Bid to end salary cap

Delegates from South West Football League clubs have moved to consider scrapping the league’s salary cap.

The league held its annual general meeting on Thursday with several items discussed including undertaking an assessment of leaving the Western Australian Country Football League.

The motion to scrap both player payments and travel expenses was brought forward by Carey Park delegate and former South West Football League president Kevin Lynn.

“For three years there has been no review of the salary cap and teams can get around it if you want to be devious,” he said.

“Originally the salary cap was introduced without consultation to prevent clubs from going broke and falling apart but we are interested in growing clubs and this is holding us back.”

The Western Australian Country Football League bylaws state the maximum match payment a player can receive is $500 per match while a marquee player can be paid $1000.

Players that travel more than 500km return can qualify for a maximum of $150 per match for travel.

The motion came as a surprise to most delegates but Mr Lynn said he had sent “numerous” letters to the SWFL without a response.

He said the “double whammy” of a salary cap and point system needed review and clubs should have control of how much each player was paid.

Augusta Margaret River Football and Netball Club president Andrew Hunter said at the meeting he would need to consider the terms of dismissing the salary cap.

“That’s something I’ll need to take back to my club to discuss and will not be able to vote on without the support of the coaches and other board members,” he said.

Clubs now have until January 17 to consider the motion.