The WA Football Commission has limited the amount of AFL players Peel Thunder and East Perth can field in the WAFL finals from 2017 and beyond.
Just months after Peel won their first premiership with 17 Fremantle-listed players on the field, the commission has ruled that the Thunder and Royals will be able to play just 15 players in each finals match.
The pre-existing rule of players having to notch five games to qualify for the finals remains.
The changes are the result of extensive consultation and research involving WAFL club representatives, the AFL, the Fremantle Dockers, West Coast and fellow state leagues the South Australian National Football League and Victorian Football League.
WAFC chief executive officer Gavin Taylor said it was imperative an objective approach to reviewing the eligibility of players during the WAFL finals series was undertaken.
“I acknowledge that the high number of AFL-listed players playing in the WAFL grand final raised concerns among WAFL fans and some club officials,” he said.
“Acknowledging these concerns, we undertook an objective approach to reviewing this rule with a clear focus on analysing data to consider the most appropriate rule was applied moving forward.
“The 2016 finals series was a very unique circumstance, however after considering other feedback and reviewing a range of options, and engaging with both WAFL and AFL clubs we believe this change will assist in maintaining the integrity and the quality of the WAFL competition.”
As part of an annual review, the WAFL has also made changes to its players transfer rules and fees, colts competition rules and the tribunal system.
The commission has established a 35 colts player-listing system to create more opportunities for players and encourage clubs to be more proactive in identifying talent.
Mr Taylor said this new system enables colts players outside the team lists of 35, who are not getting an opportunity to play at their club, to be identified by and seek opportunities at other clubs.
“These changes reflect our clear intent to ensuring that our colts players are provided the best opportunities to get involved in our game regardless of their location,” he said.
The commission will also appoint independent tribunal members to ensure penalties are consistent and reasonable.
