Gippsland: Finals qualification rules still awaiting confirmation
A major country league general manager has welcomed the potential axing of a rule that presently favours city over country leagues.
A rule stopping some VFL-listed players taking part in country finals that has been enforced by many leagues statewide is headed for the scrap heap.
The rule, which prevents a player who has played more than 12 VFL matches being eligible for finals at an aligned country club, has been “recommended” to be removed in 2026.
AFL Victoria has also confirmed leagues ultimately have the power to set their own rules for finals eligibility regardless of the 12-match rule.
With finals less than a month away, country clubs are monitoring on a weekly basis what VFL-listed players will be available.
Some already have been ruled out after busting the 12-match limit.
The Gippsland league has not enforced the rule like other major leagues including Hampden, Goulburn Valley and Ovens & Murray.
Hampden general manager Trent Hill welcomed the possibility of the rule being scrapped.
“We’ve asked the question where it all sits,” he said.
“The reason being metro is different to country and our question was why is it different?
“We should be all playing under the same rules.”
Gippsland premiers of the last two seasons, Traralgon and Leongatha, have had players who have played more than VFL 12 matches.
Clubs again recruited players for 2025 on the basis the same rules would apply.
The status quo is set to remain in Gippsland this season after AFL Victoria community football manager John O’Donohue confirmed “any player eligibility or ineligibility under country rules is determined by the relevant league”.
Gippsland has been contacted to confirm the finals eligibility rules to be enforced this year.
Premiership contenders Moe and Leongatha are eager to qualify Casey Demons player Riley Baldi and Port Melbourne’s Dyson Heppell respectively.
“AFL Victoria Country rules are a framework for the administration of country leagues and have been subject to amendments since the Victorian Country Football League integration into AFL Victoria and the region model,” O’Donohue said.
“The administration of country rules is managed at league level in the first instance including the VFL player finals qualification issue, not AFL Victoria.
“In their determinations, they can assess all relevant matters and make an informed decision.
“AFL Victoria has no jurisdiction in those determinations.
“We have a policy reference group who considers policy amendments and who consult with their metro and country cohorts.
“There is a recommendation that it be removed following support from regions.
“This will be progressed further in the off season with AFL Vic leadership for potential adoption in 2026.”
More Coverage
‘Avalanche effect’: How Wang Rovers are building a dynasty in equalisation era
