Weekly Times |HOPEFULLY clubs are happy with their playing lists because it’s on their shoulders that premiership hopes now rest.
The application window for clearances officially closed yesterday, but should changes to the national player transfer regulations be ticked off, clearances will open much sooner than usual.
AFL Victoria’s proposal is for transfers to be allowed between November 1 and December 15, in addition to the usual time frame of February 1 and June 30.
But the changes need to be approved at the top before they can come into effect.
“The changes would see a transfer period open prior to Christmas to better align the regulations with current recruiting practices,” AFL Victoria community football manager Brett Connell said.
“The working party will continue to seek feedback from leagues and regional commissions throughout the testing period of the Community Club Sustainability Program before a final decision is made on these changes.
“They will also be discussed with the AFL before the end of the testing period, with the AFL overseeing the national transfer regulations that Victorian community competitions abide by.”
The closure of the clearance window signals an end to one-offs for the season.
Former Collingwood player Brodie Holland kicked four goals for Gormandale in the North Gippsland league on Saturday but lodged a clearance back to the Riddell District league the next day. Ex-Richmond player Shane Tuck was also seeking to be cleared to the SAAFL the day after helping Walpeup-Underbool to its first win in the Mallee league this season.
There have been some last- minute recruiting coups, including Port Adelaide Magpies captain and Sydney Swans player James Meiklejohn joining Kyneton last month.
Meiklejohn is yet to play his first game with the Bendigo league club and it is unclear when his work commitments will allow him to do so.
The Tigers are eighth on the ladder, but still in the finals race with four wins this season.
