MOST presidents favour reducing playing numbers in the reserves to ensure clubs can put teams on the park. Of the 155 club presidents who returned their surveys, 101 said they supported the reduction of on-field numbers so clubs could continue fielding reserves teams.
Last year, the Golden Rivers League allowed senior teams to take the field with just 16 players.
Reserves sides could field as few as 14 players, but most presidents indicated they would be in favour of a drop to 16.
Golden Rivers League chief executive Keith den Houting said the rule was designed to give every club as much opportunity to play as possible. After almost two seasons of the rule being in place and working well, den Houting said he supported introducing it state-wide.
"All we're looking for is flexibility. The clubs can decide on the day by mutual agreement to play with those numbers," den Houting said.
"We don't get involved, we just set those guidelines - it's a fairly simple process."
Den Houting said the rule was about making sure players could have a kick at the weekend. "That's what it's all about up here," he said. "If we lose that, we might as well all leave."
Jerilderie Football Club president Des McRae said he fully supported a reduction.
"There should be an across the board reduction to 16 a side. We've lost too many clubs already," McRae said.
"It is amazing how much easier it is to get to play more open footy. As a code we have put too many bodies on the field at once.
"So many people say, 'It's not football unless you play with 18' - I just don't agree with that.
"We've just got to take a look around and see what the best fit is for country footy."
By Matt Windley
Article first appeared The Herald Sun August 22, 2009
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