Paynesville, Hill End, Nyora, Cowwarr and Gormandale successful with bids for more player points
AFL Gippsland confirms the clubs that will receive extra player points and salary cap space in 2026 as one prepares to welcome a triple AFL premiership player this weekend.
East Gippsland league club Paynesville has been given a shot at reversing its on field fortunes with a player points boost for 2026.
Paynesville, which has finished on or near the bottom since the Covid-ruined seasons of 2020-21, will have 50 player points next season — an increase of five.
It’s the biggest recipient of points in Gippsland with club applications for extra points confirmed by AFL Gippsland this week.
Paynesville vice-president and football co-ordinator Luke Smith confirmed it sought 10 more points, but hopes the extra five points will translate into a reversal in fortunes.
“In a polite way of putting it we’re uncompetitive presently,” he said.
“At the end of 2024 we had a significant number of departures, including a large number of juniors who were on a very low points value.
“You lose a point and you have to replace them with a player who is at least three or up to five.
“We’re fortunate most of our players from 2025 will be staying on.
“We obviously want to get better, but with points systems and salary caps it makes things a bit more challenging.”
Paynesville didn’t apply for extra cash in its salary cap for 2026, but the four four other clubs that also received additional player points next year did.
Cowwarr was successful in applying for four more points to move to 49, which assists in being able to accommodate three star recruits from the Gippsland league, Tristen Waack, Jack Johnstone and Shannen Lange.
Gormandale has also been given four more points (46 to 50) as have Mid Gippsland club Hill End (46 to 50) and Ellinbank District club Nyora (45 to 49).
Cowwarr’s salary cap is going from $70,000 to $76,000 and Gormandale is going from $70,000 to $80,000.
Toora is going from $70,000 to $78,000 and Nyora has had an increase from $78,750 up to $83,750.
Paynesville has also suffered a churn of coaches since 2020-21, but has signed Michael Boothey on a two-year deal to provide some stability.
Last year’s percentage of only 13 per cent was the lowest in the league’s history and Paynesville also didn’t field an under-17.5 team.
To help boost the club’s profile, dual Brisbane premiership player and former Gippslander Josh Dunkley will conduct a junior clinic on Sunday.
Another East Gippsland club, Boisdale-Briagolong had a six-points boost from 39 in 2022 to 45 the following season when it made the grand final.
Last year, Boisdale-Briagolong returned to 39 points and won the flag.
