Northern Football League to consider 23rd player rule for Division 2 and 3

The Northern Football League’s 23rd player rule could be expanded to Division 2 and 3 next season.

S06HB100 Northern Football League Whittlesea v North Heidelberg, Division 2 at Whittlesea Reserve Jordan Ormerod for Whittlesea and JAson Dean for North Heidelberg

THE Northern Football League’s 23rd player rule appears likely to expand to Division 2 and 3 next season after a successful introduction in the top tier.

League boss Peter McDougall said feedback from Division 1 clubs about the rule – which allows them to include an extra senior player under 19 years of age – had been overwhelmingly positive.

The rule has been implemented on two occasions this year with Heidelberg the only club to not take up the option in Round 8.

“We’ve been very pleased with the response from clubs and certainly we’ll look at expanding that in 2015 into second and third division,” McDougall said.

While clubs such as North Heidelberg, Thomastown and Watsonia do not have under-19 teams, McDougall said young reserves players could also be included.

“The rule isn’t about having an under-19 team, it’s more about allowing a player who is under 19 to play as the 23rd man,” he said.

“Those clubs who don’t have an under-19 team may have players eligible playing in their reserves.”

Division 1 clubs have used the rule in different ways, with many blooding players for the first time at senior level.

Others have taken the opportunity to include a more experienced player from their reserves and make a regular senior player under the age limit their 23rd man.

Whittlesea coach Brad Dean said the rule, similar to the 23rd player rule adopted by the Victorian Football League, had been embraced by clubs.

“We’ve just used it to play our best 23 players, because usually we’ve got at least three under-19s in the team each week,” Dean said.

The Eagles have selected Jay Russell and Paul Higgins as their 23rd men in two games this season.

Mernda coach Brett Wilson said the rule would benefit many Division 2 clubs.

“I think it’s tremendous, I’d be rapt if we could get that in Division 2,” Wilson said.

“I think they need to be exposed to senior footy if they want to grow and develop.”

He said the 23rd player rule was a way of rewarding clubs for having strong junior programs.

Hurstbridge coach Jono Manzoney said the Bridges tried to expose their young stars to senior football early.

Heidelberg’s Isaac Edgar booted two goals as the 23rd player against Eltham in Round 4, while Macleod’s Reid Brandt was close to best afield against ­Greensborough.

Division 1 clubs will have the chance to choose a 23rd player two more times this season, in rounds 12 and 16.