The 2023 Western Premier League season will feature nine teams

Mudgee Gulgong Wolves and Orange CYMS won't take part in the competition in 2023, with the latter only joining 12 months ago.

The decrease in teams now means only nine teams will compete for the title this season, with three of those being from Dubbo with Bulls, Macquarie United and Orana Spurs all in the midst of pre-season training.

Western Premier League (WPL) competition manager Peter Mitchell confirmed the loss of Orange CYMS and the Wolves is less than ideal.

"It's disappointing to see that happen," he said.

Even with a drop in club numbers, Mitchell believes this season will be another success and a draw shouldn't be too far away from being released.

"It's starting to come along all right, we've got nine clubs playing this after two dropped out," he said.

"Mudgee and Orange CYMS, have withdrawn from the competition. We are close to getting a draw out which should happen in the next week or fortnight. It's all very positive for the competition this year again."

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The 2022 WPL season was the longest competition across the winter codes, beginning in early April and finishing in late September with Dubbo coaches calling for a change to the structure.

But it looks as if the 2023 season will be another marathon with Mitchell confirming exactly when the competition will begin.

"It should start around the first week of April, we will have an 18-week competition which includes byes," he said.

Orange Waratahs won the 2022 season after defeating Panorama FC 2-1 in the final.

Dubbo Bulls were the only team from the city to finish in the top six and compete in the finals after Macquarie and Spurs both missed out.

Unfortunately, Bulls were defeated by Barnestoneworth United 1-0 in the opening week of finals to end their season.

The Dubbo football powerhouses are yet to officially announce their coach for the 2023 season with last year's coach Scott Fox not confirmed to be returning as of yet.

Macquarie United will have a new boss with Daniel Gilholme stepping into the role, replacing Rhys Osbourne who is set to remain at the club in a playing capacity.

Spurs battled an up-and-down season in 2022, just missing finals but will be coached again by Ben Manson who will be hoping he can get his side back near the top of the table after a wonderful 2021 campaign.

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