Panthers first to breach points cap
THE QAFL’S contentious equalisation measures are set for a review after power club Morningside became the first to be fined for a cap breach.
Morningside were fined $3000 for breaching the points cap in a match against the Western Magpies earlier this season.
The Panthers sit fourth on the ladder on percentage but are one of three clubs tied for second place with 36 points.
The player points and salary caps have caused dissent across the league with some clubs claiming they are unable to field their best 22 each week.
Others with smaller junior nurseries say the salary cap restricts their ability to recruit players. The league requested feedback from club presidents last week which is set to form the basis of a review into the system.
Each side can have a maximum of 51 points a game with players assigned ranking points attached to their experience and achievements. Recently retired or delisted AFL players earn the maximum of seven points atop a sliding scale down to one point which applies to those playing seniors at their junior club.
The clubs support a points cap but say the league got the rankings wrong.
It is understood Morningside did not realise an emergency player drafted in as a late replacement for their captain had a higher ranking despite not having played at QAFL level before.
AFL Queensland’s football operations boss Barry Gibson said in a statement to News Corp that he was satisfied the breach was unintentional.
“In assessing the circumstance that led to this breach, AFL Queensland determined the breach to be completely unintentional as the situation that resulted in the breach occurred by virtue of their captain (1 point player) injuring himself on the Saturday before a Sunday game. He was subsequently replaced by one of their listed emergencies who was a three (3) point player, albeit the emergency hadn’t previously played senior football.
“The club received a significant financial sanction and this was communicated to all QAFL clubs at the time the sanction was handed down.’’