Baxter Mensch’s player points reclassification blindsides Sunraysia rivals

AFL Sunraysia remains in the crosshairs of clubs following a downgrading of player points for a Robinvale-Euston star recruit.

Sunraysia league clubs remain dissatisfied with AFL Sunraysia’s explanation on a contentious reduction in a Robinvale-Euston star recruit’s player points a month into the season.

AFL Sunraysia regional manager Ange Ballinger emailed clubs late last week attempting to explain how the player points for Baxter Mensch went from four to three in a move that enables Robinvale-Euston to field its best possible line-up under the team cap of only 31 points.

The reduction on Mensch’s points coincided with those for teammate Jayden Magro increasing from four to five in the lead-up to Robinvale-Euston’s round 4 loss to Red Cliffs.

The Weekly Times unsuccessfully sought an explanation on the changes from AFL Sunraysia after the Red Cliffs defeat.

AFL Victoria confirmed that Robinvale-Euston was successful with a reassessment of Mensch’s points based on “compassionate grounds”.

Baxter Mensch playing for Torquay last year. Picture: Mike Dugdale

But rival clubs are upset that the changes weren’t communicated with them.

The matter has been added to the agenda of an SFNL presidents’ meeting this week.

Imperials president Dale Stafford said: “We’re all in the dark.

“There was no communication or explanation to clubs on the reasoning why there was a point deduction.

“Clubs have to be transparent with the SFNL and AFL Vic on all levels.

“But we’re not being shown the same respect.

“It flies in the face of our club requesting additional points at the start of the season based on the fact we don’t have the junior players at the moment to come into the team and be one-point players.”

Ms Ballinger defended the handling of the matter in an email to club presidents late last week, stating Mensch was “approved for a one-point deduction according to the criteria contained within the policy”.

“I can comprehensively state that at no point has there been any deviation from policy,” she wrote.

“I would also like to reassure SFNL clubs that as your region manager I am here to help you should you find yourselves in a situation where a reasonable and legitimate solution can be found within our policies.”

Clubs have also pointed out the reclassification of Mensch’s points were made in contravention of SFNL bylaws that any changes can only be made within seven days of them being “confirmed and locked” by the league.

Robinvale-Euston is playing on only 31 points this season due to a salary cap breach from 2023 season with penalties including the loss of six player points for this season.

Originally published as Baxter Mensch’s player points reclassification blindsides Sunraysia rivals