Ready to take flight, say Robins

Brighton attracts players to nest

BRIGHTON could be granted a “leave pass” to play in the SFL this season if it can only field a senior team — but the Robins are on track to also get a reserves team on the paddock.

Southern Football League president Madeleine Ogilvie yesterday confirmed that Brighton, despite its struggle to get enough players, would be able to field a senior team, with the competition set to kick off on March 30.

However, the club is trying to fill its requirement of players for a reserves team and Ms Ogilvie said the Robins were close to achieving that as well.

Fielding one team goes against competition regulations but Brighton’s fellowSFL clubs are rallying to help the club through its crisis.

“The other presidents can agree to either amend the constitution or give a ‘leave pass’ to clubs who are having player issues.

“There would be no appetite for holding Brighton out of the game because they can’t field a seniors and reserve team – they are keen to keep them going.

“They’ve had some trouble finding players but at this stage it looks like they are going to have enough to field both seniors and reserves.”

Apart from Brighton’s hiccup, the SFL was in good shape.

“We are very well-funded, which is great,” Ms Ogilvie said.

“We’ve also got another four women’s teams joining the competition this year, so the women’s competition is going from strength to strength.”

There would be no appetite for holding Brighton out of the game because they can’t field a seniors and reserve team – they are keen to keep them going

— MADELEINE OGILVIE