AFL Western District released draft recommendations last week following its South West junior review, drawing criticism from a Mininera District Football League official.
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The review commenced from late May, looking to address issues including dwindling junior numbers in the state's south west as well as to address the structure of Hamilton and Portland junior football leagues.
The review panel released 26 recommendations, with the first being the Portland Junior Football Association and Hamilton Kangaroos Junior Football League to merge and form the Greater South West Junior Football League.
Another recommendation was for no Mininera league football teams to affiliate with the new junior competition for at least the 2020 season.
"It was further noted that the MDFL are working hard to establish a junior competition with an increased number of junior teams in 2020," a recommendation outlined.
Despite securing the Mininera league's short term future, the review also gave scope for clubs to look into the newly formed junior competition after 2020.
"Should the MDFL be unable to offer an increased number of junior teams in 2020, that some neighbouring MDFL clubs be considered for future affiliation in the GSWJFL for 2021 or beyond," the review read.
Mininera District Football League chairman John Box said more needed to be done in the review to strengthen junior numbers in the league.
"The review seemed to forget about us, a league that is already up and running," he said.
"I'm a bit cross about that, there was this big focus about creating a new league but what about helping ones that already exist."
Feedback on the draft report is due on August 2 with the final report and recommendations released by August 23.
Mr Box said he hopes to see some changes.
"We are still talking strongly with the Hamilton juniors, so they might still be keen to come our way," he said.
"We won't be laying down without a fight."
Mr Box said it is crucial clubs in the league continue to drive the growth of their junior programs.
"We have got a year or two to work the juniors out. If clubs are close to getting juniors together, now is the time to get their act together and help bolster our junior competitions," he said.
"The review has probably come at a good time. We have a club forum on the last Wednesday of the month.
"Rod Ward from AFL Western District will be there so clubs will have an opportunity to ask questions."
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