Australian Rules
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BARELLAN United president Mark Kenny says the Two Blues' admission into the Farrer League next season will benefit his entire community.
Barellan's switch from the Northern Riverina Football League was given the final tick of approval in Wagga on Wednesday night when the 34 AFL Riverina clubs voted unanimously in favour of the move.
Kenny said the decision meant a lot to his town.
"It's a positive for the whole community," he said.
"These small towns like ours need strong sporting clubs that are team orientated. They offer a healthy sport in a relatively (town) drug-free environment and that's an important thing."
Barellan's move to the Farrer League was first mooted at a community meeting in July.
Four months on, Kenny is glad the process is finished
"It's a great relief. It's been a very anxious time for our club," Kenny said.
"Now we can start putting a side together for next year.
"We've been talking to coaches and players, but we haven't been able to sign anything until we got into the Farrer League."
While he wants Barellan to be competitive next season, Kenny said the club wouldn't chase a premiership with a chequebook.
"We're not going into the Farrer League to compete financially," he said.
"We haven't got the money to.
"But we have got a very strong base with home-grown products.
"In saying that, we will be chasing a coach and a couple of players to complement them."
Barellan only needed 51 per cent of the vote on Wednesday to have its application approved, but Kenny said it was heartening every club supported the move.
"It was a very positive outcome that everyone thought it was a good idea," he said. "I really have to acknowledge (Northern Riverina Football League) president Peter McFadyen.
"He was the first person to ring and congratulate us.
"I thought that was very big of him.
"The whole Northern Riverina Football League executive has been very supportive."