Wimmera: Southern Mallee fails in points reduction for Western Australian recruit

Southern Mallee Thunder has failed with a player points deduction, but wants the statewide policy changed to know why.

Southern Mallee Thunder is frustrated by the lack of transparency on player points deduction requests following a rejection this week.

The Wimmera club lodged a bid for one point to be reduced from Western Australian recruit Angus Dewar’s classification as a six-pointer based on one match in the AFL.

Thunder was informed this week its request was knocked back, but wanted to understand the reasons behind the call by the regional player points panel that sat in judgment.

AFL Victoria rules state no reason has to be given for or against any player points reduction decision.

“We can cop the decision not going in our favour, but what we don’t like is the lack of explanation on the why it got knocked back,” Thunder list manager Greg Bellinger said.

“There is no transparency whatsoever.

“We’ve seen this year where clubs have had points reduced and been left wondering why that was the case.

“We know there is a review of the player points policy going on at the moment and improving transparency with the system would be a welcome move.”

Angus Dewar training with Hawthorn in 2016. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

The response to Thunder seen by The Weekly Times states: “The Wimmera-Mallee region player points panel has read and considered your request.

“They have declined your request to reduce Angus Dewar, he will remain allocated six points for 2025.

“We do wish you all the best for season 2025”.

“COMMONSENSE CALL”

Wimmera club Southern Mallee Thunder will lodge a player points deduction exemption request this week for a recruit it believes is unfairly classified as a maximum point player.

Angus Dewar made his debut for Thunder last round against Nhill as a six-pointer due to playing one AFL match in 2022.

But Thunder list manager Greg Bellinger said solid grounds existed to apply for a one-point reduction because Dewar’s one match for West Coast was when the club had to scramble for replacements when listed players were ruled out under Covid health and safety protocols.

“He wasn’t on an AFL list at the time,” Bellinger said.

“He was playing for Subiaco and just got plucked out to play for West Coast.

“Common sense tells you he is eligible for a one-point reduction based on his player history.

“He wasn’t drafted to the Eagles, he wasn’t an official AFL player at the time.”

West Coast Eagles “recruits” called up due to Covid-related protocols in 2022, from left, Callum Jamieson, Jack Williams, Angus Dewar, Stefan Giro and Aaron Black. (Photo by Michael Willson AFL Photos)

Originally from Ongerup in regional Western Australia, Dewar was drafted by Hawthorn in 2010 and played 25 matches before being delisted at the end of 2016.

Player points rules state a player will be a six-pointer if they have played at least one AFL senior match in the current or previous three seasons.

Dewar played for WAFL club Subiaco last year and has relocated to Melbourne to pursue an NFL punting role.

“We’re not bringing a bloke in to try and win a premiership,” Bellinger said.

“We just want to put two (senior) teams on the park.”

Bellinger hoped AFL Wimmera-Mallee would look on the points deduction favourably in light of other changes made this season.

Reasons why a player’s points can be reassessed include: the age of a player, especially if the player is looking to play at a higher level; injury history; recent playing history of the player; the living, schooling and work arrangements of the player; or any other relevant consideration.

After playing off in the last two grand finals, Southern Mallee is outside the top five with only two wins.