By DYSON BAKER
SOUTH Belgrave Junior Football Club confirmed the move from the Dandenong Ranges Junior Football League (DRJFL) to the Eastern Football League last week, aligning themselves with the Saints’ senior team.
The South Belgrave Football Club moved from the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football Club in 2008 competing in Division 4 and the junior club will follow suit in 2015.
South Belgrave Football Club President Hugh Stern couldn’t be happier with the move and was delighted the entire club now has the chance to share resources and operate as one organisation.
“We are now able to focus on development programs, share resources and more importantly focus on a one club approach” Stern said.
In 2014 the Saints fielded six sides in the DRJFL, including a powerful under-14’s side who went through the season undefeated to claim the Premiership.
Along with the move to the East, they are also planning to phase in the Senior Jumper, a symbol of success to many at South Belgrave as they wore it in their premiership year.
Stern felt the juniors coming through would now be able to adapt better to the Eastern Football League style of football.
“It allows the junior players to play on bigger grounds, they will grow up and get used to the style of football that is played in the EFL and be ready made EFL senior footballers,” Stern said.
It’s going to be a big 2015 for the Saints, who not only welcome their junior club into the EFL but works will start on a project that will completely transform the look of the Belgrave South Recreation Reserve.
