The individual boards of the Horsham United Football and Netball Club and the Natimuk Football Netball Club have voted in favor of an in-principle agreement to amalgamate the two entities, to become the Natimuk United Football Netball Club and compete in the Horsham District Football League for 2014 and beyond.

This is a significant step in the process of bringing the two clubs together, negotiations between the two clubs is ongoing to form an agreement on the final structure that will need to be ratified by the membership base of the individual clubs at Special General Meetings on February 19.

Presidents, Peter Miller (HUF&NC) and Andrew Carine (NFNC) have urged all members to vote in favor of the amalgamation. All financial members will receive a letter outlining the merger and a postal voting form that they are encouraged to return prior to the club membership meeting.

Peter and Andrew along with their respective boards believe a merger is in the best interests of the individual clubs and combined will create a new and exciting club, building on the individual strengths brought into the merger forming a sound base to generate future prosperity of the new entity.

The Natimuk United Football Netball Club will be based at Natimuk, however will maintain a presence at the Horsham City Oval undertaking some games at this venue. Importantly the new entity will continue the long established history of playing an Anzac Day Match at City Oval.

A result of the merger will see a revamp of the Wimmera FL draw to account for the reduction to an eight team competition. There will be no need for any change apart from the scheduling of the Anzac Day game within the Horsham District FL.

AFL Victoria Football Development Manager Bruce Petering said, "at this point in time a merger between the two clubs is a sensible way forward that will provide a sustainable future for the combined club. It is now important that players and supporters of both clubs get behind the merger to ensure a strong and vibrant club emerges."