KOLORA-Noorat president Matt Clarke has raised concerns that clubs playing an extra game in the Warrnambool and District league could also be hit with additional salary cap pressures.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Power is one of four WDFNL teams set to play 17 games, rather than 16, in 2017.
Salary caps won’t be enforced in the Western District until the following season, but the anomaly could pose a problem if Deakin University sits out again in 2018.
“If the salary cap is $80,000, that works out to be about $4500 a week,” Clarke said.
“Effectively, the sides with an extra bye have that extra room in the salary cap. Realistically, $4000 is a real A-grade player to be able to fit into their salary cap.”
Clubs will start adopting AFL Victoria salary cap policy measures, which will be rolled out across the state, next season and are expected to start working towards proposed cap figures.
There will be no penalties for breaches in the first season.
AFL Western District regional manager Lachy Patterson said while there was no procedure in place around byes in the salary cap policy yet, he was sure a “sensible solution” could be reached if and when issues arise.
Fixturing concerns, such as planning for byes, will be one of the tasks it is hoped the new regional administration centre will assist leagues with when it launches in February.
The Standard understands the WDFNL may discuss any fixture concerns when its executive meets again in the New Year.
Susie Giese
Susie Giese is a sports reporter at The Standard in Warrnambool
Susie Giese is a sports reporter at The Standard in Warrnambool
