It has rolled out a model that also makes allowances for clubs in smaller population centres such as Myrtleford, Corowa-Rutherglen and Yarrawonga.

A cap of 28 points has been set for the five Alb-ury-Wodonga and two Wangaratta clubs, with 31 for the Pigeons and 33 for the Roos and Saints.

The suggested model has set the highest points for players who have played at another O and M club.

The model allocated zero points for players who have played at AFL level and return to their original club, with Pigeons ace Craig Ednie being a modern-day example.

Group member Peter Tossol said the model rewarded clubs that developed and nurtured their own.

“It will encourage O and M clubs to put in at junior league level and devote the time and energy that is required,” he said.

“We believe there is a wonderful opportunity for clubs to make a difference at this level rather than simply going out and recruiting at the highest level to remain competitive.

“What we are proposing doesn’t mean high level recruiting has to cease.

“The incentive of zero points for returning AFL players will encourage Steve Johnson (Wangaratta), Hamish McIntosh (Lavington), Daniel Cross (Albury), Jack Ziebell (Wodonga), Alipate Carlile (Wangaratta Rovers), Jack Crisp and Matt Taberner (Myrtleford) to return to their home clubs.”

The model has also worked in deductions for players based on the length of service they give their new club, but won’t kick in until after two completed seasons.

“This should eliminate the player who hangs around for a year and then departs, and rewards loyalty,” Tossol said.

“We also support the concept that O and M clubs recruit the gems that are hidden within district leagues, like your Craig Tafft or Matt Kelly.”

The allocation of points for the bottom three teams each year is a topic for discussion.

“It is a shared view of the group that a points system could be implemented next year if there was a collective will of clubs to do so,” Tossol said.

“This is a starting point and there is the flexibility to add features if something is missed.”

Group member Jon Henry said examples of premiership teams dating back to 2003 showed clubs could win premierships with up to 12 homegrown players.

“We believe that’s what clubs should be striving for,” he said.

The incentive of zero points for returning AFL players will encourage Steve Johnson (Wangaratta), Hamish McIntosh (Lavington), Daniel Cross (Albury), Jack Ziebell (Wodonga), Alipate Carlile (Wangaratta Rovers), Jack Crisp and Matt Taberner (Myrtleford) to return to their home clubs. PETER TOSSOL

HOW IT COULD WORK

POINTS ALLOCATION

(Based on population disadvantage)

28 - Albury, Lavington, North Albury, Wangaratta, Wangaratta Rovers, Wodonga, Wodonga Raiders

31 - Yarrawonga

33 - Corowa-Rutherglen, Myrtleford

POINTS ASSESSMENT

6 points - player from rival O and M club*

5 points - player +30 AFL senior games

4 points - player 1-29 AFL senior games

4 points - player +30 senior games state league VFL, WAFL, SANFL, NEAFL

3 points - player 0-29 senior games state league VFL, WAFL, SANFL, NEAFL (includes reserves level players)

3 points - player +50 senior games major league*

2 points - player 1-49 senior games major league*

2 points - player TAC Cup from original club

1 points - player district league

0 points - player who has played under 18s for original club. Also 0 points when a player is returning to club of origin from any grade of football including AFL.

DEDUCTIONS

Zero deductions for first two seasons for all players except district league players where deductions apply after 1 season. 1 point deduction for every season thereafter.

DEFINITIONS

*Player from rival OM club:

6 points - player + 40 OM senior games

6 points - player 1-39 OM senior games and 1-3 years at current club

2 points - player 0-39 games OM senior games over 22 years age includes reserve players changing clubs for senior opportunity.

FOR CONSIDERATION

-The club finishing in last position shall receive 3 additional points

-The club finishing in second last position shall receive 2 additional points

-The club finishing in third last position shall receive 1 additional point

The total allowed player points for the following season shall be notified to each club by the OM administration before October 1.

*Major Leagues include Ballarat, Bendigo, Hampden, Gippsland, Northern, Goulburn Valley, Murray, Sunraysia, Geelong, Eastern, Essendon and District, Southern, Western Region, VAFA (A Grade).

EXAMPLES

COROWA-RUTHERGLEN 2003

B: Kuschert (0), Longmire (0), Chisnall (5)

HB: C. Mills (0), Tafft (0), B. Campbell (0)

C: Spencer (0), MacFarlane (6), McKenzie (0)

HF: Joyce (1), J. Campbell (0), Henderson (2)

F: Hanrahan (0), Symes (2) M. Mills (0)

FOLL: Eyers (0), Dickins (0), Witherden (0)

INTER: Harrap (0), Mayhew (0), Palabiski (0)

Total Points: 16

WANGARATTA 2007

B: Cairns (0), Steer (0), Harrington (0)

HB: Trenfield (2), Cosgriff (4), J. Porter (0)

C: Canny (0), D. Porter (0), L. Symons (1)

HF: Lord (3), Henry (0), Hayes (0)

F: Mullins (6), Braden (0), Waite (0)

FOLL: Kirby (3), Higgs (0), Clarke (3)

INTER: J. McCormick (0), Griffin (0), Carmody (0)

Total Points: 22

YARRAWONGA 2013

B: L. Ednie (0), Thompson (3), Handreck (3)

HB: D. Barnes (0), McMillan (0), Dwyer (3)

C: Lawless (0), Leslie (0), O’Brien (2)

HF: Cummins (0), OÇonnor (1), Pettifer (6)

F: C. Ednie (0), Fevola (6), Greer (0)

FOLL: McKee (6), Bonat (0), Cooper (0)

INTER: Hammond (0), C. Whinray (0), M. Gorman (0)

Total Points: 30