Belgrave South Football Club players are looking forward to taking up the challenge of their first season in the EFL. Front, from left, Hugh Kirkham and James Ryde, back, left, Greg Huglan, Dave McLennan, Aaron Huggard, Darren Kennedy, and Heath Wouters.By Tania Martin
BELGRAVE South Football Club is getting ready to step up a gear for its first season in the Eastern Football League (EFL).
The club has moved to the EFL after more than 61 years in the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League (YVMDFL).
President Dave McLennan said the move from country football to the eastern region league was a great step forward for the club.
He said the club had made the move not because of the strength of the competition but the travel involved in playing in the YVMDFL.
McLennan said the club was on the suburban fringe and that it made more sense to travel down to places such as Surrey Hills rather than to Alexandra and Yea.
“It was just too far for us to travel and it got too much for the club,” he said.
“We did this for the best interest of the club.”
Belgrave South will now be playing neighbouring towns such as Ferntree Gully, The Basin and Rowville rather than teams like Emerald or Healesville.
The move to the EFL started more than 12 months ago for Belgrave South when the club voted to make the move.
The transfer has now been made final and the Saints are in training for their first EFL season.
With just four weeks until the first bounce, the Saints are calling for new players to come on board for a fantastic season.
McLennan said the club was looking for a number of new recruits for its under 18 side.
He said anyone between the ages of 16-18 were welcome to come along to a training session and give it a go.
McLennan said the club was also offering free membership and uniforms for any new under 18 players.
He said this would be a saving of at least $120 for new players.
McLennan said the Saints were looking forward to the new competition and hope to get a few wins under their belts in the EFL.
The Saints will also go head-to-head with Belgrave in a practice match on Sunday 16 March, at Aquinas College, Great Ryrie, Ringwood.
Those interested in joining the Saints can call McLennan on 0407 863 308.
