A DRAMATIC 24 hours has seen Wee Waa fold for season 2015 before being thrown a lifeline by Group 4 to remain on the field until at least the Wests Knockout.
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A second failed crisis meeting on Thursday nightwas the final straw that may have broken the Panther back.
Despite several attempts and despite having a group of footballers and coaches ready to go, the club has been unable to attract a full committee.
The meeting saw only three people put their hand up, a raise on the two hands at the first such meeting, but not enough to run one of the bush’s better-known clubs and stalwarts of Group 4.
The meeting ended with a motion that the club would fold for the year and have another shot in 2016.
Panthers president Kenny Anderson informed the Group of their tough decision but then yesterday morning the Group came back at them with an offer.
Group 4 president Mick Schmiedel offered the assistance and support of the Group, namely himself and treasurer Peter Blom to take over the administrative duties of Wee Waa.
“At this stage they have folded and we have offered to keep them afloat,” Schmiedel said.
“It is not about going to five teams or avoiding a bye, it is about saving a club.
“Once you fold it is very hard to get going again.”
Schmiedel was also concerned about losing a large piece of bush footy history.
“They have been a part of Group 4 for a very long time,” he said. “We can’t let a club that has produced the likes of Matt Hogan and Jamie Lyon disappear.”
The offer was extended yesterday morning with a response expected by the end of the day, although none had been forthcoming at 6pm last night and no comment from Wee Waa was available.
The immediate plan from the Group was to get the Panthers through the Wests Knockout at the end of the month.
“If we can get them through the knockout, hopefully they can gain some momentum and some people come forward,” Schmiedel said.
“Our assistance is on a short-term basis.”
“A lot of clubs struggle with committees.”
When the Panthers first looked like folding a few weeks ago, some players left to join nearby Narrabri.
There are factions that believe a merger between the two clubs could be inevitable and an answer to the Tamworth monopoly.
Schmiedel has said that if the club accepts the offer and plays in Group 4, those players would have the choice to return to the Panthers.
If the club doesn’t accept the offer, Narrabri’s premiership odds would dramatically tumble as, if expected, players go to the Blues.