Thornton-Eildon will not field Seniors and Reserves men’s football teams in 2020.

TEDFNC President Dave Stirling made the announcement today (Fri.), citing the departure of key personnel, and the inability to recruit replacements in time for the season which begins on April 18.

Thornton-Eildon were due to be one of nine teams in the Seniors and Reserves of the AFL Outer-East Division 2 competition. Broadford and Warburton-Millgrove will join this year, to make Division 2 an eight-side contest.

“It is with great disappointment and regret to announce there will be no men’s Firsts or Seconds teams representing the TEDFNC in 2020,” Mr Stirling said.

“This has come about due to the departure of key personnel late in 2019 and not being able to find suitable replacements in time for 2020.”

Mr Stirling also said that there were financial pressures on the club “to find players who are prepared to play for minimum payments, and travel from Melbourne which is hard to do given the lack of the player pool in our area.

“We had 10 contracted players for 2020.

“After supporting them and others financially in 2019 they have voted with their feet and not returned to the club.”

Mr Stirling described this as being “very disappointing, adding to the uncertainty of fielding teams in 2020.

Mr Stirling said that the burden of locating enough volunteers has weighed heavily on the Boners, summing up the problem as: “Finding volunteers to help our club on an ongoing basis, week to week, rather than our players being asked to carry the load and try and enjoy the sport they come for originally”.

“I might add our financial position was no worse than 2019 we just needed more support on and off field.”

Mr Stirling said that Thornton-Eildon will still field a women’s football team.

“The TEDFNC women’s side, will go ahead in 2020 led by Alan Dunlop and Tash Hay, which after making the preliminary final last year should be an exciting year ahead,” Mr Stirling said.