AFL Western District Region general manager Lachy Patterson has convened a gathering of officials from both leagues in Warrnambool, where the parameters of next season’s fixtures will be discussed.

Patterson said fixturing was a big issue between the two leagues, based on feedback he had received in the past year.

Traditionally the Hampden league’s draw has been done first and the District league is then forced to work its schedule around that. The first the District league tends to know about the Hampden league is when it is published by The Standard, he says.

Patterson dismissed suggestions he was trying to play peacemaker.

“I would like to consider myself as logistics manager,” he said.

“My job is to get both parties into the room and run the discussions.”

Patterson said the meeting would not solve all the problems but the idea was for both leagues to have a better understanding of what each was trying to achieve with their draws.

Warrnambool City Council representatives will also be present, ensuring ground availability and the issue of overuse at Reid Oval is discussed.

“It’s a very informal catch-up,” Patterson said. “It’s a real positive the two leagues have agreed to sit down in the one room and have a discussion.

“All have to look after their member clubs but I am happy they are willing to sit down with each other.”

Starting dates was a problem this season, with the District league seeking approval from the state government to start in March to avoid a clash with the Hampden league.

But many of those issues are expected to be solved, with Easter being earlier next year.  

It means the Hampden league is likely to start in mid-to-late April. The Hampden league generally does not play at Easter and the need to have a bye this year in mid-April meant it had three byes, complicating the District league’s draw. 

The Hampden league is expecting to release a draft fixture to clubs next week.