Broadford’s big leap: What league concessions could be offered?

Broadford has a coach for its Bendigo league debut next year and now attention has turned to what help it needs to be competitive.

Bendigo league newcomer Broadford will be the recipient of some of the most generous salary cap and player points concessions since the equalisation measures were introduced nearly a decade ago.

Broadford is embarking on one of the most ambitious on-field revival’s undertaken in country football from two years in recess and playing in a major league for the first time.

Broadford, which has played in the Heathcote District, Riddell District and Outer East division two leagues since 2008, took a big step forward late last week with the signing of former Hawthorn and North Melbourne key position player Nathan Thompson as coach.

Corowa-Rutherglen is a recent example of a club coming out of recess with additional points and money to spend on players.

In 2024 it had 60 player points and an extra $25,000 in the salary cap.

Corowa-Rutherglen has won three matches in its second season out of recess with more player points and a higher salary cap compared to its Ovens & Murray rivals. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

This season, Corowa-Rutherglen’s points and cap concessions were wound back by five and $12,500 respectively.

Corowa-Rutherglen has won three matches in the Ovens & Murray league this season following a major list overhaul from 2024.

Rushworth also had 60 points when its senior team only came out of recess in 2024 and has 50 points this year with the club in contention to play finals in the Kyabram District league.

But a case could be mounted for Broadford to have even more player points and money to spend on players given the rise in standard the team will encounter, and a desire to be as competitive as possible.

AFL Central Victoria regional manager Cameron Tomlins said no team points or salary caps had been confirmed for 2026.

“Our region is currently reviewing points and salary cap data in direct consultation with leagues to develop 2026 recommendations, which will include Broadford,” he said.

“I would suggest we are at least a couple of weeks away from having recommendations prepared, before confirmed values will be set later in August.”

Gisborne and Sandhurst both play on 39 points in the Bendigo league. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Thompson said last week: “It is really important the league and clubs and people around country footy in Bendigo really get behind what we’re doing and actually be a bit positive about it.

“The only reason I’m involved and all the other people are involved is because we believe in what we’re doing.

“The most important thing is the planning that has been put in place.”

The Bendigo league salary cap remained at $125,000 this season, equating to an average $7812 spend per match.

Player points totals range from last year’s grand finalists Sandhurst and Gisborne playing on 39 points to Kangaroo Flat and Castlemaine on 46 points.

Maryborough had 46 points in 2024 before going into recess this year.

One Bendigo club official speaking on the condition of anonymity said: “Unfortunately Bendigo footy is not what it wants to be standard-wise presently.

“We’re all trying hard to improve that, but the last thing we need is a new team that is totally uncompetitive.”