Maryborough can borrow players until the end of the season after league steps in

Maryborough’s season has been kept alive after the league stepped in at the last minute to change the rules to keep them on the field. Here is what we know.

Maryborough walk off the ground after their loss to Golden Square earlier this season. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Maryborough has been given special permission by the Bendigo Football Netball League to borrow players for the rest of the season to allow its senior team to keep playing.

For the past few weeks the Magpies have been forced to use opposition players to make ensure a full team can take to the field.

It started against Eaglehawk on June 8 and continued last Saturday against Gisborne.

Last weekend saw four Gisborne’s reserves play for the Magpies in their 118-point loss to the Bulldogs.

Up until June 30 the rules allowed any player to transfer from one club to another for one game before returning back to the original club.

It was part of the transfer rules for AFL Victoria.

But after July 1 this would not be allowed unless the Magpies were given permission to do it.

Maryborough’s Kya Lanfranchi marks the ball under pressure from Golden Square’s Jayden Burke. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

“The BFNL have introduced a permit allowance for direct opposition players only to play for Maryborough on match day permits,” a statement from AFL Central Victoria said.

“(This) is to avoid senior forfeits for the remainder of 2024.”

The rule allows Maryborough to source players from the direct opponents for the weekend, as long as the opposition agrees.

For instance, Sandhurst could loan players to Maryborough this weekend when the two teams play.

It will be the first time the two teams have clashed since Sandhurst defeated Maryborough by 333 points in round four, which was a record loss in the competition.

Sandhurst’s score of 347 was also a record for the most points scored in a game.

AFL Central Victoria said the rule had allowed the season for Maryborough to continue.

“AFL Central Victoria is committed to working with and supporting leagues and clubs to find solutions that are in the best interests of clubs and participants,” it said.