GSFL 2024: Sharks given four-point boost, Magpies and Bulls receive 10-point buffer in player point amendment

The Great Southern Football League has amended its player points allocation endorsed by WA Country Football to ensure integrity and evenness across the league. Albany was handed an additional four concessional points to their 2024 player points total despite their meteoric rise to premiers last year. The Sharks were meant to have 30 points for season 2024 but were given an additional four concessional points because it was seen by the GSFL as “unfair” to drop them from 50 points — 2023 total — down to 30 in one season. Players are attributed points, up to six, based on a framework developed by Country Football WA, determined by the highest level of competition they have played in the past five seasons. GSFLW operations manager Ian Beeck said should the Sharks win the flag again this year, no additional concessions will be awarded. “The system is currently set for this year where the premiers will have 30 points the following year,” he said. “Due to the lengthy story of Albany Sharks and concessions given to them over the years, it was felt unfair they drop from 50 to 30 in one year, so they were given four extra points.” “I envisage if we continue using this system, and the Sharks win the flag this year, they will drop to 30 points only, no other concessions.” Last year’s runners-up Railways have 31 points, three up from last season and Royals and North Albany get a four-point boost from their 2023 totals of 28 and 32 respectively. Mt Barker and Denmark-Walpole were meant to possess 34 and 38 points respectively but will be buoyed by an extra 10 concessional points to ensure they remain competitive in the competition. The league has instilled a rule whereby any player transferring from the Bulls and Magpies to another GSFL club, including these two, will automatically attract a value of four points with the exception that it is their club of origin in which case they would be worth one point.