Temora is the latest Farrer League club to apply for relief under the player points system while Charles Sturt University have also indicated they intend to lodge an application in the wake of The Rock-Yerong Creek's successful bid.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Magpies' approval for an additional two points means they stay on a 38-point limit as the ceiling drops to 36 points in the Farrer and Riverina Leagues.
It sparked plenty of talk at rival clubs. AFL Southern NSW community football manager Paul Habel said the League Equalisation Panel (LEP) assesses every case on its merits.
"I haven't had any questions directly of me in regards to The Rock but obviously people have seen the decision and make their own assumptions," Habel said.
"The policy clearly states that every club has the ability to make applications for points, if clubs think they've got a valid reason to apply.
"Temora have made an application. CSU are thinking about it."
Habel said there's nothing flippant about the process. Clubs must first provide extensive information before an application goes to the LEP for a thorough examination of their circumstances.
Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes had a request denied.
TRYC's was approved, with a caveat.
"The conditions on The Rock are that AFL Riverina and AFL NSW-ACT will sit with the club and work through their procedures, their governance," Habel said.
"It's a bit of a club review, look at their committee and general administration, their recruiting, and how they work with the junior club to retain players and pathways.
"It's about assisting the club and working together in partnership to get an action plan in the best interests of footy as well as that club."
Habel said the criteria for consideration includes a club's recent ladder positions, junior numbers and ability to recruit.
He noted the expertise among LEP members, Scott Oehm, Ben Creighton, Rob Richards and Phil Hatty.
"It's a bit deeper than just wanting two more points. The LEP, with their knowledge and experience, they've all been around clubs and understand the environment," Habel said.
"Everyone will have an opinion on whether a club should or shouldn't get points but I'll reinforce that the LEP looks at all the information available about recruiting etcetera, and the criteria in the policy.
"They also take into account any other information they might like to get from the club."
He said AFL NSW-ACT and AFL Riverina is aware of the issues regarding junior numbers at some clubs, and the viability of succession into seniors, and the policies are about helping clubs.
MORE SPORTS NEWS
