YOUR SAY ON BASIN REVIEW
By Aaron Cordy
ALANA Baldi has dedicated more than 15 years to supporting people with a disability connecting and enjoying sport. Taking life of cricket knowledge, she was one of 44 participants to take part in women’s leadership program called, Project Inspire. Through the project, she setup an all abilities program at the Numurkah Youth Club Cricket Club (NYCCC). Continued Page 10
By Deanne Jeffers
TOURING the country is often regarded as the “Great Australian Dream,” with many thousands of Aussies heading out with their caravan or four-wheel drive to see the outback.
Paul Phillips and Neil Campbell departed Wahring Field on Monday in a Cessna 182 Skylane, heading for Stonehenge, Queensland. From there, they will continue to Dunmurra in the Northern Territory,
This week, a group of locals are embarking on a similar Big Lap of their own, except instead of taking to the wideopen road, they are flying light aircraft through the big blue skies.
where they will meet Andrew and Sharon Clement, who left Wahring on Saturday in their Victa Airtourer and have travelled via White Cliffs in central New South Wales as part of their own detour.
Over the next two weeks, the group will cover significant ground, ultimately ending up in Perth. Continued Page 4
POLICE have arrested 35 people and seized more than $2,000 worth of allegedly stolen goods during an operation targeting retail theft and anti-social behaviour in Shepparton.
Operation Mosaic has led to more than 175 arrests for retail crime since it launched in July 2024 in response to rising retail thefts and ongoing concerns from local traders.
The recent blitz, conducted on April 7 and 8, saw more than a dozen police saturate shopping strips in Shepparton and Kialla. Thirty-two people were arrested for shop theft, including:
• A 33-year-old Mooroopna man who was caught allegedly stealing more than $750 worth of groceries including meat, soft drinks and confectionary. He is expected to be charged on summons with shop theft.
• A 42-year-old Mooroopna woman who was caught allegedly stealing more
than $150 worth of cosmetics. Police say most goods were multiples of the same product. She is expected to be charged on summons with shop theft.
• A 53-year-old Shepparton man who was caught allegedly stealing $200 worth of baby formula products.
He was charged with shop theft and possessing drugs.
Twenty-nine other alleged thieves were either charged, released pending summons, or issued with a formal caution. Only three accepted referrals to local support services.
Three further people were arrested and charged for drug possession and breaching bail conditions.
During the operation, police patrolled nearby roadways and issued 21 traffic infringement notices for offences including not wearing a helmet and riding e-scooters on the footpath. Police also executed five outstanding warrants.
Retail theft remains a key focus for
Shepparton police, with the offence more than doubling in the last year.
Greater Shepparton saw 799 offences in 2025, compared to 485 in 2024.
Acting Senior Sergeant Scott Hamilton from Shepparton Police said police believe many of the stolen items were stolen for profit.
“What we saw over the last few days was not just petty thefts, but people stealing large amounts of goods including baby formula, clothing and cosmetics. We believe many of these goods were stolen to be on-sold for profit.
“This type of offending is often blatant, and we know that makes retail staff feel unsafe. That’s why we’re so committed to targeting retail crime – because everyone deserves to feel safe at work.
“We’re working hard to address the issue and will have more to say about a new approach in coming weeks,” Acting Senior Sergeant Hamilton said.
Petrol stations charging the highest fuel prices will now be flagged in red on the State Government’s Servo Saver platform, integrated within the Service Victoria app.
Launched in March, the app displays a comprehensive map of fuel costs across the state to help motorists find the best deals. Under current regulations, station owners are required to lock in their prices for the following day by 2pm.
From Monday, a new update officially names and shames the most expensive retailers by flagging them in red and labelling them as the ‘highest.’ Meanwhile, the most affordable stations are highlighted in green, clearly directing drivers to the cheapest fuel in their area.
Australian cricket great Nathan Lyon will be in Shepparton today (April 15) for a student leadership summit, junior cricket clinic, and evening forum for parents, players and local sporting clubs as part of his regional Victorian tour, Have You Got What It Takes, presented by Westpac.
