The GCA to allow first grade substitute players in the top three divisions

There could be a greater number of imports in the GCA this season while the T20 tournament has been tweaked. See all the incoming rule changes.

North Geelong celebrate Lachie Hayes' catch of Dylan Hodge in GCA1 grand final. Picture: Wes Cusworth

First grade teams in the top three divisions of the GCA will be allowed to name substitute players in two-day matches this summer.

However, teams must adhere to the player points team cap of 40 points on each day of play, an association letter to local clubs reveals.

The changes, following club feedback through surveys and follow up engagement, will be included in an updated version of the GCA regulations prior to the start of the 2025-26 season.

With substitutes needing to be named on the team sheet prior to the toss of the coin, it follows the existing system in second grade cricket.

Meanwhile, the association will retain the tactical format in first grade in the top two divisions with games to start at 12.15pm, play a minimum of 85 overs in a day with a compulsory close at 90 overs.

“This is designed to encourage more results by (teams) pushing through their overs and giving the team batting second more time to chase a target,” the letter said.

North Geelong celebrate winning the 2024-25 GCA1 grand final. Picture: Wes Cusworth

There will be no change to the points allocation for draws, with only bonus points allocated as they were in 2024-25.

First and second grade teams in the top three divisions will wear coloured clothing and use a white ball in one day matches.

GCA1 second grade will also revert to a two-day format with play to start at 12.15pm with 80 overs per day.

In another tweak to the rules, division one and two clubs can field two international players from second grade down.

Division three and four will be able to field two international players in the one team, subject to compliance with the team points cap.

Shane Bremner was best on ground in Thomson’s GCA3 premiership win back in March. Picture : Mark Wilson

Newcomb & District in GCA4 have already announced four recruits – Edward Hurst, Huey Neild, Shay Williams and Emilia Maddison – from the UK through the CricX recruitment agency.

Highton, who have been demoted to GCA2, has landed Kiwi recruit Isaac Bird while Lethbridge, who have been promoted to GCA3, have re-signed Dorset player Thomas Saunders.

Meanwhile, GCA1 fourth grade will become a 45-over competition in response to “stronger player and club appetite for one day cricket at this level”.

Second grade teams in fourth division will play one day matches before the Christmas break in coloured clothing and using white balls before reverting to whites and a red ball after the break and for finals.

Highton has recruited New Zealander Isaac Bird. Picture: Supplied.

Players must also play at least 40 per cent of available playing days during the home and away season in an individual grade to qualify for finals.

“When playing days or rounds are abandoned, the men’s committee will advise on the number of playing days required to qualify for finals,” the letter stated.

“No player shall play in a finals match unless they have previously played a minimum of 40 per cent of available playing days during the home and away season with that team or teams competing in a lower grade or grades with the club in the current season.

“Junior grades are considered to be lower grades.”

In the T20 competitions, clubs can mutually agree to arrange to move a Tuesday fixture to another day as long as it occurs during the same week.

However, requests must occur at least seven days before the match.

Each club can select one marquee player.

The GCA’s men’s committee chair, Daniel Breen, said the changes were designed to encourage broad participation, positive cricket and options to accommodate a range of abilities and playing preferences.

Originally published as The GCA to allow first grade substitute players in the top three divisions