The discussion arose this week after Central Highlands Football League side Smythesdale requested a move to the MCDFL in a bid to ensure its survival.

Navarre president Cory Hope said while he understands the difficult situation Smythesdale finds itself in, he believes the MCDFL has a responsibility to the clubs already in the league.

“Navarre would not be in favour of Smythesdale joining the Maryborough Castlemaine league at this point in time,” he said.

“We would have to look into it a bit further but my point of view is we have 14 teams already which is ample for a country footy league. The MCDFL has to look after the clubs they already have rather than looking to grow.”

The requested move comes just months after CHFL club Clunes rejected a recommendation to move to the MCDFL.

Hope said he believes there are better alternatives for Smythesdale than joining the MCDFL.

“If we were to drive to Smythesdale we would pass through three or four towns in other leagues which is just silly,” he said.

“From a travel perspective it just doesn’t make much sense.”

Currently the longest trip in the MCDFL is Navarre to Trentham, clocking in at just under two hours. Navarre to Smythesdale would take an hour and a half while the Bulldogs’ shortest trip would be a 40-minute drive to Lexton.  MCDFL president Stephen Broad said plenty of discussion is to be had before a decision is made.

“We’re not about clubs folding, but we wouldn’t want them to survive at the detriment of a couple of our clubs that are struggling,” he said.

“We haven’t looked at Smythesdale from a league perspective before. 

“It is one that we’ll have to look at, we’ll work out how far it is and how it’s going to work.”

Smythesdale’s inclusion would see the league become a 15-team competition, therefore include a bye, which Broad was comfortable with. Applications to leave the CHFL open on August 1. MCDFL clubs will have a chance to vote on the decision.