AFL Western District has released its findings from its junior review

Two of the three changes impact both the Hampden and Warrnambool District football leagues.

The third is on age groups with the district league shifting its age groups from under 17.5, 14.5 and 12 to 18, 15 and 12.5. The Hampden league’s remain the same with under 18.5, 16, 14, 12 and 10 age groups.

Hawks, which does not have a senior structure, will continue in Hampden’s Sunday competition next season.

Under a renewed junior area permit, players are limited to participate in one game in one league in any given week. It also recommends under the same ruling a child can only be cleared every three weeks to pursue an opportunity at another club or in another league. 

An “equalisation” policy was also introduced allowing teams to share players when one has lower numbers than the other. That means no games will be forfeited.

Contentious player caps were scrapped at the draft stage of the governing body’s review. 

South Warrnambool president Steve Harris said his club was happy with the final changes.

“That was what we were all trying to achieve is making football better in the region and more so ensuring there is participation,” he said.

“We will continue to work with AFL Western District with a continued dialogue on an ongoing basis to make sure that we get things right.”

AFLWD announced it would review the state of junior football on June 27 last year, releasing its initial findings last November. Club backlash in February forced a rethink.