Preston greats fume at VFL club’s demise after ‘devastating’ AFL decision

An emotional Martin said he was shocked the 143-year-old club was dumped from the state league.

He said the AFL had made a “terrible call and will have to live with it’’.

“I honestly didn’t think they’d do it … makes you feel sick,’’ Martin, Preston’s 1978 grand final coach, said.

“I really thought in my heart the AFL wouldn’t let something like this happen again, not after Fitzroy and all the old VFA clubs before that, like Dandenong and Prahran. But they’re having another dip.

“It’s the wrong decision, it’s a crazy decision and it’s a weak decision to get rid of a proud old club and get rid of a part of the pathway for young players and their dreams of going to the highest level of football.’’

He said he hoped “the power of the people’’ would prompt the AFL to reconsider.

Fellow former Preston star Barry Leslie said he was “devastated’’ by the demise of the Bullants.

He said he did not understand how the AFL could spend millions on US entertainer Snoop Dogg but not save a club that was still producing AFL talent.

“They’re eliminating a club that has and still is providing a stepping stone for players trying to get drafted,’’ Leslie said.

Martin said he felt for the players, coaches and particularly volunteers such as Peter Darcy, who had dedicated many years to the club.

He said president Neil Howard and his board, which took over the running of the club four months ago, had done an excellent job and deserved the chance to reset the Bullants.

In an online meeting on Monday afternoon, AFL managers Jennie Loughnan and Geoff Walsh – a former Preston player – told Ants officials the club’s shaky financial position and poor on-field performances in the past three years meant it could not go on in the VFL.

AFL general manager Greg Swann, a former Williamstown player and president, signed the letter of termination sent to Howard.

The Preston board submitted a 61-page business plan and asked for $270,000 to help clear debts and start afresh for 2026.

Howard said today that the so-called stand-alone clubs without poker machines were in danger of becoming the next teams to be banished from the VFL.

He said the AFL’s decision to remove annual grants of $120,000 during Covid cut deep and sponsorships, memberships and match-day receipts weren’t enough to make ends meet.

Howard said he understood two other VFL clubs had asked the AFL for financial assistance in the past few weeks.

“I worry about who will be next,’’ he said.

Bullants coach Rohan Welsh confirmed he and former general manager Darren Basset went to the AFL last October with their concerns about how the club was being managed.

He said they were told the AFL could not intervene in club affairs.

“We told them, ‘If you don’t do anything, this club will be gone’,’’ Welsh said.

“They knew all about it but sat on their hands, unfortunately.’’

Welsh said his players had endured a tough two years but he expected quite a few to play on in the VFL.

Three-time Bullants best and fairest Jean-Luc Velissaris said he and his teammates had been saddened but not surprised by the club’s demise. He said there had been rumours for months that the AFL would not support Preston despite the best efforts of the new board to stabilise the club.

Velissaris said he felt for the volunteers.

“They care deeply for the club. I’m sure it affects them more than anyone else,’’ he said.

AFL great and two-time Port Melbourne premiership coach Gary Ayres said it was a “sad day’’ to lose such a historic Victorian football club.

“It’s so disappointing. I hope they can do a Frankston and come back in 12 months but it doesn’t seem to be going that way,’’ Ayres said.

“Gee whiz, it wasn’t that long ago they were in back-to-back grand finals against North Ballarat and now they’re gone. It’s really, really sad for what was once a great competition.’’

Howard said Preston would not pursue any other affiliations but would work closely with amateur club Preston Bullants.

The VAFA member has issued a statement expressing its “deep sadness’’ saying it was saddened to see the VFL Bullants go.

It said the AFL’s decision “brings to a close a remarkable 143 year chapter in Victorian football history’’.

“The Bullants have been a pillar of our community, a proud competitor with four VFA/VFL premierships, and an inspiration to generations of players, volunteers and supporters,’’ the club said.

“This is a loss for the VFL and for the broader Preston community. The red and white Bullant emblem represents more than a team; it symbolises community, pride and a deep connection to Melbourne’s northern suburbs.’’

The AFL has yet to comment on Preston’s status.