THE Singleton Roosters AFL Club will step down a grade in 2015 – to shore up its future.
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Following recent discussions, the organisation is set to move from the Wilson Security Black Diamond Cup competition to the first division.
After a meeting between players and officials, the club approached the Black Diamond AFL Board with a request to change competitions, which the board subsequently agreed with.
The downturn in the mining industry, which has had a dramatic effect on employment in the area, plus the re-deployment of a number of Army personnel has seen the Roosters lose 14 of their best players since the end of last season.
This scenario meant the club would not be in position to field a competitive team in the Black Diamond Cup.
However, the Roosters will still field two teams in 2015 – in both first and second division.
Wilson Security Black Diamond AFL (BDAFL) football operations manager Garry Burkinshaw applauded the professional approach of the Singleton club; and the resolve to aid the development of the sport in the region.
“These decisions are never taken lightly, but I commend Singleton on the way they have handled a difficult situation,” he said.
“The BDAFL Board is responsible for the growth and health of the league and, of course, assists the clubs where possible.
“Given the circumstances in the area, I believe this the best decision for everyone involved in Wilson Security Black Diamond AFL competitions.”
Singleton AFL president Kevin Pitcher admitted the Roosters “were an ambitious club”.
“We have a goal to be a strong Wilson Security Black Diamond Cup team,” he said.
“So, from that perspective it is disappointing, but the circumstances beyond our control have made this decision necessary.
“We will work closely with our players, members and stakeholders and use our previous experiences and the experiences of other clubs who have worked their way back into the top grade as motivation.
“Our goal is to rebuild and refocus on a return to the Wilson Security Black Diamond Cup.
“And, this decision will make us a stronger club for the experience.”
Singleton joined the Black Diamond AFL competition in 2006, with teams in first division and under-18s.
The Roosters won back-to-back first division premierships in 2009 and 2010, earning their promotion to the Black Diamond Cup the following season.
After being controversially omitted from the Black Diamond Cup in 2012, following a restructure of the competition, the club responded by winning the first division premiership in 2012, going through undefeated.
This saw the Roosters return to the Black Diamond Cup in 2013, however the club has struggled on field, winning just four games in the past two seasons.
In a positive for the club, in 2014, they fielded a reserve grade team for the first time and the under-17s also won the Newcastle Juniors premiership.
