CLUBS across the district now know the path forward for the 2021 season.
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Across Victoria, competitions have been forced to cut their salary caps as the full effect of the COVID-19 pandemic begins to show.
The Goulburn Valley League, the region’s premier competition, will still have the highest cap at $125,000 after suffering a 29 per cent cut.
Murray League clubs have been faced with the same cut with the competition’s cap now sitting at $100,000.
AFL Goulburn Murray’s two other affiliated competitions, the Kyabram District and Picola District leagues, have seen their caps cut to $90,000 and $75,000 respectively.
AFL Central Victoria has announced a cap of $106,600 for Heathcote District League clubs.
Meanwhile, it is hoped each club’s allotted player points total for 2021 will be released in the coming weeks.
Here’s what each club in the Riverine Herald’s readership said of the changes.
Echuca president Ash Byrne
“I don’t think there would be too many people who can say they’re surprised by what changes have occurred. I think the figure is very much a realistic one.
“We’re happy with the final figure but at the same time I wouldn't have been shocked if it had have been reduced to $100,000.
“Now we have the opportunity to sit down with the playing group and work out what we want to do next.
“We’re very fortunate that the boys are understanding of the situation the club is in and they are willing to work with us.
“Knowing where the goal posts are, we can move forward with recruiting.”
Echuca United president Ian Johnson
“I’m not shocked the changes (have) been made, I honestly thought prior to the pandemic starting there might have been a reduction coming anyway.
“This is going to be a good decision for grassroots footy in the short and long-term. I think it’s going to go a long way to help some clubs who might have been struggling. It’s going to create a more even playing field for everyone.
“But one of the biggest positives will be that it brings back the love of the game for a lot of people. Hopefully it means more people just want to play and aren’t chasing money.
“We’ve already had a fantastic response from our playing group and they’re looking forward to getting started under Adam (the Eagles’ new coach).
“Knowing the cap so early on is going to make any recruiting a lot easier for everyone.”
Moama president Matt Lake
“This doesn’t come as a surprise to me after some of the discussions which we had been involved in with other clubs. I’m glad the details are out very quickly.
“It’s going to help with the next phase of our recruiting and we’ve already got off to a good start by having a few of the boys re-commit to the club for 2021.
“We’re already well under way into our planning for next season and we remain hopeful we can get back to normal as soon as possible.
“The plan at the moment is to start the season against Echuca United on Good Friday and that’s the date we will be working towards unless anything is to change.
“The club has a lot to look forward to in 2021 and it’s an exciting time to be part of the Moama Football Netball Club.”
Tongala president Darren Maloney
“I’m very happy with where the cap has been set. It means we won’t be competing with other leagues for players because everyone has had to come down.
“These figures mean there is a nicer balance not just across the region but also the state.
“One of the positives is that it’s going to help a lot of clubs financially in the long-term.
“We want to ensure the long-term sustainability of clubs in our region and I think this is going to help with that.”
Leitchville-Gunbower president Gary Kervin
“Personally, I was hoping for it to be a little higher than the proposed figure but I’m still happy with the potential outcome.
“At the same time, I had heard of much more frightening cuts and that could have made it a lot more difficult for clubs.
“Now the challenge is to go out and recruit players to strengthen our playing group. There could be some problems for clubs when it comes to paying players but I’m confident we can work around that.
“I think you’ll see a lot more people playing for the love of the game in future.”
Lockington Bamawm United president Colin Bacon
“We were always expecting the cuts to come but this figure is probably a little steeper than I thought it might have originally been.
“Getting players interested in playing again could be one of the biggest challenges heading into next year. Some might be enjoying the opportunity to spend time with family or make a little bit of extra money on a Saturday.
“Working around the player points system will be an added factor but we’re still yet to find out what the official tally will be.
“We’re fortunate to have a lot of homegrown talent at the club and those are often the guys who are willing to play for a little bit less. Sometimes you have a little bit extra on those who travel because you need to compensate them.
“It’s going to be interesting to see how it all works out.”
Mathoura president Andrew Pridham
“It’s good to have a sense of direction much earlier than we thought.
“Originally, we were told we might not hear anything until October or November which would have made it a lot harder to recruit.
“I think the biggest positive is that all leagues have reduced in one way or another which means no-one is being left behind. It feels like there could be more bargaining power for clubs in what some people might consider to be lesser competitions.
“All of the changes are going to go a long way to helping the long-term sustainability of community clubs which a big win. There is less revenue to try and raise which does ease the pressure on everyone from the committee to sponsors.
“This year has been extremely difficult for all clubs and we’re looking forward to the positive things which are yet to come.”
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