The Narrabri Eagles and Moree Suns Australian rules football sides will more than likely join forces in 2020 to compete as one team in the coming AFLNW campaign.
The two sides have both been impacted with a lack of numbers ahead of the approaching season, so forming a partnership will allow players from both clubs to still play their footy at a competitive level.
The partnership is a joint venture, as opposed to a merger, which will see the two sides play as the Moree Services Suns-Narrabri Eagles this season.
Narrabri Eagles president Tom Carberry said the decision was a difficult one, but said it was the best one given the circumstances.
“Basically we are going to sign a 12-month contract, nothing has been finalised yet we are just going over the agreement,” Carberry said.
“Hopefully next week we will have it all finalised after the committee has had a look at it and decided whether they’re happy with it.
“Basically what the agreement involves is two teams playing under one name, a combined name.
“It was a difficult decision to make but it is the right one at the end of the day for the future of both of our clubs.
“It will be beneficial to both clubs, we are both in the same position.”
The two clubs will each operate together with 50 per cent role and responsibility during the season.
“Everything will be split down the middle, we will share home games so we will have home games in Narrabri where we will wear our jersey and home games in Moree where we’ll wear their jerseys,” Carberry said.
“Both teams will also have a coach, there will be a Narrabri coach and a Moree coach.”
Carberry said that the ultimate goal for 2021 and beyond was for both clubs to field their own respective teams.
“We are still going to keep our separate identities, that’s why it’s called a joint venture instead of a merger,” he said.
“The two teams are close together so we are able to do this and it saves us from pulling out again.
“It will get the boys running around the paddock and hopefully it will help both clubs build.
“This is one of our rebuilding steps that we need to do to ensure that the Eagles have a future.”
The 2020 AFLNW season will see six teams compete for glory, with the Moree Services Suns-Narrabri Eagles team going up against defending champions Gunnedah Bulldogs, 2019 grand finalists New England Nomads, the Tamworth Swans and Kangaroos, and the 2019 minor premiers Inverell Saints.
Carberry said he thought the Moree Services Suns-Narrabri Eagles would field a competitive side that could have success in 2020.
“There’s definitely strengths in both sides players-wise so I think that when we come together and start gelling after a few games we can be a really good side,” he said.
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