NEAFL to re-introduce 23rd man
The rule was previously a part of the competition from 2010-2012 (Northern Conference) but it returns under different criteria in 2015.
All non-AFL clubs can play one (1) player in addition to the regular 22 players, who must be under the age of 21 on January 1 of that season.
Each player can play no more than six (6) matches, including finals, per year as the 23rd player.
Once a 23rd player has played 20 NEAFL or senior State League (WAFL, SANFL, VFL, or TSL) matches, they are no longer eligible to play as the 23rd player.
AFL Reserve teams are exempt from this rule, and will play with the regular 22 players in all matches.
National Second Tier Manager, Simon Laughton, said the rule is designed to give young footballers opportunities at senior level.
“The rule has been re-introduced under new criteria to allow young emerging players the chance to play NEAFL football on a more regular basis and fast-track their development,” he said.
“This opportunity has been harder to come by because of the increase in standard over the last few years following our restructure of the competition.
“We developed the new criteria after consultation with clubs to ensure the rule remains relevant and valuable to our competition.”
The 23rd Player Rule has seen players such as NT Thunder’s Jed Anderson, Redland’s Adam Oxley and Morningside’s Tom Bell progress on to AFL lists.
The 23rd Player Rule Criteria is as follows:
- All State League clubs (non AFL) can play one (1) player in addition to the regular 22 players, known as the “23rd player” .
- The 23rd player must under the age of 21 on January 1st of that season.
- Each player can play no more than six (6) matches (including finals) per year as the 23rd player.
- The 23rd player rule will be implemented in both home and away and finals matches – usual qualification rules apply.
- Each player can play no more than 20 NEAFL or senior State League (WAFL, SANFL, VFL, TSL) matches to be eligible to play as the 23rd player.
- Once a player has played six (6) matches in the same home & away season or plays his 20th NEAFL or senior State League (WAFL, SANFL, VFL, TSL) match, he must be then included in the 22 and the 23rd player spot is available for someone else to be selected in.
- The 23rd player can only come off the primary list or rookie list.
- AFL clubs will be exempt from this rule and will play with 22 in all matches.
