Mt Barker colts side withdraw ahead of 2023 Great Southern Football League season

Mt Barker Football Club won’t have a colts team in this year’s Great Southern Football League competition due to a lack of numbers. The decision was not taken lightly, with Mt Barker and GSFL representatives working hard to try to ensure a competitive colts side for the upcoming season. MBFC president Matt Gilbert said there simply weren’t enough numbers in the age group for the colts to make up a team. “Last season, we had a number of 16s doubling up and a larger (group of) final year colts aged kids, which managed to get us through. “However, with numbers low in the senior ranks this season, we as a club have decided to pull the colts side for this year.” Gilbert said in regard to the eight colts-age players, the club was working through whether they are wanting to play reserves or having the possibility of them playing at another club for season 2023. He said the club had tried everything within its power to recruit colts players but a limited pool and age group to select from conspired against them. The club could now focus its energies on strengthening the other three grades of the club. GSFL chair Terry Eaton said it was an unfortunate reality but regional clubs were struggling with numbers in different age groups and grades throughout Australia. He said the GSFL had been, and would continue to, work closely with Mt Barker and all GSFL clubs to safeguard the league’s competitiveness and longevity. The league, reserves and 16s will remain six-team competitions while a bye will be in place in the colts grade.