THE Billabong Crows have called a crisis meeting amidst growing fears about their future.
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With the Hume league club already without an under-17 team and facing a weekly battle to field reserves, club president Bruce Owen said action needed to be taken immediately.
“Money isn’t an issue as we are fortunate to have good backing from farmers, but player numbers is a major concern,” Owen said.
“We only have 10 local players to field two sides.
“Imported players drive past six other clubs to get to us so we are up against it location wise.
“It’s important we put all of our options on the table straight away as it will probably be too late at the end of the season.”
Crows officials have called a community meeting for April 28 with merging, switching leagues and folding expected to be discussed.
Oaklands and Urana merged to become the Billabong Crows in the Coreen and District league in 2005.
They then switched to the Hume league with CDHBU, Rennie and Coleambally in 2008 when the CDFL collapsed after 98 years.
“It’s getting tougher and tougher with fewer locals around,” Owen said.
“Farms are getting bigger and the kids aren’t around anymore.
“We need people to come to the meeting and come up with some sort of plan because sporting clubs play an important role in the country.”
Billabong Crows, who are co-coached by Al Austin and Danny Stevens, are yet to win a senior or reserve grade match.
Rival club CDHBU has also expressed concerns about their future with Power officials holding meetings with the AFL North East Border and the Corowa cluster.
Dederang-Mount Beauty was on the brink of collapse earlier this year.