GNFL allegedly overrides clubs’ wishes as some left unhappy by shortened season

The Great Northern Football League’s decision to shorten the season to just 14 rounds has not been popular with everyone, as some accuse the league of overriding club wishes. The 2023 season has been reduced from 17 rounds to 14, meaning after byes teams will play just 12 games before finals, the lowest since the league’s first two years in 1961 and 1962 bar the COVID years when just eight games were played. Under this structure, all teams will play each other twice, making for an even competition and simpler fixturing. The GNFL said the decision was based on feedback from clubs. “The GNFL’s decision to shorten the 2023 season took into account several factors and we believe that shortening the season will be of benefit to the entire football community,” president Carrissa Bellottie said. However, a club official has questioned this, revealing to the Guardian that at a vote clubs voted 4-2 against the change, with one abstaining. “Only two clubs were in favour of shortening the season but for reasons unbeknownst to me, the GNFL went with the minority which to me makes the vote seem like a waste of time if they weren’t going to abide by it,” they said. Towns coach Dale Baynes said he believed the season was too short, particularly for the top sides. “From our perspective, it’s probably a good thing as it means we might be on the end of a couple less hidings,” he joked. “I think it makes for a more even competition but it’s probably not enough for the top-end guys. “We worked it out that our pre-season is actually going to be longer than the season itself.” Mullewa president Mick Wall said the club was not too worried either way but did sympathise with players. “As president of the footy club it’s good for me, it makes the season not so long; we weren’t really worried either way,” he said. “But if I was a player I wouldn’t be too happy.” Nathan Johansen, coach of the women’s Mid West development squad and Railway’s women team, said the season was too short. “I’d rather play a few more than 14; it does shorten it up and if someone pops a bad injury, that can pretty much be your season,” he said. “I know it’s a really hard thing to organise the fixturing and volunteers and everything but I want to see the 17 to 18-game season back.” Chapman Valley coach Aaron Thomas said he also did not support the shorter season, with grand final day now falling on the same weekend as the Chapman Valley Show. “Not to say that we’re definitely going to make it this year but if we do that’s a huge inconvenience for the club and supporters,” he said. “I would prefer the season stayed with the 17-game structure.” The GNFL would not confirm or deny the outcome of the vote but have said the change was not permanent and would be reviewed at the end of the season.