Saturday final reinstated

The West Gippsland Football Netball Competition has reinstated the date of this year’s grand final day to Saturday, September 15.

Four weeks ago the competition announced it was shifting its showpiece event to Sunday, September 16 in a bid to avoid clashing with those of the neighbouring Ellinbank and District and South East leagues.

However, at a special general meeting held on Thursday night, the competition’s member clubs were in favour of reverting grand final day to its original fixtured date.

The competition’s advisory committee and AFL Gippsland maintained a Sunday grand final would have been of benefit to all parties, but ultimately the collective wishes of the clubs could not be overlooked.

“The suggestion of a Sunday grand final was raised and discussed when we met with the clubs in June and no one voiced any major concerns at that stage,” AFL Gippsland Region Commission chair John Schelling said.

“Since we made the announcement our clubs have provided feedback which we have taken on board.

“Hopefully this decision reiterates that we are willing to listen and work with our key stakeholders and we can now move on and enjoy a successful finals series.”

Venues for the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition finals series and grand final day will be finalised and announced soon.