AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL
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AFL Riverina clubs have welcomed Barellan back to the Farrer League with open arms.
All associated AFL Riverina clubs voted unanimously in favour of Barellan's application to join the Farrer League at a special general meeting at The Rules Club in Wagga on Wednesday night.
The vote turned out to be a formality as no opposition stood in the way of Barellan joining AFL Riverina.
The 34-0 result in favour of the Two Blues proved much more than the majority the club needed.
Barellan president Mark Kenny said the news came as a huge relief.
"We're very, very happy," Kenny said.
"It's just a big relief, because it's taken up a lot of time and effort.
"We've been treading water for the last six to eight weeks and now we can move forward."
The meeting last night lasted little more than 10 minutes with no club speaking for and against Barellan's application.
All clubs were in attendance as well as members of the AFL Riverina board, as well as the Farrer and Riverina League competition management committees.
Kenny was happy to report that Northern Riverina Football League president Peter McFadyen was the first on the phone to him on Wednesday night to congratulate and wish the club well, something that was much appreciated by the Two Blues.
Barellan was in the Northern Riverina from 1993, when it left the Farrer League, up until the end of the 2014 season.
Kenny said the move to the Farrer League will prove beneficial for the Barellan community.
"I'm just excited for the town," he said.
"Little towns have to keep their team sports going.
"This is a big step for Barellan and I'm sure the town is behind us."
Farrer League president David Oehm was happy to see a ninth club enter the Farrer League.
"It's good to expand our competition and it's great to see clubs wanting to come into the Farrer League too," Oehm said.
"We're increasing in numbers all of the time and Barellan is not new to the league, they've played here before.
"I can understand them not wanting to persevere with the Northern Riverina Football League and we certainly welcome them back.
"It also creates an even draw for us, which is great."
Barellan hopes to appoint a coach early next month once harvest is finished.
