Dennington Bulldogs Withdraw Senior Team from 2026 WDFNL Season
The 117-year-old club will not field a senior side for the remainder of the season after four crushing losses totaling 1,101 points and a forfeited match.
The Dennington Bulldogs, a club in the Warrnambool District Football Netball League (WDFNL) in Victoria, have withdrawn their senior football team from the remainder of the 2026 season. The decision followed four consecutive losses totaling 1,101 points and a forfeited match.
Season Performance and Withdrawal
The senior team played four matches in the 2026 season, losing to Old Collegians, Allansford, Nirranda, and Russells Creek.
- The club lost its first three matches by an average of 266 points.
- The match against Russells Creek on Saturday resulted in a 312-point loss.
- The team subsequently forfeited a scheduled match against Kolora Noorat.
On Friday, the club announced it would not field a senior side for the upcoming weekend due to injuries, player unavailability, and welfare concerns. The WDFNL stated the club entered "recess" to ensure the long-term sustainability of the 117-year-old side. The club has 14 matches remaining in the season.
Background
Club officials stated the club lost approximately three-quarters of its playing list during the off-season. The senior netball team has also faced forfeits and large margins.
Statements from Officials
"Money is killing country footy. It's not an even playing field." — Coach Tim Condon
Club officials stated they are not considering closure. Dennington President Anthony Dowd said the club is determined to continue. Assistant secretary Tony Poehler described the club as an important community hub, noting the town has lost its pub and general store.
Coach Tim Condon said the club has resolved internal issues but cited financial pressures and uneven enforcement of salary caps as contributing factors.
After the round four match, assistant playing coach Guy Hardiman, who commutes from Geelong, made an emotional appeal for players:
"If anyone thinks about wanting to play footy again, please, by all means, come down to training, come to Dennington — it's a great club, great people. Any level of skill that you have, please, come give us a chop out."
WDFNL president Larissa Barclay said the decision was made after extensive discussions and consideration of the club's circumstances. Barclay noted that community football and netball clubs face challenges including player availability, volunteer fatigue, and rising operational pressures. She added that Dennington remains committed to providing participation opportunities.
Ongoing Operations
The club will continue to field a reserves side, netball teams, and junior grades as scheduled. Players willing to participate are expected to play in the reserves grade.