As Coleambally faces up to what its future might look like, the AFL is seeking feedback on player payments, noting their impact on the ‘sustainability of clubs, the competitive balance of competitions and volunteer recruitment and retention’. 

AFL Southern NSW regional manager, Steve Mahar, said the survey – which also covers the Canberra league for consistency – gives clubs a say in the future.

“Riverina, Farrer, Hume and Canberra Leagues have the player points system and this is just another competitive balance measure that we’re exploring,” Mahar said.

“We want to be pro-active not reactive and we feel like a salary cap has got to be discussed and explored, as well as whether the points system is doing its job.

“We don’t like examples like Coleambally but they are the reason why these types of things are being implemented or explored.”

The Blues are financially sound now but concerned about their long-term viability in the face of a shortage of players and volunteers. 

The club is exploring options from continuing in the Farrer League to changing competitions or merging with another club. 

“We’re hoping it won’t get to that,” Coleambally veteran Shane Pound said.

“But we’ve got to check out all options while we’ve got a bit of currency in the club. 

“It’s a bit disappointing but we’ve got to carry on as best we can.

“It brings it out in the open and lets everyone know where we stand anyway. I don’t think we’re the only club in this situation.”

Pound, who has played more than 320 senior games for the Blues, said it’s hard to imagine playing in another jumper for an amalgamated entity.

“Yeah, it would be hard. I don’t think at my age I’d be considering that,” he said. 

AFL Riverina’s preferred outcome is also for the Blues to continue to stand alone in the Farrer League.

“We’ll continue to communicate with and support Coleambally as they review what their options are,” AFL Riverina chairman Michael Irons said.

“The best case scenario would be for Coleambally to be able to continue but at the end of the day, the community must decide what they want and be prepared to support it.”