Campbelltown AFC have this week informed the AFL that they will be unable to field two senior teams in the AFL Sydney competition in 2015. The club has agreed with the AFL that they will field teams in Division 4 and Under 19's only in 2015.
With the season due to commence this week the AFL have decided against any changes to the lower divisions, meaning the Premier Division competition will proceed with nine teams in 2015 and a bye for the team that was drawn to play Campbelltown.
Whilst Campbelltown has not enjoyed on-field success for an extended period, the club did remain confident throughout the summer that it would retain the playing depth to compete in Premier Division. The AFL has been in regular contact with the club during the off-season and was continuously reassured that both senior teams would take their place in 2015, however the AFL were informed on the Tuesday prior to Easter that the club's position had become more serious.
Various options were explored with the Campbelltown committee and neighbouring clubs but unfortunately the final decision to step out of Premier Division was made by Campbelltown on Wednesday.
The AFL informed the remaining Premier Division clubs on Wednesday and it has been accepted that proceeding with a bye in 2015 is the best outcome with the season due to kick off this weekend.
This has obviously been a very hard decision for Campbelltown and is one that was not taken lightly. The club has a proud history and are now committed to working over the next 12 months to put themselves in a better position for 2016 and beyond.
While the AFL are disappointed for the Campbelltown club and the flow on impacts to the competition, the league will work closely with Campbelltown to determine the best way forward.
Growing the game in Western Sydney remains a key priority for the AFL and part of the work that will be done over coming months will include looking at improving the relationships between junior and senior clubs in the area to capitalise on the growing population and participation base in the broader Greater Western Sydney region.
Campbelltown have also released their own statement, which is now available on the club’s website. https://websites.mygameday.app/club_info.cgi?c=1-1047-0-0-0&clubID=26748
Last Modified on 09/04/2015 11:04