Lyon said the idea for the regional tour came from a desire to give back to the game that had given him so much.
He said, “I was lucky enough to grow up in the regional town of Young, and play my first cricket there, so I know how important it is to bring sporting development opportunities to rural and regional locations and appreciate the passion is there for cricket.”
The sessions were being held at the Quality Parklake and Mooroopna Recreation Reserve, with Lyon sharing cricket skills and leadership insights alongside leadership coach, David Stewart.
Crime in Greater Shepparton has risen 3.5 per cent in the year to December 2025, according to the Crime Statistics Agency.
Member for Shepparton District Kim O’Keeffe said increasing demand was leaving officers unable to respond to broader community needs.
“Seventy-five per cent of Shepparton police’s time is taken up with dealing with domestic violence incidents, which is taking them off the streets and unable to get out to callouts,” she said.
“Communities are sick of not knowing when their local police stations are open. The Mooroopna Police Station is rarely open, despite the fact criminal incidents increased in Mooroopna by 20 per cent last year.”
O’Keeffe said communities and emergency services have all “had enough of Labor’s soft approach when it comes to crime.” She said the National and Liberals “Safer Communities Plan” if elected would deliver “tough new laws alongside practical prevention programs,” building on the Coalition’s Break Bail, Face Jail policy in Victoria.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced that Greater Shepparton Secondary College is one of 23 schools across Victoria to receive an Early Intervention Officer. The officers are part of the State Government’s $5.6M investment in the Violence Reduction Unit, to provide support for kids who need it most. This positive intervention is also complemented by the Social Cohesion Through Education program that is providing a further $118,000 investment in Shepparton District Ethnic Council to continue the vital work they do in Shepparton,
by creating real connections between young people through sport, mentoring, leadership programs and cultural activities.
Shepparton was treated to the Taste of Indo Asia Festival on Saturday, March 28 at the McIntosh Centre. The successful inaugural event marks the first time the Indonesian community has brought a multicultural celebration to the region.
The event featured traditional Indonesian performances by Mahindra Bali and Maria Parker, alongside vibrant dances from the Filipino community, with a GV Grammar students Andrew Stokie, Aniq Alam, Rayyan Ubaidullah and Eleanor Long as MCs.
Visitors enjoyed a variety of food stalls offering Indonesian, Malaysian, Filipino, Korean, and Japanese cuisine. The event was a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together in a celebration of culture and diversity.
The State Government has identified seven sites across Victoria, including the old Radio Australia site in North Shepparton. The government expects to build around 9,155 new homes across the seven locations. The sites will be assessed through the ‘Unlocking Strategic Sites’ program, which fast-tracks the rezoning of underutilised land and aims to cut the typical two-year waiting period in half.
This new pathway will be delivered through the Development Facilitation Program, and every project will be subject to planning assessment and community consultation. Projects will require a minimum of 10 per cent affordable housing.
By Veronica Jamison, CEO, Shepparton Villages
It’s that time of year again as daylight saving time is well behind us and the days continue to get
and
This means it’s also the time for more
and other
illnesses to
rearing their heads again. Two in particular stand out: influenza and COVID. Yes, COVID! It’s a word none of us want to hear any more, I know, but the simple truth is that it hasn’t gone away. It remains a presence in the population and continues to mutate over time, in some cases causing just mild symptoms but in other cases still being as severe as ever.
And each year people still do die with the flu - though thankfully in much fewer numbers than in the bad old days before flu shots and other treatments became readily available.
There’s still a lot to be said for maintaining protection against both.
If you haven’t had a flu shot this year, or a COVID booster vaccination, I’d strongly recommend you consider both. I am proud to say I have just had both my COVID-19 and Influenza shots. It’s better to be safe than sorry with these types of things!
As part of an organisation employing hundreds of people, and responsible for the health and welfare of hundreds of older residents, there’s good reason for this topic to be dear to our hearts.
Each year all our staff are offered access to free vaccinations both for influenza and COVID. Our vaccination program is up and running for staff again this year, with employees currently able to access free vaccination simply by turning up at Direct Chemist Outlet at 248 Wyndham Street Shepparton.
