The Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) today confirmed the Nunawading Football Netball Club will not field a Senior Men’s or development team for the 2025 season. However, the club remains committed to its women's and netball programs, while its Under 19s will compete in a combined team with Forest Hill.
EFNL CEO Jy Bond acknowledged the challenges faced by Nunawading and reaffirmed the league’s commitment to supporting the club’s future sustainability.
“We understand this has been a difficult decision for Nunawading, and we commend the club for prioritising its long-term stability,” said Jy Bond, ENFL CEO.
“The EFNL will continue working closely with the club with the goal of re-establishing Senior Men’s football in 2026 whilst supporting the club’s women’s, under 19 football and netball programs in 2025.’’
After consultation with the division four clubs in the competition, the EFNL has amended the 2025 fixture replacing Nunawading with a bye. Match ratio will be used for competition management.
The league remains steadfast in its vision of maintaining a ten-team Division four competition.
Bond says Nunawading’s situation highlights the importance of fostering a strong junior program with a clear pathway alignment from junior’s clubs into the senior clubs within the same league. Another challenge is the growing pressures on community clubs, particularly in securing volunteers and resources to sustain senior teams.
“Volunteer strain is one of the biggest challenges facing local sport. Our role is to support clubs in navigating these challenges while ensuring a strong and competitive league structure.”
The league will continue to provide ongoing assistance to Nunawading as it works towards returning to senior men’s football in 2026.