The Victorian RSL's old guard is facing a revolt from younger members who say the 103-year old league has lost its way and must get out of poker machines.

Veterans, including those from Afghanistan, Iraq and East Timor, are campaigning for reform ahead of the RSL state conference in July, where will they will contest leadership positions and propose constitutional change.

RSL reformer Dave Petersen at the Camberwell City RSL hall Credit:PHOTO by Meredith O'Shea

They argue that young veterans were either not interested in the clubs, or were struggling with post-service mental health issues, and were prone to problem gambling. This made the presence of pokies in many RSL clubs a welfare problem.

Dave Petersen 32, is an Afghanistan veteran who was medically discharged for mental health reasons. A former army artilleryman, he is now president of the Camberwell sub-branch, the youngest sub-branch president in Victoria, and a leader of the group challenging the RSL’s old guard.