An AFL Western District junior review recommended both the Hampden and Warrnambool and District league clubs were capped at 26 players across all junior grades.

It found under 12 to under 16 grades should field just 16 juniors – two less than the current system – to reduce reliance on permit players.

Five players will be allowed on the bench.

The recommendation also said clubs should be forced to disclose the number of players it had listed at the start of each season, so any overflow of players could be directed to teams struggling with numbers.

Review committee chairman Matthew Irving said the changes were put in place solely to improve junior football.

“What we’re trying to do is make the sport stronger. I know some people might be a bit upset but its not about individuals or just one club, it’s about the betterment of football,” he said.

“By putting caps in place, we hope we can create opportunity for kids who are missing out on football. 

“We haven’t had a junior football review in this region for a very long time and it will take some time to come around. 

“In 12 months time, we’ll be able to analyse the effect it has had. I understand if people are frustrated with the changes, but we have to embrace it and move forward (for the game to grow).”

Irving said the committee hoped less reliance on permit players would prevent juniors from burning out from playing two or three games per week across multiple leagues.

The former Terang Mortlake coach expected the review to encourage clubs to prioritise junior programs.

“We want to see clubs spending money on their junior programs to promote the game,” Irving said.

“We want the right coaches in place because these kids can potentially stick around for 10 to 15 years.

“We want less kids doubling up for games and playing twice over the weekend, so they can avoid burning out, and it will give Johnny in the back pocket who is out there for a kick the chance to play more footy.”

East Warrnambool president Justin Balmer backed the review’s recommendations as “a positive step”.

“It will put more players back in the system. I know one club had 35 under 18 players last season – you can’t play that many,” he said.

“With lists of 26, clubs can manage that and I think the change will put players back into clubs struggling for numbers.”

It will be adopted by both the Hampden and Warrnambool and District clubs as of next season, and will be reviewed at the end of the year.