After taking into account the Saints’ population base, recent performances and hardships and junior numbers, the AFL North East Border Commission agreed to allocate the Ovens and Murray club 46 points.

No other Ovens and Murray club applied for additional points.

“In the policy there are four criteria and Myrtleford ticked the boxes,” commission general manager John O’Donohue said.

Myrtleford finished with the wooden spoon in the senior, reserves and under-18s this year.

It managed a total of six wins.

Ovens and King league battlers Goorambat and Benalla All Blacks were also granted an additional four points.

“All the three clubs were high on points but low on wins and the additional points system was designed to look at individual cases like these,” O’Donohue said.

“This is the reason the criteria was put in place.”

Myrtleford president Michael Quirk could not be contacted for comment.

Wodonga Raiders are under the most pressure to stay within the 42-point cap after hitting 52 last season.

Daryn Cresswell’s side will drop at least 10 points through player retention and the departure of Jake Goldsmith, Matt Derrick, Sam and Matt Murray and Ben Murphy will alleviate further pressure.

Murphy is believed to have signed with rival Ovens and Murray club Lavington this week.

Ruckman Steve Bradshaw, who missed most of last season at Barnawartha due to injury and illness, has also been training at Birallee Park.

Former juniors Todd Bryant, Luke Visser and Reece Corcoran have returned to the club.