The SANFL has announced changes to its list rules ahead of next season. Image: Matt Sampson.

THE SANFL has announced changes to its list rules for Port Adelaide and the Crows ahead of next season, which will see those clubs allowed to increase player payments and contract lengths.

Under the changes ratified by the South Australian Football Commission, the clubs will be able to increase both base and match payments to SANFL-contracted players and contract lengths have been increased from one season to two.

There will also no longer be a requirement that the marquee player be aged at least 26.

The SANFL Rookie Program, which was introduced last year and saw West Adelaide junior Kye Roberts feature in five games for Port Adelaide in 2022, has also been modified.

In 2023, Adelaide and Port Adelaide can each select one 19 or 20-year-old player overlooked in their draft year as part of the SANFL Rookie Program, with the player having the autonomy to opt into the program once the SANFL club has been consulted in the first instance.

Once a player decides to opt in, their SANFL club will be financially compensated.

This year, AFL clubs must select their SANFL Rookie Program player in their SANFL League team each week, immediately after their AFL-listed players and marquee player.

Father-son and Next Generation Academy players can opt into the SANFL Rookie Program without approval from their SANFL club.

“We discuss and review the competition and rules and regulations on an annual basis, including those relating to the two AFL clubs,” said SANFL Executive General Manager Football Matt Duldig.

“As a League, it’s important to continue to balance what’s best for football and the development of players in South Australia, ensuring we remain the best State League competition in the nation.”

The changes come after the SANFL conducted its annual review of the list rules and match conditions which govern the participation of SA’s two AFL clubs in the SANFL League competition and follow the announcement of increases to the SANFL’s salary cap for 2023.

2023 SANFL Payment Structure for AFL Clubs

SANFL LISTED PLAYERS AT AFL CLUBS
Base Payment – $2000 (2023) up from $1000 (2022)
Match Payment – $350 (2023) up from $250 (2022)
Total Base Payments – $10,000 (2023) up from $5000 (2022)

MARQUEE PLAYERS AT AFL CLUBS
Base Payment – $20,000 (2023) up from $15,000 (2022)
Match Payment – $500 (2023) up from $300 (2022)