UPDATE, 4.45pm: North Ballarat chairman John Nevett plans to address the media tomorrow morning.

When contacted by The Courier, Nevett said the announcement was still being analysed and he needed to meet with the club board.

He was unwilling to make any further comment at this stage.

EARLIER: Ballarat will be without a Victorian Football League team next year.

AFL Victoria on Thursday informed the North Ballarat Roosters it would not be renewing their VFL licence for 2018.

From www.afl.com.au
Reported by Marc McGowan
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​North Ballarat won't be permitted to field a VFL team next year

NORTH Ballarat will not field a Victorian Football League team next year.

AFL Victoria announced on Thursday afternoon it had stripped the Roosters of their VFL licence because of governance issues, but remained hopeful they could return as soon as 2019.

The club has battled "significant" board problems in the past two years and lost the confidence of the state's ruling body, according to AFL Victoria CEO Steven Reaper. 

North Ballarat won a hat-trick of VFL premierships between 2008 and 2010 under legendary coach Gerard FitzGerald, but claimed only four victories from 36 games in the past two seasons.

"AFL Victoria needs to ensure there is a sustainable team in Ballarat, and one that is representative of the region and is fully focused on a state-league presence," Reaper said.

It was announced on Thursday that the Roosters would not be a part of the league next year after failing to satisfy governance requirements set out by AFL Victoria.

North Ballarat celebrating the 2010 premiership. Photo: Sebastian Costanzo

Formerly aligned with North Melbourne, the Roosters were a VFL powerhouse less than a decade ago, winning three straight premierships between 2008 and 2010.

However the alignment ended following the 2015 season, with the Roosters subsequently falling on hard times, including finishing last in 2017.

"After significant upheaval at board level in recent years at North Ballarat, AFL Victoria believes the current position the club finds itself from both a governance and on-field perspective doesn't meet the key criteria needed for a continuation of the club's VFL licence," AFL Victoria chief Steven Reaper said.