GDFNL clubs will have $15,000 more to spend on players for the next two years after the league’s executive approved an increase to the salary cap.
The new figure for all clubs is $85,000, well up on the $70,000 in place post-COVID and the $75,000 allocated by AFL Barwon early in September.
It is understood the GDFNL has met with members of the AFL Barwon Commission and management to make them aware of their plans, with the local governing body managing salary caps across the region.
As K rock Football reported on September 18, GDFNL president Neville Whitley wanted an across-the-board figure of $85,000 to help his clubs compete with the Bellarine.
The BFNL has a base salary cap of $85,000, with Ocean Grove and Queenscliff allocated $88,000 and Portarlington and Newcomb $90,000.
Before COVID, the GDFNL played at $90,000 and the Bellarine $110,000.
“We believe our league should be in line where we can compete with the Bellarine clubs if you’re recruiting a player,” Whitley said at the time.
“If you have a player who needs few dollars, and our salary cap is lower, we miss out on that player.
“You don’t have to spend that money if you can’t afford it.
“And the idea is to have a cap where clubs can keep themselves viable and pay a figure that’s not going to send them to the wall.”
Meanwhile, AFL Barwon has approved changes to points allocations for GDFNL clubs for 2025.
North Geelong played at 46 points in 2024 and was reduced to 40 for next year following a sixth-placed finish.
However, the Magpies have now been allocated 44 points for 2025.
Anakie was allocated 50 points in 2024, which had been reduced to 44 by AFL Barwon.
However, following a request by the Roos, they are now back to 48 points.
Corio, which played at 46 points this year, asked for more points and will have 48 in 2025.
X: @krockfootball
| CLUB | POINTS |
| East Geelong | 40 |
| Belmont Lions | 40 |
| Werribee Centrals | 40 |
| Thomson | 40 |
| Bannockburn | 40 |
| Inverleigh | 42 |
| North Geelong | 44 |
| Winchelsea | 44 |
| Bell Post Hill | 44 |
| Geelong West Giants | 46 |
| Anakie | 48 |
| Corio | 48 |
