junior footy in Newport by 2000 which makes the Newport Power juniors' story, with their 15 or so junior teams now, a remarkable story.

 

[Wild Thing]

Willy United certainly played in the FDFL (played as "Hobsons Bay" in their final few years) but folded about 1997. They played in Willy jumpers and shared Fearon reserve with Willy CYMS in the Ammos at the time. They were a decent D2 team in their day and played in at least one Prelim Final that I recall. They were ex- WSFL.

They weren't kicked out, weren't angels by any means, but weren't kicked out. On field they struggled in their last years and made headlines when they announced a sponsorship with a local "massage" parlour. Just folded through lack of support in the end. Willy CYMS were becoming stronger, Willy VFL were only 500 metres up the road and playing with reserves at that time. Willy is not a big place.

Newport East were ex Newport YCW, played at Digman Reserve, played in Black and White (Carlton design) and transferred from the YCW Comp to the WSFL shortly before the FDFL merger. Maybe played à season or two in the new FDFL but didn't last long. In those days there was the old Newport, West Newport, Newport East and Newport Centrals, a junior club. Again, Newport is not a big place. Ironically by the turn of the century, none of them were left. Pretty sure the Centrals had merged with the old Newport before it's demise. Played in St.Kilda jumpers at Bryan Martin oval.

Centrals had a few junior teams, West had a few as well in the years before their demise, but there was no junior footy in Newport by 2000 which makes the Newport Power juniors' story, with their 15 or so junior teams now, a remarkable story.

So who’s ground and which club is the current Newport team formally associated with, out of those previously mentioned?

 

[Dogs till i die]

So who’s ground and which club is the current Newport team formally associated with, out of those previously mentioned?

I don't think any, although the old and new Newport wear similar colours. If any link, would be the old Newport but there was nearly 20 years between the old Newport ceasing and the new Newport starting. The new Newport now play at Langshaw Reserve in Altona North, a ground never used by any of the other Newport clubs (the old ANBY club used it 30 years ago). The current Newport began at the Martyn oval, the ground of the old Newport but they moved when they split with the Newport Power juniors a few years ago. Others may know of any links.

 

[random observer]

I don't think any, although the old and new Newport wear similar colours. If any link, would be the old Newport but there was nearly 20 years between the old Newport ceasing and the new Newport starting. The new Newport now play at Langshaw Reserve in Altona North, a ground never used by any of the other Newport clubs (the old ANBY club used it 30 years ago). The current Newport began at the Martyn oval, the ground of the old Newport but they moved when they split with the Newport Power juniors a few years ago. Others may know of any links.

I don't think there could be a formal link with any of the old Newport sides. Surely they would have been liquidated / wound up soon after their demise.

On the one occasion I saw (current) Newport playing at Martyn Oval, there was a past players for blokes from the old Newport that wore maroon and yellow. This was before they split with the juniors. Mick Martyn was there on the day - think he was still the president (?) at the time. Think it was about 2015 or 2016, though it may have been earlier. Probably no formal link, just a bit of outreach to attract / regain old supporters.

It was a strange sort of day. Past players, current Newport and juniors were all present, but with three totally different demographics. Old Newport was all working class Anglo Aussies, present day senior side was overwhelmingly Middle Eastern, while the juniors who played at half time were Anglo Aussies with wealthy parents who drove them there in 4WDs. Shows how much Newport (and so much of the inner west) has changed in just the last 40 years or so.

 

[Turbos mail]

I don't think any, although the old and new Newport wear similar colours. If any link, would be the old Newport but there was nearly 20 years between the old Newport ceasing and the new Newport starting. The new Newport now play at Langshaw Reserve in Altona North, a ground never used by any of the other Newport clubs (the old ANBY club used it 30 years ago). The current Newport began at the Martyn oval, the ground of the old Newport but they moved when they split with the Newport Power juniors a few years ago. Others may know of any links.

Pretty sure the juniors seperated after incidents occurred at the senior level a few years ago.