Murray country footy club caught in major salary cap bust

A northern Victorian club has been punished after exceeding its salary cap by more than $54,000 last season. See all the details.

Rumbalara has been hit with total fines of $32,900 for busting the Murray league salary cap by $54,650 last season.

Five charges relating to breaches of the player payment rules by Rumbalara were referred to a Goulburn-Murray disciplinary committee which met on Wednesday night.

The club was fined $27,500, with $13,500 suspended for three years, for breaking the league’s salary cap of $105,000.

It was also fined $3000 for three counts of failing to file player payment documentation by the required deadline and $2400 for 24 counts of failing to lodge individual player declarations and non-declared player payment statements.

The Rumbalara review has been underway since November last year with the club escaping any loss of player points and premiership points for the 2025 season.

Rumbalara didn’t contest the charges and provided a verbal submission to the committee chaired by Bruce Caldwell.

“The hearing committee and integrity officer acknowledges the full co-operation of the club president and officials throughout the review process,” he said.

AFL Goulburn Murray region chairman Quentin Thomson said: “Maintaining integrity in the game at every level is a shared responsibility.

“All leagues, clubs, and players are responsible for complying with established rules and regulations.

“AFLGM remains committed to supporting clubs through continued education, training and access to resources to ensure compliance with CCSP requirements.”

Rumbalara finished 10th on the ladder with three wins in the 12-team competition.

The club has been contacted for comment.