DWINDLING volunteer numbers and uncertainty from the Reid Oval renovations has East Warrnambool considering a two-year recess as it fights to ensure its long-term future.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
East Warrnambool members will vote on the club's future at its annual general meeting on Monday night.
Members will vote on one of two options - playing on in the Warrnambool and District Football Netball League next season or taking a two-year break from on-field action.
Bombers president Allan Miller said the committee would recommend the two-year recess with the future stability of the club in mind.
He said the club was in a strong financial position but indecision around the Reid Oval redevelopment was harmful.
If voted on, Miller said East Warrnambool would focus heavily on building its junior football program in recess.
"We don't know if we'll be off the oval for 12 months or how long it will be," he said.
"Any decision has to hinge on the sustainability of the club. We're a couple of junior teams down and it's hard to bounce back from that.
"It's no secret we have to do some work in that (junior) space so we can grow and strengthen our club."
The Standard understands the club would continue its finals catering tender with the Warrnambool and District league if a recess was ticked off.
Miller was confident East Warrnambool would resurface if it was to vote on a two-year recess.
"If we're going to be off the oval for two years or so we may as well use that time to strengthen the club," he said.
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.
Nick Ansell
Nick Ansell is a sports journalist at the Warrnambool Standard.
Nick Ansell is a sports journalist at the Warrnambool Standard.
