Daylesford coach Marcus Goonan has questioned AFL Goldfields’ decision not to penalise any of the Central Highlands Football League clubs which have breached their player points allocations this season.
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The Bulldogs were defeated in round one by a Beaufort side found to have been over their limit and have been vocal in wanting the result overturned. Goonan said Daylesford was disappointed with the decision, given the majority of clubs in the league had not breached their allocations.
“We’ve written to AFL Goldfields seeking more clarification around the decision,” Goonan said.
“Our main issue is around the fact they’ve put this system in and most teams have abided by the system but you’ve got some clubs outside that who’ve not worried about it, whether it was the clubs themselves or an administration problem.”
In a document seen by The Courier released to CHFL board members and club presidents, AFL Goldfields said the audit had found 66 senior footballers throughout the competition had received an incorrect points allocation.
The revised PPA’s put five teams over their club allocation in 18 games so far this season, with the most recent breach being Ballan’s win against Rokewood Corindhap in round 12.
Of the 18 breaches revealed in the AFL Goldfields statement, Ballan was found to be over on three occasions (rounds seven, 10 and 12), Beaufort on five occasions (one, two, three, six and eight), Hepburn on four occasions (one, two, six and seven), Skipton on five occasions (two, four, five, six and eight) and Springbank in one game (three).
“We’ve done the right thing and we’re going to be penalised for it,” Goonan said.
The AFL Goldfields statement said the audit should be considered a “line in the sand”, and that any breaches in the future may see the match overturned or fines imposed.
The statement also said AFL Goldfields would be seeking feedback from clubs on ways the framework can be improved for the coming seasons.
