NORTH Ballarat Roosters’ strong ties to the south-west are set to brave a 21st season in the Victorian Football League, with the club all but certain to field a senior team next year.
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The club, which housed no less than five south-west exports last season, was shrouded in speculation of its demise as board members held crisis talks on Monday evening.
However, board members decided to continue in the state league and to battle against rising costs instead of turning the club’s focus solely to the Ballarat Football League.
Portland-raised ruckman and new St Kilda rookie Rowan Marshall, Tom Schnerring, Liam Youl, Tom Templeton and former Gold Coast star Louis Herbert were the five former Hampden league players to suit up in black and white last season.
AFL Victoria chief executive Steven Reaper said it was important for state-level football to maintain a presence in regional Victoria.
