Sport
15 May, 2026
Dennington senior football team enters recess
DENNINGTON’S senior football team will enter recess for the remainder of the 2026 season.
In a statement released yesterday by the Warrnambool and District Football Netball League, Dennington had made the “difficult decision” following a period of ongoing discussions between the club, WDFNL officials and key stakeholders regarding the current position of the senior football program and the challenges being experienced both on and off the field.
After careful consideration, the club determined that placing the senior football side into recess for the remainder of the 2026 season was the most responsible course of action to ensure the long-term sustainability and future viability of the club.
Importantly, the decision relates only to the senior football program.
The Dennington Football Netball Club will continue to actively participate in the WDFNL competition through reserves football, A grade netball, A reserve netball and B grade netball.
It will also continue its junior football grades - under 18.5, under 16, under 13.5, under 11, along with the junior netball grades (17 and under, 15 and under, 13 and under, 11 and under).
The club also remains committed to its role within the local community and to continuing to provide opportunities for players, volunteers, families and supporters across both football and netball programs.
WDFNL president Larissa Barclay said the decision was not made lightly and acknowledged the significant work undertaken by the club throughout the process.
“This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional decision for the Dennington Football Netball Club, and one that has been made only after extensive discussions, reflection and consideration of the club’s current circumstances,” Ms Barclay said.
“The club has worked collaboratively with the WDFNL throughout this process and has remained focused on making decisions that are in the best interests of its players, members, volunteers and the long-term future of the club.”
Ms Barclay said the WDFNL also had an obligation to consider the integrity, fairness and ongoing operation of the competition.
“As a league, we have a responsibility to ensure the integrity of the competition is maintained for all member clubs, players and stakeholders,” she said.
“Throughout this process, careful consideration has been given to the operational impacts on the competition, the fairness of fixturing and the broader implications for all clubs involved.
“While this outcome is challenging for everyone, the decision provides certainty moving forward for the remainder of the season and allows the competition to continue in a fair, transparent and orderly manner.”
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Ms Barclay said the WDFNL recognised the broader pressures currently facing many community sporting clubs across regional Victoria.
“Community football and netball clubs continue to face significant challenges, including player availability, volunteer fatigue, rising operational pressures and the increasing demands placed on community organisations,” she said.
“While every club’s circumstances are unique, these challenges are being experienced across community sport and require strong leadership, honest conversations and long-term planning.”
The WDFNL commended Dennington for continuing to field a reserves football side and maintaining all junior football and senior and junior netball programs.
“Importantly, Dennington remains committed to providing opportunities for participation across its broader football and netball programs, and that commitment deserves recognition,” Ms Barclay said.
“The continuation of junior football, reserves football and all netball programs demonstrates the club’s ongoing commitment to its members and to the future of community sport within Dennington.”
Ms Barclay said the league would continue to work closely with the club throughout the remainder of the season and beyond.
“The WDFNL is committed to supporting Dennington through this period and working collaboratively with the club as it focuses on rebuilding and strengthening its senior football program into the future,” she said.
“Dennington has a proud history and continues to play an important role within the local sporting landscape and wider community.”
The WDFNL also acknowledged the efforts and commitment of the Dennington committee, coaches, volunteers, players, families, sponsors and supporters who continue to contribute significantly to the club and the competition.
The league will now work through the fixture and competition implications associated with the withdrawal of the senior football side for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Further information regarding fixture adjustments and competition arrangements will be communicated directly with clubs and stakeholders in due course.
The WDFNL remains committed to supporting all member clubs and continuing to strengthen and grow community football and netball across the region.
