Wangaratta Rovers have attracted little support from the rest of the league after revealing they would appeal their total player points allocation for next season.
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Rovers had their points cut to 40 by AFL North East Border late last week after boasting 44 last season.
The club went from a winless wooden spoon in 2018 to missing out on finals by percentage (10.51).
Hawks' football operations manager Barry Sullivan was bitterly disappointed.
"From our point of view for equalisation to work, clubs that have been outside the top five for a sustained period need to have a few years of additional points to maintain improvement," he said last Friday.
Rovers averaged 40.2 points last season, with Nick Murray the only one to carry the maximum six, while a quartet were all five.
All players (apart from one-pointers) lose a point the following season.
Myrtleford was the only other outfit to lose four points, falling from 42 to 38, which is the same amount as the other finals teams for 2020.
Along with Rovers, the Saints were the feel-good story, jumping from four wins to the preliminary final.
"I can't understand after only one season of being competitive that your extra points get wiped," angry Myrtleford president Ian Wales said last week.
Myrtleford will also appeal the decision.
The Border Mail contacted other O and M clubs and asked 1) how many points should Rovers have next year? and 2) how many points should Myrtleford have?
A number of clubs said AFLNEB made the right call with both clubs.
However, Yarrawonga president Scott Jaques said he's not surprised Myrtleford will appeal.
"Geographically and demographically they have a stronger case than any other."
Myrtleford is the league's smallest town with around 3000 people.
The Saints averaged 35.6 points, but have signed Dawson Simpson (six-pointer).
"I think AFLNEB is doing a good job with equalisation," Pies' coach Luke Morgan said.
Meanwhile, Albury's Fraser Duryea is set to join South Barwon.
