NFL clubs to have say on details of player points system before its introduction next year

NORTHERN Football League clubs will have an opportunity to shape the framework of a proposed player points system before its introduction.

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NORTHERN Football League clubs will have an opportunity to shape the framework of a proposed player points system before its introduction.

AFL Victoria is expected to implement a points system in competitions across the state from 2016 in an effort to curtail skyrocketing player payments.

Several leagues — including Ballarat and Ovens and Murray — will be part of a trial cap this season.

NFL chief executive Peter McDougall said the league would not follow a similar path, instead seeking extensive feedback from clubs before deciding its next move.

“It’s important that we go through a consultation process with our clubs and give them their chance to provide their thoughts and feedback,” McDougall said.

“I’ve met with all our club presidents and discussed the whole program.

“They’ve now got a range of questions to respond back to us with. With that, we’ll collate their responses and present that back to the clubs midyear.”

McDougall said the timing of an announcement on the scope of the points system needed to be carefully considered.

“It’s important that our clubs, if anything comes in, are given sufficient time to implement it,” he said.

“If they start recruiting players at a certain time of the year, they need to be aware what system is in place before they commit to players.

“It’s not something you can bring in, even during the mid off-season, because clubs would have already signed players up.”

NFL presidents have previously raised concerns about rising player wages, with one stating it costs more than $200,000 to be competitive in Division 1.

“The general consensus is that player payments (are) a concern, escalating player payments and the pressure they place on clubs,” McDougall said.

“In particular the volunteers, who are trying to raise the funds.

“It’s a matter of now finding out individually from each club what they think would be the preferred solution, if anything.

“That’s what we’re waiting on at this stage.”