Reserves footballers will play the 2019 Hampden Football Netball League season with 18 on the field and three on the bench, the league's board decided on Monday night.
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The HFNL board was asked to consider changing the reserves competition by-laws to stipulate 16 on the field and five on the bench, following concerns some clubs would struggle to field 21 players each week.
But following consultations with HFNL clubs, the majority of the board was in favour of retaining 18 on the ground and three on the bench, according to HFNL football sub-committee chairman Bernie Harris.
Mr Harris said the league was asked to consider changing the reserves competition to 16 on the field and one player on the bench at the AGM held in February.
"We decided to seek feedback from all of our clubs and felt that it was necessary to allow them time to consult at club level before submitting their own view," he said.
"The board saw merit in both staying with 18 on the ground or changing to 16 [but] after seeking the views of clubs, we have decided to stay with 18."
Mr Harris said there is a provision in the HFNL's by-laws that allows clubs to even up numbers on game day if necessary.
"Ideally the board wants to see 18 on the ground as often as possible," he said. "But we understand clubs are battling for numbers."
The HFNL season begins on April 6 and in a league first, there will be nine matches under lights, including fixtures at South Warrnambool, Hamilton, Cobden and Terang.
