A regional football and netball club president has threatened legal action against AFL Victoria for knocking back the club's request to switch to a different league.

The Gisborne Football Netball Club members voted overwhelmingly in late August for the club to leave the Bendigo league and move to the Ballarat league for next season.

The club wanted to move leagues because several teams in the Ballarat competition, such as Darley, Sunbury and Melton, were all much closer to Gisborne.

But, on Tuesday, AFL Victoria rejected the club's request.

Held to ransom

Gisborne president Tony Brancatisano said remaining in the Bendigo league was "not viable".

"AFL Victoria holds these clubs to ransom," he said.

Mr Brancatisano said joining the Ballarat competition would attract more players and s

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