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First reported by Code Sports’ Paul Amy, the stalwart club — which had been known as Northern Bullants up until the end of this season — was on Monday afternoon told it would not play in the competition next season.
It comes after 143 years of Victorian footy history, winning four VFA/VFL premierships.
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The Bullants, who finished this VFL season in dead last with two wins and 16 losses, had been in a desperate fight for survival amid significant debt and had asked the AFL for $270,000 to clear that debt.
They were also formerly known as the Northern Blues during an alignment period with Carlton, before the club abandoned the arrangement after the COVID-affected 2020 season.
They returned as an independent club in 2021. They came 18th that season, last in 2022, second-last in 2023, and again were resigned to the wooden spoon last year.
7News shared a text message that is said to have been communicated to players, coaches and support staff.
“Attention all players, coaches and support staff,” it read.
“The AFL have just informed the Preston Football Club that we will not be granted a licence for season 2026.
“President Neil Howard is absolutely shattered by the news and decision.
“We have no option now but to allow all players and staff the freedom to explore new avenues for your football.
“Neil has expressed that players, coaches, strength and conditioning, and medical staff payments will still be honoured in due course,” the message to players, coaches and support staff went on.
“Boys, 143 years of history looks to be done and dusted.”
Led by president Howard, the Bullants had in September presented a business case to the AFL but were made to wait on a verdict, with the league fully cognisant of the club’s dire financial standing.
“We need a decision. We have to know one way or the other,’’ Howard said in late September.
“They (AFL) organised an audit and they know exactly what our position is. They have our business strategy plan. They’ve had that now for two weeks. It’s not a heavy document and it speaks for itself.
“We need knowledge. We need verification — are you going to grant us peace of mind so we can get on with 2026 and are you going to provide a grant of any substance at all?”
The AFL’s lack of financial support for standalone clubs — which no longer receive an annual $120,000 subsidy — continues to be a topic of contention.
Originally published as Historic VFL club stripped of licence after 143 years as AFL steps in