Clubs speak out on controversial player points
The majority of the Great Southern Football League clubs have raised concerns about changes being made to the current player points system after the start of the season.
After GSFL president Joe Burton came out this week and backed the controversial player points system, the six participating clubs have had their say on the hot topic.
The Albany Advertiser canvassed all six GSFL club presidents this week, putting to them three questions around the player points and the responses were not in favour of rules or team points allocations changing on the run.
A sub-clause in an existing by-law around club of origin was removed after the opening round, individual player points ratings were changed and now the team allocations of three traditional Albany clubs Royals, Railways and North Albany were also increased.
All six clubs said they were in support of the concept of the points system and why it was introduced.
The Lions made a statement, saying they supported the rules and allocations that were introduced prior to 2018 but have since changed.
“Royals Football and Sporting Club appreciates that a valid points system may be necessary to assist in evening out the competition in the GSFL,” president Adam Powell said.
“Furthermore Royals has supported the points PPV rules and allocations that were first introduced in 2018.”
Tigers president Andrew Want said his club had concerns about the system in its current form and questioned why changes were being made during the season.
“We absolutely support the points system but not in its current form,” Want said.
“We would prefer preparation and planning to policy on the run.”
Mt Barker president Dean Wallinger said his club was supportive of the system but were unhappy things were are being changed mid-season. “We support it, if it’s set right and to achieve what it’s supposed to achieve,” he said.
“Our biggest gripe is the changes, on the eve of the season and then call a meeting without any discussion and just change things like club of origin.
“Now a couple of weeks into the season and we’re changing the rules.”
Albany president Geoff Oldfield challenged the move to give three Albany clubs an extra point.
“The points system is brought in to help struggling clubs not bring down strong clubs,” Oldfield said.
“I’m not overly worried about them going to 28 points but how does it help giving the three top clubs an extra point?”
Kangas president Iian Woods agreed team points allocations should not change once the season has begun.
“You can’t change the rules once you start, everyone has done their planning,” he said.
“Going to the WACFL six-point system next year will clarify things and remove the ability of individuals to drive their own agenda.”
Denmark-Walpole president Kim Barrow said the system simply had to remain to ensure the future of a six-team competition.
“It’s probably better all cut and dried before the season started,” he said.
“The system helps even things out a little bit, ourselves and Mt Barker lack the population the Albany guys have access to.
“There are three strong clubs and three hanging in there; if you want the six-team competition to work you’ve got to try and help the weaker clubs.”
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