COROWA-Rutherglen veteran Matt Witherden has called on the Ovens and Murray to introduce a points system.
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Witherden, who will play his 200th game for the Roos against Wodonga Raiders today, said he feared for his club’s future if something wasn’t done soon to stop Albury and Yarrawonga’s stranglehold on the competition.
They have played in the past four grand finals.
“Something needs to be done for the club to stay in the O and M,” Witherden said.
“I think a points system has to be brought in.
“I know there’s probably ways around it but a salary cap could work, too.
“It forces clubs to look after their own backyard and their juniors.
“It’s becoming more and more difficult for a small town like Corowa to stay competitive.”
Similar to the Hume league, a points system gives each club a limit and players are awarded points based on experience.
The Roos have won just once this season, with an average losing margin of 85 points a game since their first round triumph against Wodonga.
They suffered their biggest loss to Yarrawonga in history with a 134-point caning in round 4 and have got no closer than 110 points in their past five encounters against the Tigers.
Witherden said the rise in prominence of district clubs had also hurt the depth of the O and M club and that the league was starting to lose its prestige.
The O and M, once regarded as the premier league in country Victoria, is now ranked fifth in AFL Victoria Country rankings.
“Player numbers aren’t what they used to be,” Witherden said.
“Any half reasonable player coming through gets offered big dollars and it’s getting harder to keep them at the club.
“We’ve had a few losses by 100 points this year and it’s pretty easy for those guys to start getting down on confidence and think about ... going and cashing in.”