AFL Barwon is remaining tight-lipped, while North Shore is considering its response after a communication from the governing body regarding the Seagulls’ involvement in the 2025 GFNL football season became public.
The Geelong Advertiser has today (Wednesday) published a letter, signed by AFL Barwon chair Michelle Gerdtz, that indicates North Shore failed to act on or make progress on three requirements by last week’s February 28 deadline, leaving the Seagulls’ spot in the competition in jeopardy a month out from the season.
These requirements included written confirmation of North Shore fielding seniors and reserves teams, completing player registrations for at least 60 players, and contracting a “sufficient number of players” for its senior team.
AFL Barwon has been monitoring the situation at Windsor Park for most of the summer, with K rock Football reporting on January 28 that North Shore was “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 at the time.
“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, which forfeited a reserve grade clash late in the 2024 season, has seen several quality players depart the club, including Nathan Arbon, James Chadwick, Brad Gerrard, Mahli King, Cam Primmer, Jordan Purcell and Aaron Seller.
The Seagulls have publicly announced two recruits, Ryder Cerny (Horsham Demons) and Bailey St John (Otway Districts) for new coach Mark Hounslow, who replaced Darren Winter at the end of last year.
North Shore was the dominant club in the first quarter century of the GFNL, playing finals in every year bar one between 1979 and 2005, winning a league record 11 premierships, including six in a row from 1995-2000.
However, changing demographics in Geelong’s northern suburbs have significantly impacted the Seagulls’ ability to retain and attract players in the past two decades.
“At this stage, AFL Barwon has no comment to make,” a statement said.
“We are working through this situation with the club.”
More to come
X: @krockfootball
