By Tara Murray
Burnside Heights will have less player points and a reduced salary cap among penalties handed out after a player payments disciplinary committee hearing on Monday night.
The Essendon District Football League released a statement saying that the club had been in breach of the division 2 men’s allowable player limit of $83,300 by $20,560 in 2024.
The committee, appointed pursuant to the EDFL player payment rules, heard charges laid against Burnside Heights arising from reports made by an integrity officer.
Under penalties, Burnside Heights’s total team points limit will be reduced to four points below the competition maximum for each of the 2025, 2026 and 2027 football seasons.
The club’s allowable player payments limit will be reduced by 20 per cent for each of the 2025, 2026 and 2027 football seasons.
Burnside Heights has been fined $20,000, with $10,000 of the $20,000 suspended pending compliance with the EDFL player payment rules for the 2025, 2026 and 2027 football seasons.
Burnside Heights will be subjected to a mid-season review of their allowable player payments and an end-of-season integrity review at the conclusion of the 2025 season.
The league said suspension of the fine was as a result of the club’s cooperation and admissions and the committee took into account in the club’s favour the full cooperation of the club’s new executive committee.
“Burnside Heights was completely honest and cooperative throughout the integrity review and disciplinary committee hearing, which is appreciated by the EDFL,” league chairman Ian Price said.
“Our clubs must continue to understand, and adhere to, the league’s rules and regulations, and we’ll continue to support and educate our clubs in providing a fair and vibrant competition.”
Burnside Heights also released a statement on its social media following the decision.
The Club said it is extremely disappointed it has found itself in this position and apologises to its members, fans, sponsors and the wider Bears family.
“The Bears have been built on foundation of hard work, development and a spirit of fair play, we have not met these expectations in this instance” the statement said.
“The club has fully cooperated with the integrity review process and is fully committed to working with the EDFL into the future to ensure we are fully compliant with all rules and regulations required for participation by AFL Victoria and the EDFL.
“Since being elected last November, the new executive leadership and committee have been focusing on ensuring the club has a successful, engaging and viable future, a club that once again provides an opportunity for players of all ages and backgrounds to develop into the best players and people they can be, in a safe, inclusive and family friendly environment.
“The club has reviewed a number of operating policies and guidelines, making the necessary changes to ensure we correct the failings of the past and never find ourselves in this position ever again.
“To all the Bears family, we thank you for your ongoing support and we will make you proud to be a Bear once again.”
