Following consultation with the East Gippsland Football Netball League and the statewide Community Club Sustainability Program (CCSP) Advisory Group, AFL Gippsland have confirmed that the Allowable Player Payment Cap for all clubs will remain at $70,000 for the 2027 season.
Clubs may apply for an increase to their payment cap by submitting an application to the AFL Gippsland Region Manager by October 31.
The application form for requesting a cap increase is currently being prepared by AFL Victoria and will be available early next week.
Clubs are advised to contact AFL Gippsland directly to obtain the form and/or refer to the AFL Gippsland website where the form will be uploaded when available.
All applications must include endorsement from your League.
The allocation for the 2027 season has been informed by Total Team Points utilisation data from the 2026 season and recent competitive performance outcomes.
Final allocations for clubs whose finishing position is yet to be determined will be confirmed following the completion of the 2026 finals series.
The League will adopt the new points allocation methodology, as follows; premier (36), runner-up (37), preliminary final loser (38), Wy Yung (39), Lakes Entrance (42), Lucknow (44) Paynesville (46), and Stratford (46).
The big winners look to be Lucknow who have been granted an increase of five, while Stratford will go up by four.
Paynesville look harshly done by losing four points, while Lindenow will lose at least six and Boisdale at least three.
Wy Yung will gain one point, Lakes Entrance will lose two and the Orbost Snowy Rovers will lose at least two.
AFL Gippsland and all local leagues have undertaken a review of Total Team Points utilisation across Gippsland competitions.
The review identified that most clubs are operating below their current allocations, providing an opportunity to refine allocations while maintaining sufficient flexibility to recruit and retain players.
As a result, Total Team Points allocations have been adjusted across Gippsland leagues for the 2027 season. The intent of these adjustments is to support ongoing competitive balance and ensure the Player Points System continues to operate effectively across the region.
AFL Gippsland acknowledges that individual club circumstances vary and consistent with the Player Points System Policy, clubs may apply for a reassessment of their allocation where they believe additional points are warranted.
Clubs may make application in writing to the AFL Gippsland Region Manager for reassessment of their total team points allocation by October 31.
All applications must use the template available on the AFL Gippsland website.
Applications for increases to allowable player payment caps and total team points should address the relevant criteria contained within the Player Payment Rules and Player Points System Policy, including factors such as geographic location, recent on-field performance, junior development pathways and any demonstrated club hardship.
