AWFA clubs have their say on introduction of new player points system

The Border association has granted senior men's teams a player points allowance of 28 for the squad (including substitutes) on match days and will review the system at the end of the season.

Clubs must submit a list of players expected to play seniors in 2021 with the points allocation they believe should be applied to a particular player and rationale behind it, with the relative clause number as per the points criteria.

The AWFA executive will then check each list and request further explanation if deemed to be incorrect.

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Once an agreement has been reached, the executive will approve the roster prior to the commencement of the season, which will be made available to all clubs to provide transparency.

If a club wishes to add a player to its roster during the season, they must amend the list and send it to the executive for approval.

AWFA president Mark Leman said the aims of the player points system were to provide greater opportunities for homegrown players, promote youth development and maintain a competitive balance across the league.

The league wants to incentivise players who reached NPL level to return to their original AWFA clubs and reward those who develop players who progress to higher honours.

"It will probably be easier this year because there's obviously not many players travelling," Leman said.

Boomers' coach Andrew Grove believes most clubs shouldn't have trouble fitting under the cap.

"I guess it's a bit of trial and error to start with, but we're keen to make sure the competition levels out and stays as level as possible," Grove said.

Albury United coach Matt Campbell likes the fact that the system self regulates and doesn't deny clubs getting overseas players, provided they can find a balance.

"If a club wants to go out and get three visa players, they can now, but what that means is they've spent 15 of their 28 points and they need to fill the rest of the team sheet with local players that have come through the juniors or been loyal to the club," he said.

Melrose president David Pye had no issues with it.

"There's obviously a reason as to why they've implemented the points system and rather than tackle the main issue, the member clubs have implemented the system to hope to control the situation that has occurred in the league," he said.

Wangaratta has traditionally had two overseas players in its squad most seasons, but president Dom Testoni is supportive of the concept.

"I don't see it as a problem and if it makes the competition more even and fair over the years, I think that's a positive move," he said.

Albury Hotspurs president Brad Howard believes 28 points is "too generous" and can see it being reduced at the end of the season once the review is conducted.