Changes flagged for footy

Further changes to senior Gippsland football league structures could be in the pipeline for next season.

AFL Gippsland general manager Travis Switzer has indicated there could be a further review of leagues in light of “some undeniable issues in South Gippsland”.

The creation of a new West Gippsland football netball competition for last season left the Alberton league with just seven clubs, some of which struggled to field sides in all three grades.

Several of those clubs have been checking out the prospects of moves to other leagues in region and have raised concerns with AFL Gippsland about their future viability unless there is change.

Mr Switzer said potential solutions were being looked at and more details on the issue would emerge in the near future.

Also getting plenty of off-season attention by the regional commission is the full introduction of salary caps and player points systems for all leagues.

Mr Switzer said this would be a “big focus” this year after the measures to help sustain clubs had soft launches over the past two seasons.

He said both policies will be enforced with clubs facing investigation and sanctions for any perceived breaches

AFL Gippsland will offer players and clubs education on their obligations before their seasons get underway.