GRAND finalists Kolora-Noorat and Old Collegians have been dealt reduced player ranking points despite Hampden league counterpart Port Fairy being given more.
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Both Warrnambool and District league grand finalists have landed 42-point caps for the upcoming season, a three-point drop on their allowance of 45 last year.
It’s a stark contrast to the Hampden league – with beaten grand finalist Port Fairy (42) handed two points more than premiership outfit Koroit.
Ranking points were introduced by AFL Victoria as an equalisation tool and encourage clubs to prioritise juniors and player retention, with home-grown talent worth just one point.
Ex-AFL or VFL talent, meanwhile, can cost up to five points.
Kolora-Noorat coach Danny Finn said the club was determined to retain players after its premiership triumph.
“It’s not an issue for us at the moment and we’ve definitely got some room to move,” he said.
“I think (putting an emphasis on juniors) is the only way forward – and with the cap, it might take clubs 10-20 years to get it fully right.”
Warrnambool and District Football Netball League president Ken McSween said the points cap was fair throughout his league.
He said clubs were becoming more resourceful in their recruiting and were determined to develop juniors.
East Warrnambool and Russells Creek have the highest points cap, with 48 allocated. Panmure is the third-highest on 46.
