The GFNL’s most successful club has quelled concerns about its future, with North Shore rejecting widespread speculation that it will struggle to field open-age football teams in 2025.
In response to inquiries from K rock Football following the departure of a significant number of key players from its 2024 list, the Seagulls say they are committed to fielding a senior and reserves team this year.
2024 best-and-fairest Nathan Arbon, playing assistant coach Mahli King and fellow West Australian Nathan Chadwick will play elsewhere next year.
Also departing Windsor Park are GDFNL-bound Brad Gerrard, Jordan Purcell, Cam Primmer, Aaron Seller, Ryan Wentworth and Josh Widdison, and former Werribee big man Kobe Annand, who will play in the SANFL.
Bailey St John (Otway Districts) and Ryder Cerny (Horsham Demons) are the only recruits announced for new coach Mark Hounslow.
However, the Seagulls, who last played finals in 2005, say they are “actively securing player contracts”.
“North Shore has no plans to back down from the challenges ahead,” interim co-president Edwina Wilkens said in a statement.
“Quitting isn’t in our DNA. Our club’s rich history and storied premiership success remind us of what is possible, but they don’t guarantee our future.
“Keeping our doors open takes hard work, perseverance and community support.”
North Shore says it is working closely with AFL Barwon – which is understood to be closely monitoring the Seagulls’ situation – and neighbouring clubs in the 3214 and 3215 postcodes, among those invited to a northern suburbs workshop late last year.
Wilkens’ statement follows the weekend launch of a campaign by the club to attract more off-field support.
A video has been posted to the club’s social media pages to rally support for the club, which is due to celebrate its centenary in 2027.
“If you want to see true grit, come to North Shore and see how we’re rolling up our sleeves to fight for the club we love,” Wilkens said.
“We’re not looking at the world through rose-coloured glasses – we’re facing challenges head-on and working day and night to secure our future.”
Under threat of relegation to the Bellarine League, North Shore is also focused on strengthening the club’s netball section, which will mark the 25th anniversary of winning the GFNL’s first A-grade premiership this year.
After a period without Saturday teams, the Seagulls fielded C, D, and E grades in 2024. They intend to expand further this year with a B-grade team.
“We have bold plans to bring juniors back to our program and expand with another senior team,” Wilkens said.
“This is about rebuilding the foundations that made North Shore great, and we won’t stop until it’s stronger than ever.”
X: @krockfootball
