The Bendigo Football Netball League open representative team has pulled out of the state finals.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The senior squad was due to play at the Netball Victoria Association Championship Finals this weekend.
The league cites travel, logistics, injury, personal and club commitments as the reasons behind the decision.
"It is extremely disappointing for the players, coaching team and the league alike for the team to not have the opportunity to represent the BFNL at the NV Association Championships," BFNL manager Cameron Tomlins said.
"Head coach Jayden Cowling has put in a power of work to this point to assemble such a strong squad that we genuinely feel had the potential to taste ultimate success at a tournament we hold in such high regard."
The BFNL team progressed to the tournament after a more than convincing 62-35 victory over AFL Outer East in the recent inter-league championships.
Cowling said the team had "high calibre" players, but with several unavailable to commit, the difficult decision to withdraw was made.
"It is extremely disappointing after having such a successful inter-league campaign," he said. "We were excited to head away with the group we selected and feel we had a strong chance to do well and compete to be the best association in Victoria."
However, Tomlins said the BFNL's 17-and-under team was still attending the championships.
The all-star junior squad coached by Melinda Keighran went undefeated 11-0 during the Northern region finals.
"We wish Melinda and her team all the best as they attempt to cap off an extremely successful football and netball representative year on a winning note," Tomlins said.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.