AFL Goulburn Murray regional manager Shaun Connell has welcomed AFL Victoria’s recent announcement on the adjustment to the Player Points System.
The governing body announced last week it would adopt changes to the Player Points System (PPS) for 2024 following a review in conjunction with the Community Club Sustainability Program (CCSP) Advisory Group on rules regarding player payments and points allocations.
The review of the PPS, done after seven seasons since its inception, highlighted the need to adopt an easier and more region-based approach when it comes to clubs and leagues attracting one-point players.
Following the assessment, AFL Victoria determined that the PPS requires localised solutions that are best managed at country or metropolitan level.
Regional hubs may now adopt by-laws clauses that will create a streamlined player pathway approach to how clubs are able to access one-point players for their respective leagues and clubs.
Adoption of specific league or region by-laws is not compulsory.
Any introduced by-laws are not retrospective and can only be applied for the 2024 season.
Proposed by-laws must be approved by AFL Victoria following endorsement by the CCSP Advisory Panel, with the definition of the one-point player category variable depending on local conditions.
Connell was pleased to see the governing body introduce a flexible approach to the PPS.
“It’s the first time in this region that we’ve been able to have the ability to put in measures that are applicable to circumstances of our leagues and clubs,” Connell said.
“Particularly since I’ve come on board 18 months ago, it was clear that there were real challenges with player points for clubs in the region.
“Part of the (AFLGM) commission’s input at state level was have them understand there are regional challenges that don’t fit the cookie cutter approach. We’ve been really proactive in that space as have other regional hubs.
“It’s good we’ve been able to see some changes that have positive impacts on the player points system.”
AFL Victoria also announced it had established a CCSP Integrity Program that would support the delivery of the CCSP at club, country and regional level.
Clubs, leagues and regions will receive toolkits to help guide, provide links to key documents and establish important dates throughout the year for the management of the CCSP.