Kyabram District League confirms new finals format, strong 2022 profit and new fixture

The change was voted on by clubs, with a top six finals series held over four weeks preferred to last season’s top eight format.

League operations manager Julian Perta said the the top six format made sense for the 14-team competition.

“It was apparent that the clubs also felt that it was a good option for next season,” Perta said.

“The top eight definitely had its benefits this season, but for the equality of the competition, a top six would work best.”

Alongside the finals announcement, it was confirmed league president Fraser Kerrins would continue in his role.

Joining Kerrins on the executive committee will be new members Peter Cordy (Undera) and Kylie Merigan (Tallygaroopna), while senior vice-president of football Lauren Donnellan, senior vice-president of netball Simone Cordy, junior vice-president Deb Hosie and executive member Jo Backway will continue in their roles.

Recording a $41,607 profit for the 2022 season, Kerrins said the board was happy with how the season progressed.

“It was a great result financially and we will look to build on this for all our member clubs next season,” Kerrins said.

“It was really great to have a full season completed for the first time in three years and I am excited for the introduction of the under-14s competition next year in what will allow our clubs to establish pathways for junior players to progress through the KDL.”

The league also released its 2023 fixture on Friday, December 15.

Set to begin on April 15, highlights of the fixture include each team playing one home and one away game on a Sunday, while the returning top six finals system is also set to provide added excitement.

There will be two themed rounds to look forward to, with round six scheduled as Say No To Violence Round and round 10 confirmed as Indigenous Round.

Football supporters can also look forward to a grand final rematch between Murchison-Toolamba and Lancaster on May 6, while netball fans will need to wait until July 1 to see Dookie United and Tallygaroopna do battle once again.

Kerrins said the league was excited to return to venues across the region a week after Easter.

“(This year) was a fantastic season for the league,” Kerrins said.

“The competition throughout both football and netball was great to see and, ultimately, we reached our end goal to crown new premiers in each grade.”

Two split rounds have been pencilled in, while 12 out of the 16 rounds will host a minimum of one Sunday game.

Rounds eight and 11 will be the only full allotments of Saturday games.