League president Brian Purtill said in a statement that the decision was based on ensuring the league remained strong and sustainable into the future.
The review was initiated following Barooga Football Netball Club’s admission into the competition, after which the league announced it would look into the possibility of splitting the league.
During the nine-month review, the league board consulted every member club, as well as assessing the competition data, historical trends and the long-term sustainability of the league, to make the decision.
‘’Over the past nine months, the board has carefully considered feedback from every member club and undertaken a comprehensive review of the competition,’’ Purtill said.
‘’We believe this new structure provides the best opportunity to strengthen the league for the future.’’
The North West division will include Berrigan, Blighty, Deniliquin Rovers, Jerilderie, Mathoura, Picola United, Rennie and Tocumwal.
It is a near identical line-up of sides to the last time the league was split in 2017, with Rennie as a new addition and the absence of Strathmerton, now in the South East and withdrawn Yarroweyah the only points of difference.
The South East division will include Barooga, Dookie United, Katamatite, Katandra, Katunga, Strathmerton, Tungamah and Waaia.
'’The introduction of the North West and South East divisions is designed to bring together clubs with similar community characteristics and resources, and create an environment where every club has the greatest opportunity to be successful both on and off the field,’’ Purtill said.
‘’The PDFNL will continue to engage with clubs that have expressed an interest in joining the competition, and the board has committed to undertaking a further review of the competition structure within two years to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our clubs and communities.’’
Picola United and Mathoura reacted positively to the change.
“We’re happy for it and congratulate the league for doing it,” Mathoura president Blake Keech said.
“It will create opportunities for the future sustainability of the league.”
Picola United president Brad Caldwell shared similar sentiments.
“Change is always a challenge, there's differing opinions, but overall, it's been positive,” he said.
“There's no doubt there's a few concerns there with members, but it’s mostly positive, I would say.’’
More competitive fixtures and the opportunity to continue to expand the league in future, up to potentially 10 clubs in each division, were key benefits of the move, brought up by both presidents.
“We're really excited about what the future holds for us now with the split,” Caldwell said.
“We encourage our members to get behind us and see it work, instead of finding reasons why it won't.
“We're excited about the future across all grades of football and netball, we think we can have a really healthy club and keep building a healthier club.”
Keech mentioned the opportunity to see clubs more often and build a rapport within your division.
“It has been done before and the good thing about it is that you know where you are and get to build on the relationships with clubs,” he said.
“We get to say that you always know you’re in for a good day out when you travel to a certain club.”
The introduction of the North West and South East divisions marks the first split competition since 2017, with further details on the format and fixtures for 2027 to be released in coming months.
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