NORTH Ballarat will field a team in the VFL next season after deciding to remain in the state league competition at a late-night board meeting on Monday.
North Ballarat had been considering withdrawing from the VFL to focus solely on the Ballarat Football League, given the club's struggles to meet the mounting costs of playing in the state league.
Roosters general manager Gary Buckenara confirmed to AFL.com.au on Tuesday morning that the club would continue in the VFL in 2017, but said it would need the support of people within the Ballarat region to continue long-term.
Buckenara said North Ballarat's VFL team provided an invaluable pathway for local players overlooked in the AFL NAB Draft who still harboured dreams of playing in the AFL.
The VFL had already lost a team this off-season, with Frankston's licence terminated in September after it was placed under financial administration.
AFL Victoria CEO Steven Reaper welcomed the Roosters' decision, saying it was important the VFL maintained a presence in regional Victoria.
"It is pleasing to have North Ballarat Football Club reaffirm its commitment to the Peter Jackson VFL competition in 2017," Reaper said.
"AFL Victoria will continue to work with the club, like we do all clubs, to help support their future in the competition."
North Ballarat's decision means the VFL will be a 14-team competition in 2017, with AFL Victoria hoping to release the fixture next week.
North Ballarat entered the 2016 season as a standalone club after ending an eight-season partial alignment with North Melbourne that yielded three consecutive VFL premierships from 2008-10.
The Roosters finished second last this year – ahead of only Frankston – after notching just three wins.
