In a ground-breaking move for senior football on the Border, league delegates have voted to introduce the change in a bid to help clubs bolster player numbers in the reserves.

North East football general manager Sandy Thomas said yesterday the league wanted to ensure the future of the reserves competition, after Corryong was forced to forfeit most of its matches last year.

“It’s a commonsense move to help combat a player shortage, and we’re trying to make sure the reserves remain a viable competition,” Thomas said.

“Last year a couple of the clubs struggled with reserves and had to forfeit a few matches.

“The move will make a couple of extra players available for the reserves.

“The clubs had a vote on it and while it wasn’t unanimous, the majority ruled.”

Each senior team will field three interchange players.

While numerous competitions, including the Coreen and District league, have previously adopted the 16-man per side policy for the reserves, the move is a first for senior football in the North East and southern NSW regions.

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The Omeo and District Football League is a 16-a-side senior competition, but doesn’t have reserves.

“All the clubs are confident they will be able to field both seniors and reserves this year,” Thomas said.

“Looking at the clearances on the website, most clubs have seemed to recruited well compared to previous years.”

Cudgewa coach Jim Cleven has supported the change.

“It will be interesting how that plays out,” Cleven said.

“It should open up the game a little bit more and allow some more running on the bigger grounds.

“Obviously at Bullioh, being the smallest ground in the league, it might also help clear a bit of the congestion.

“It will also benefit the reserves competition and help lift the standard.

“When you have got a couple of senior guys dropping back it helps strengthen them a bit.”