JUNIOR football across Victorian rural areas has become a major issue with population drift, aggregation of farms, technology and societal changes.

The Mininera and District league is currently researching the issue.

The league is seeking to successfully identify and implement best practice of providing footy to communities with particular emphasis on the future of junior football.

A meeting will be hosted at Ararat’s Alexandra Oval to get input from the northern end of the league as to future suggestions for junior football.

 The meeting will be hosted on Wednesday from 7.30pm.

It is open to clubs, parents, supporters and persons interested in having their children or grandchildren playing football.

Maybe a parent will have a solution to how junior football is delivered so come along and speak up.

The league is seeking considered opinion on suitable structures, experienced coaching, rules and the competition and non-competition age levels.

Clubs should be wary of juniors being enticed from clubs.

Under the new points system, if players want to return to their home club they might put it into excess points.

Children play sport for their enjoyment and it flows on to families, so encourage the child, do not force children.

It was great to see Ararat Eagles have a win after a severe drought during the last two years – well done to all concerned.

Moyston-Willaura and Glenthompson-Dunkeld can take fifth place should results fall as predicted.

Percentage could cost both teams fifth place, although Glenthompson-Dunkeld have a dream run up to the finals and should win every game.

My view is the final five is set with only an upset able to shake things up.

Tips: Woorndoon-Mortlake v Hawkesdale-Macarthur, Tatyoon v Caramut, Lismore-Derrinallum v Moyston-Willaura, Penshurst v Great Western, Ararat Eagle v Wickliffe-Lake Bolac, SMW Rovers v Glenthompson-Dunkeld