AFL dumps plan to make kids play footy with adults

A CONTENTIOUS plan to force kids to play footy against men and children to take on players up to three years older has been torpedoed in all but one Victorian league.

A CONTENTIOUS plan to force kids to play footy against men has been torpedoed in all but one Victorian league.

The proposal to dump under-16s and under-18s in favour of an under-17s competition in Gippsland was overturned after concerns from parents and coaches about player safety.

The Herald Sun last month revealed AFL Gippsland wanted to shake up junior footy by changing age groups and had drafted recommendations to allow 14-year-olds to play against 17-year-olds.

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Under the plan, players aged 17 when the footy season starts next year would have been forced to play senior football at 54 clubs across numerous Gippsland leagues.

But after “extensive feedback” and concerns the move could lead to an exodus of ­junior players instead of attracting them, AFL Gippsland dumped the plan.

Chris Gardiner, 27, and Cal, 16, at Ellinbank Recreation Reserve. Picture: Jason Edwards

The under-17s concept will, however, be trialled in the East Gippsland Football Netball League next year and studied by the other competitions.

Footy leaders in the region hailed the decision to retain the under-16 and under-18 competitions.

Ellinbank Junior Football Club president Martin Auldist said it was “a great result for grassroots footy” and a relief that the AFL had listened to the concerns of clubs.

“I am quite certain it would have led to many players being lost to the game,’’ he said.

“Thankfully, common sense prevailed.”

AFL Gippsland spokesman Damen Francis said further consultation was needed and age-group changes could occur in the future.

“It was decided to trial the model in the East Gippsland Football Netball League in season 2019. Not only will this ­address issues around the retention of junior players and their transition to senior football in East Gippsland, but also provide feedback and data to assist in the development of a broader plan regarding underage structures across the ­region,” he said.

“A junior working group will be formed with a view to developing this plan for implementation in 2020.”

Mr Auldist said clubs were relieved 17-year-olds would not be forced to play reserves or seniors irrespective of their ability or physical maturity.

“We’re very happy and there has been a huge positive response from other clubs as well,” he said. “There were player welfare and safety concerns and also worries about retaining players. We would have lost 20 to 30 alone.’’

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