Diggers Rest will meet with AFL Goldfields on Monday in a bid to have its application for increased player points approved for the 2016 season.
AFL Goldfields knocked back the Burras initial application this week, instead choosing to monitor the Riddell District Football League club’s situation.
Diggers Rest president Chris Payne said he was “very surprised” his club’s request was rejected, given the Burras’ struggles at underage level.
With a junior base of just 58 players the Burras battle to achieve natural progression through their underage ranks.
Diggers Rest is also the second lowest populated area in the league.
The Burras believe one of the reasons they have been denied the extra points is because of their recent on field success.
Diggers Rest has played in the past three RDFL grand finals.
Payne said his club shouldn’t be penalised for good governance.
“We have been quite successful without getting the ultimate prize,” he said.
“For a club of our size and a town of our size, it shows that we do things right and we have a great culture.
“You certainly can’t be punishing good management of a football club. All we are trying to do is survive and make our club
viable.”
AFL Victoria announced earlier this year that a state wide player points cap would be introduced for next season.
The RDFL cap has been set at 42 points per club for the 2016 season.
Eight clubs applied to AFL Goldfields for increased points.
Of those Wallan and Lancefield secured an extra six points, Broadford, Rockbank and Woodend-Hesket were handed an extra
three points while Melton Centrals will get two extra points.
Macedon was the only other club to have its application for a boost rejected.
Diggers Rest’s meeting with AFL Goldfields will be held on Monday night.
“It is about trying to get kids into your football club,” Payne said.
“Hypothetically, if we recruit a kid out of the Ballarat Football League who is 19-years-old, he comes with three points.
“All that is doing is penalising us for trying to do the right thing, trying to get kids in and making sure people are going to be here for a long time.”
