The end of the Allies?

DWWWW (Allies) Football Netball Club announced last Friday that the club would not be participating in any football or netball matches in the upcoming 2014 Alberton Football Netball League season.

Club president Murray Farley told The Mirror on Monday morning that the club has scheduled a meeting for March 30, to which the full club membership has to have at least 14 days’ notice, to decide the future of the club. Going into recess or folding are just two options that will be on the table.

Murray said he was “gutted” at the decision taken by the committee late last week, but the club had no other options as they couldn’t get enough players training, or interested in playing this season.

There have been a number of players who have put in for clearances to other local clubs, which has also shown that they are not interested in playing at Alberton West any more after some very trying seasons where lack of success has taken its toll.

The club is still in a good financial position, but they just couldn’t attract a playing coach and recruits to boost their playing stocks.

Since Woodside left the club about five years ago, it has been a real struggle, and with three clubs trying to run out of a town of Yarram’s size, it has proven very difficult.

The Allies were a powerhouse of the league for some time, being premiers in 2003, 1999 and 1998. Pre amalgamation with Won Wron Woodside to form DWWWW (the Allies), Devon Welshpool were premiers in 1995 and 1996.

AFNL President John Schelling said “It is a very sad day for the league to lose an inaugural member. I personally feel for the Allies’ administration and members after 130 years of playing sport up there.

“I know how hard they have worked to keep the club alive and we as a board hope they see their way clear to go into recess for the coming twelve months and then come back next year, but we realise that’s a big ask for families such as the Farleys. This is a massive kick in the guts, but congratulations are owed to them for their achievements.

“This will impact sport in the Yarram area greatly as they now can only travel east or drive to Toora to continue playing in our league”.

The 2014 draw will remain the same. Any club who is scheduled to play DWWWWs will be allocated four points.

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