Footy finals results to shape 2027 lists

Local footy clubs at opposite ends of the ladder will operate under vastly different player-points limits next season, as AFL Gippsland recently confirmed its 2027 total team points allocations.

The announcement came on Thursday, August 27, and struggling sides are set to be given more scope to recruit, while successful teams will face tighter restrictions.

Among West Gippsland clubs, Dalyston will have the highest allocation, receiving 46 points for the 2027 West Gippsland season after recording just a single win in the 2026 season, which came in Round 3 over Korumburra-Bena by just two points.

An allocation of 46 points is usually reserved only for teams that finished with three wins or less in the season.

Other local teams to receive 46 points next season will include Stony Creek and Toora in Mid Gippsland, and Poowong in Ellinbank.

The gap between these teams and the highest-placing teams is significant.

Under the Player Points System, every footballer selected in a senior side carries a points value based on factors including their playing history and how they arrived at the club. Recruited players generally cost more points, while home-grown and long-serving footballers cost less.

A team’s total must not exceed its club allocation each week.

Meeniyan Dumbalk United will be restricted to 39 points after finishing fourth, as its 2026 finals campaign came to an end against Fish Creek.

But several local allocations still remain undecided, with finals ongoing.

Clubs still in the race for a premiership will receive their limits according to where they eventually finish. The premier in each Gippsland competition will be allocated 36 points, followed by 37 for the runner-up, 38 for the third-placed side and 39 for fourth.

Interestingly, reigning West Gippsland premier Nar Nar Goon could be restricted to just 34 points if it wins again, with an additional two-point reduction applying to clubs that win consecutive premierships in the West Gippsland competition.

AFL Gippsland Regional Manager Tim Cotter said the allocations followed a review of how clubs used their existing limits and their recent results.

“The Player Points System remains one of the key mechanisms available to support competitive balance across community football while recognising that clubs face very different circumstances,” he said.

“The 2027 allocations have been informed by both points utilisation data and on-field performance.”

AFL Gippsland found most clubs had operated well below their available limits during 2026, leaving room to refine allocations without preventing them from building competitive lists.

Clubs are still able to seek additional points if they believe their circumstances warrant a higher limit.

Applications will be assessed using criteria including location, recent performance, junior pathways and evidence of club hardship.

Any club seeking a reassessment must apply to AFL Gippsland by October 31.