BAIRNSDALE PLANS RESERVES

Bairnsdale is looking to field a reserves’ team in Gippsland League next season, something it has not done since rejoining the major league in 2011.

The club, that says it has 85 per cent support for the move from its players, members and sponsors, has circulated East Gippsland, Omeo District and Gippsland League clubs of its plans and the reasons for them.

It is holding a public consultation session tomorrow (Wednesday) night at Bairnsdale and is seeking views from those that could be affected by August 15.

Key reasons Bairnsdale has put forward are that it would build depth in its player group, provide a pathway for young players to play at the highest level in Gippsland, remove week-to-week uncertainty on player selection for EGFL and ODFL clubs, give the club a better future, create a greater sense of belonging for the players and strengthen football in East Gippsland.

Bairnsdale does, however, acknowledge challenges.

Among the major ones are the impact on EGFL and ODFL clubs of drawing players from them.

There are also issues for other Gippsland League clubs, particularly those in the southern – Wonthaggi and Leongatha – and western – Drouin and Warragul – ends of the league with travel for 9 a.m. starts to Under 16 games.

But the travel problem for the fourths would be even greater for Bairnsdale with every second match an away game.. there are