AFL North East Border regional general manager John O’Donohue said the club offering payments up to $150 for best on ground performances creates a dangerous culture.

“I understand the fact they need to attract players, but I see that as a last resort,” O’Donohue said.

“It goes against all our philosophies by trying to create a culture where players think they’re entitled to be paid.

“Starting that at an under 17 level, where some of those kids could be 14, goes against the philosophies we’ve adopted.

“Incentives have been there in junior footy for a long time, whether that’s the canteen, a sports store voucher or a $5 or $10 incentive for good performances, but this is very significant money.

“I know they’ve spoken about some obligations to the club for players to qualify for it, but from our position, we’re not in favour of clubs offering junior incentives of that amount purely to get them to the club.”

O’Donohue said the Saints must include all thirds payments into the club’s allowable player payment account because more than $300 will be handed out each week.

“I know it’s not a culture we want to see become the norm where players feel entitled to get paid that sort of money,” he said.

“What’s unknown is the sort of success it will have and the types of people they’ll attract that want to purely go there for a potential financial reward.

“What they’re doing is not against any rule, but it will end up being $7000 to $8000 included into their allowable player payments.

“My philosophy is that you should earn the right to be paid and not be entitled just because you made yourself available to play for that club.”

O’Donohue is fearful of the potential flow-on effect it may have, which could see players chasing money at junior level, rather than simply wanting to participate.