AFL Barwon organises meeting with clubs to discuss North Shore

Club presidents from the GFNL received an email on Thursday which invited them to a meeting at AFL Barwon headquarters at 4pm on Friday.

It follows a meeting between North Shore figures and AFL Barwon on Wednesday afternoon as players await a decision on whether the Seagulls will take the field in 2025.

It is unclear if a decision has already been made on North Shore’s playing future or if GFNL clubs will have a say on their future at the meeting.

AFL Barwon is set to share with rival clubs where the situation sits with North Shore FNC, with their 2025 football season in doubt after concerning numbers on the track this pre-season.

Maryian Szponar has put his hand up to take on the role as president after interim co-president Greg Dennis stepped down following a challenging summer.

“This afternoon, we welcomed Maryian Szponar to our committee and to take the position of President to lead our great club,” North Shore FNC said in a statement. “We’re so excited to have Maryian back in the blue and gold.”

There is an air of positivity around the club amid uncertainty.

North Shore coach Mark Hounslow telling this masthead that the Seagulls’ registrations have increased from 19 to 43 and more than 40 players took part in their intra-club session on Tuesday night.

This masthead revealed a letter from AFL Barwon to North Shore last week which outlined the peak body didn’t have confidence in them fielding senior and reserves sides in 2025 and had “no choice” but to begin planning the football season without them.

It came after a request in mid-February to provide a minimum of 60 PlayHQ registrations and contract evidence to AFL Barwon by the end of February which North Shore failed to send.

AFL Barwon said in a statement last Friday: “Whilst this assessment is still taking place and there has been an increase in registrations, there remains some work to be done regarding North Shore’s ability to field senior and reserve football teams in 2025. AFL Barwon must take proactive steps to support all clubs and players.”

“While every effort is being made by North Shore FNC in establishing a sustainable football program, the ongoing uncertainty necessitates careful planning to protect the integrity of the competition and the interests of all participating clubs.

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“AFL Barwon remains committed to supporting all clubs within the region to ensure strong and sustainable football and netball competitions.”

North Shore lost several key players in the off-season after winning two games for the season.

Round zero of the 2025 GFNL season begins on April 5 with round one kicking off on April 12.

Originally published as AFL Barwon organises meeting with clubs to discuss North Shore