Clubs to vote on merger

Key points

• Parkside and Ascot Vale football clubs will each hold special general meetings on 28 October to vote on a merger. Parkside has agreed in principle to combine with the Ascot Vale Panthers Junior Football Club before the 2027 Essendon District Football League season.
• Parkside's senior sides will play in that league next year after moving from the Western Football League.
• The Panthers say the merger would give their more than 350 junior players a senior pathway and a chance to return senior football to Walter Street.