Update: Monash Gryphons & Glen Eira

Glen Eira Saints and Monash Gryphons will continue to operate in their own entity in 2016, with the Saints remaining in Division 3 while the Gryphons will field a Club XVIII side.

VAFA Chief Executive Officer, Michael Sholly, said the partnership between the two Clubs is not yet an amalgamation.

“Both Glen Eira and Monash Gryphons will operate as two separate Clubs in 2016 with a view to potentially amalgamating in 2017,” he said.

“We understand the difficulties Clubs face when they are operating with only two senior teams without a school or junior pathway.”

The Gryphons will not be participating in Division 2 due to an inability to field both a senior and reserves side and will instead fly their banner in Club XVIII.

Their non-participation means there will be a bye round in Division 2 throughout the season.

General Manager of Football Operations, Brian Goodman, said the VAFA explored a number of alternatives to alleviate the bye in Division 2; however, after consultation with Clubs, the decision was made to remain with nine teams.

“Division 3 will remain as originally fixtured with 12 Clubs,” he said.

Last week Glen Eira Club President, Ivan Delac, told the VAFA “off field resources will be combined to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of both clubs looking to make an impact within their local community”.

Glen Eira agreed to support the Gryphons and help them field a team in 2016 by creating a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the on-field performance of both Clubs.