SANFL to meet with clubs to discuss adding player to bench

THE SANFL is to consider changing the size of the bench and will meet with the clubs at the end of the season. Live blog with Warren Partland at 12.30pm on Thursday

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THE bench for SANFL games next season is tipped to grow to four players following a strong push from clubs.

The state body will meet with the clubs at the end of the season to discuss adding another player to the bench as part of its review of the laws of the game.

SANFL general manager of football Adam Kelly said the subject was definitely on the table for discussion following an approach from several clubs.

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“A call will be made at the end of the year,” he said. “It is fair to say come clubs, I can’t say all clubs, have indicated their preference to extend the interchange to four.

“We are happy to discuss it at the end of the year, once we get everyone’s view on that. Because we have not canvassed broadly, we have not had any negative feedback from clubs.

“It has been more the clubs who want the change who have come to us. We have not had anyone say it is not a good idea.”

Central’s Isaya McKenzie on a stretcher on the boundary line. Picture Sarah Reed

The main reason for clubs wanting to extend the bench is for protection against an injury early in games.

A four-person bench would also be introduced for reserves and Kelly said the clubs who have broached the subject have noted it will provide more opportunities for players.

Kelly said the league would have to determine how the increase in team size impacted on the salary cap.

“What we are hearing is it will provide two more opportunities on a weekend for players to represent their clubs and that would help with player retention,” he said.

“The other feedback we are getting is having four players on the bench will lessen the impact an injury will have on a team or the result.

“If a team is increased to 22 players, we would have to think about whether that fits in the existing cap or not. If it fits within the existing cap it is not going to cost a club any more, there would be no financial impact on the club.”