Sport

Picola League investigating divisional structure after Barooga return

By Josh Huntly and Matthew Kappos

Dec 11, 2025

Barooga will take on a new challenge in 2026, joining the Picola and District Football Netball League. Photo: Jordan Townrow. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The Picola and District Football Netball League is investigating a return to a two-division structure, after confirming the addition of its 16th club,

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Barooga Football Netball Club’s move back to the league has been ratified by the league executive.

Following an overwhelming 122-9 member vote to leave the Murray league at a special general meeting on November 27, the club met with the Picola league’s 15 clubs last Monday to make their final pitch.

The Picola league executive confirmed on Monday that the Hawks had been accepted to rejoin the league for the first time since 1988.

A league statement released on December 8 said Barooga will have a mid-range player points allowance of 43, while the Hawks will return to their traditional yellow playing strip from their earlier Picola league days.

This expands the Picola league to 16 clubs, prompting the league to explore implementing the two-tier competition structure.

“The Picola and District Football Netball League is pleased to announce that Barooga Football Netball Club will be returning to the PDFNL for season 2026 and beyond,” the league said.

“Barooga have committed and are aware that membership of the PDFNL is dependant on the fielding of all football and netball sides, for at least the next five years.

“The senior side will operate with 43 points for season 2026.

“The club will return to its predominant yellow playing strip worn when last playing within the PDFNL.

“The PDFNL Board has committed to further engaging with clubs within coming months, regarding the league potentially dividing into two competitions in future.”

It last fielded two divisions in 2017, while the Murray league looks set to proceed with 11 clubs for next season.

AFL Victoria’s club transfer deadline passed in June, but the PDFNL’s unaffiliated status has allowed the move to proceed without intervention.

The addition of the Hawks has also prompted the PDFNL to release an updated fixture list for the upcoming season.

Barooga has mostly slotted in against the previous bye team, but an additional bye round has been added on May 23, reducing the season from 18 games to 17.

The Hawks have also replaced Berrigan in the only fixture in round one, and the newcomers are set to open the season against Tocumwal on April 3.