RIVERINA League president Chris Flanigan believes the inclusion of Osborne into the competition for one season is a 'no brainer'.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Hume League powerhouse is holding a series of meetings this week to gauge feedback on a potential switch to the Riverina League for 2020.
Hume League's decision not to play for a senior premiership prompted the club's move.
Flanigan, the chair of the Riverina League's Competition Management Committee (CMC), is a big fan of the proposal.
"Personally, I would welcome them with open arms," Flanigan said.
"In my opinion, I've always wanted an even amount of teams in the comp anyway. But for this year, it absolutely makes sense.
"It evens up our comp, gives them a game of footy, takes the bye away and gives an extra game to the clubs and potential to generate move revenue. A fresh team, fresh faces for the boys and girls, I think it will add a bit to the comp.
"The alternative is they don't play and the RFL and Farrer clubs go and raid them. It's a no brainer. At the end of the day, as CMCs and AFL, we're here to encourage and grow football."
AFL Riverina is waiting for confirmation from Osborne about the move. The club is expected to know more after a committee meeting on Thursday night, and after speaking to parents on Saturday.
Flanigan does not expect any opposition from Riverina League clubs.
"The three or four clubs that I've spoken to are for it," he said.
"I certainly haven't had anyone ringing me and jumping up and down. But the three or four club presidents that I've spoken to, and a couple of the coaches, have just said yeah absolutely."
The arrival of Osborne will make the Riverina League a 10-team competition this year.
While a couple of clubs held some reservations about the viability of a season early on, Flanigan does not expect any withdrawals.
"At this stage, it will be a full line-up of clubs," he said.
"What that looks like around teams, ie. reserves and that sort of stuff, I'm not sure. We'll have a clearer idea when we meet next week and what not. But at this stage I haven't heard any alarming stories or had any phone calls."
READ MORE
