BRENDAN LINES
THE RFL Independent competition could be reduced to a 16-a-side format this year.
The radical change has been put to the SANFL by club delegates and follows last week’s dissolution of the Lyrup Football Club.
Other proposed changes for the 2021 Independent season include extended benches and a new ‘one man in defence’ rule.
Riverland Football League president Shane Uren said the proposed changes are aimed at helping “a few clubs still struggling with numbers”.
“It’ll give clubs a bit of breathing space coming off a year where there was no football,” he said.
“If we can get some football happening it’s definitely easier to recruit while you’re playing.
“So, clubs might be able to put themselves in a better position come 2022.”
The proposed changes will be flexible allowing 17-a-side or 18-a-side games to be played, if squad sizes allow, maximising players’ game time.
The 16-a-side concept is similar to that used in the VFA to revitalise the struggling Southern Football Netball League in 2019.
Mr Uren said the RFL was looking for directions from the SANFL to enshrine the new rules rather than leave them up to “a gentlemen’s agreement”.
SANFL head of community football Lisa Faraci said it made sense to endorse the RFL’s move, in view of Lyrup’s demise.
“We have had discussions with the Riverland Independent Football League regarding Lyrup and it is disappointing that a club with such a long and proud history will not be fielding a team in the competition in 2021,” she said
“SANFL supports the RFL’s decision to allow clubs to compete with a minimum 16 players per side in 2021.
“We encourage all leagues to be flexible in their approach to ensure every opportunity for the community to participate in football.”
Ms Faraci said Mr Uren’s new role with the SANFL was “a significant appointment”.
“Importantly, SANFL has just appointed former RFL president Shane Uren to the role of football operations co-ordinator – River Murray, Riverland and Mallee,” she said.
“This is the fourth appointment of its kind across regional SA to support leagues and clubs.
“(Mr Uren) will add an important full-time resource to help navigate through the challenges that are being experienced in the Riverland.”
The changes could be before the Riverland football commission as early as next week.