Club President Sid Brummell said the Elks struggled all year and a move to second grade would be better for the club.

“We will apply to the zone to get a place in the second grade competition,” he said.

“We hope the powers that be will appreciate our reasons and grant our request.

“We will try and get a few of the younger guys that are coming through and we are aiming to play home games at Rugby Park next year so it is all about what is good for the club.”

Club stalwart Jim Ritchie said the move makes sense.

The move to second grade will allow the club to enjoy greater success,” he said.

“Greater success will in turn allow to club to ensure its longevity because if we are more competitive our supporters will be happier and of course that translates into future generations following the Elks.”

Mr Brummell said the club is united and will look to keep Senior Coach Sam Price on for the 2017 season.

“This season’s on field results are more due to numbers than his ability as a coach, we feel he did a great job with what he was presented with and if he is prepared to step up again next year he will be appointed,” he said.

Club Coach Sam Price said moving to second grade will help develop the club.

“We went to the first grade after our premiership in 2014 but we lost nine players from that squad which was quite a significant change in the club’s structure and we haven’t been able to retain players since,” he said. 

“So moving to second grade will be good for the development of the club because then we’ll get more player interest when we are able to be more competitive.

“I’m glad we went to first grade, but we don’t have the numbers to be competitive.”