The Upwey-Tecoma Football Netball Club (UTFNC) are set to stay put in the Outer East Football Netball (OEFN) competition in 2026 after its transfer request was denied by AFL Victoria.
121 of 138 club members voted in favour of the Tigers seeking a move to the Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) on Thursday 26 June, at a time when Premier Division powerhouse Wandin were also considering the same change of scenery but ultimately chose to stay.
A statement from UTFNC president Craig Waters said it goes without saying that he is extremely disappointed with the result.
“Our decision to seek a transfer to the EFNL was made following a thorough review of our club, with a view to what the next 10, 20 and 50 years would hold, rather than looking one year at a time,” he said.
“Changing demographics now see Upwey as probably the most metropolitan town in Outer East Football and Netball and I believe our profile is now more akin to clubs in the EFNL, having 29 clubs within 20km of us compared to four OEFN clubs.
“Ultimately it appears that the impact on our Club did not match the impact of losing one club from OEFN, with the reluctance to fixture a bye in Premier Division in 2026 a factor in AFL Victoria’s decision.”
Mr Waters also thanked both club volunteers, the EFNL and the clubs within the competition for their hard work, support and acceptance in the transfer request process.
The OEFN released a statement regarding the decision, signed by chief executive Brett Connell and chair Mark Sargent, which said the league welcomes the decision that Upwey-Tecoma’s senior and junior clubs will remain members of the Outer East Football Netball competition in 2026.
“Throughout the process, we have respected the clubs’ decisions to explore other competition options, with the firm view that both were required clubs of the Outer East Football Netball Community,” it reads.
“Outer East Football Netball look forward to working with both clubs and their respective teams (Football, Netball and Juniors) in planning for the 2026 season and beyond.
“Outer East Football Netball wish to reiterate that we remain steadfast in our view of working for the good of community sport in our region with relevant stakeholders.”
Upwey-Tecoma competed in the league’s Premier Division in 2026;
The senior footballers recorded a seventh-place finish,
The reserves went unbeaten in the home and away season on their way to a flag,
The U18s finished sixth,
The Women’s footballers finished second and were beaten in a grand final by minor premiers Mt Evelyn
The A, B and C grade netballers all finished second from bottom, while the D grade managed one place higher.