We recognise it’s not just a matter of protecting ourselves. It’s about protecting the people we may come into contact with, including those who are older and/or more vulnerable. If we can do something to lower the risk of vulnerable people contracting either of these illnesses, why wouldn’t we? Something for all of us to think about as Winter draws closer.
Find out more: www.sheppvillages.com.au
Or call: (03) 5832 0800 Mon to Fri - 9am to 5pm
ALONG the way they will stop at Halls Creek, Kununurra, Talbot Bay and Broome, where they will meet friends from Shepparton for the next stage of the journey. They will then continue to Karratha, Onslow, Coral Bay, Carnarvon, Kalbarri and Geraldton before arriving in Perth to meet family for further adventures.
“The original objective was simply to get to Coral Bay to visit a friend I haven’t seen in more than 50 years,” Mr Phillips said. “We also have friends from Shepparton meeting us in Broome, and from there will be four of us in the 182 for the next stage of the journey.”
Mr Phillips said the group planned the trip for April to make the most of favourable winds, with a strong tailwind expected for much of the journey.
“There was a chance we weren’t going to be able to do
the trip though,” he said. “Cyclone Narelle, which affected areas like Onslow and Exmouth, almost stopped it from happening. At one stage, the eye of the cyclone was right over Coral Bay. We’re fortunate that should no longer be a problem for our trip.”
Highlights along the way include visiting the famed Wolfe Creek Crater, the Bungle Bungles, Horizontal Falls, Lake Argyle, swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, a fishing charter at Kalbarri, and flying east to west over the Tanami Desert.
Mr Phillips said they expect to complete around 55 to 60 hours of flying in total, spread across 12 flying days, with two additional days allowed for weather or diversions.
“We’ll fly for three days, then take a rest day, then fly another three days before another break,” he said. “We’ve
allowed longer stopovers in places like Coral Bay so we can take our time and enjoy it.”
The Clements also plan to diverge from the main group at points to explore additional destinations, including White Cliffs in central New South Wales. Neil Campbell will meet his wife Wendy and daughter Nicole in Perth to explore southern regions of Western Australia before returning the Cessna 182 home.
The group will cover an estimated 5,000 to 6,200 nautical miles, which is around 10,000 kilometres, over the course of the two-week journey, flying across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia before returning to Victoria via South Australia.
VIATEK has been a familiar face in the Australian business landscape since 1984, but their roots in regional communities like Shepparton are what truly set them apart. As a proudly Australian owned and operated provider, the team specialises in taking the stress out of office technology, from high-quality printing to the IT systems that keep a modern office running.
For over 40 years, Viatek has partnered with FUJIFILM Business Innovation to deliver reliable office copiers and managed print fleets. Their goal is simple: provide advanced technology that actually improves your workday while keeping costs down.
However, Viatek’s expertise goes well beyond just printing. For more than a decade, they’ve been a go-to leader for Unified Communications (UCaaS), helping local organisations integrate their phone, video, and chat into one easy-to-use platform. In an era where staying connected is
more important than ever, Viatek ensures your team can collaborate effortlessly, whether they are in the office or out in the field.
What really makes the difference is having a local team who understand the Shepparton community and the needs of regional businesses. Along with support from local technicians, Tim, Nigel and Craig focus on building long-term friendships rather than just making a sale. Their focus is on tailoring solutions that make technology simple, reliable, and cost-effective.
Whether you need to refresh your printing setup or want to modernise how your team communicates, the Shepparton team is here to help you move forward with confidence.
Reach out to the local Viatek team today and experience the difference of working with a local partner who truly cares about your success. Email Viatek Shepparton at cv.enquiries@viatek.com.au
THE generosity Devenish, Dookie and the surrounding communities was on display with another brilliant fundraising effort from the volunteers of the Devenish, Dookie and District Good Friday Appeal (DDDFFA).
DDDGFA has once again ranked among the top three regional towns in Victoria, raising an outstanding $200,722.04, coming in behind Albury/Wodonga and Ballarat. The only three to break the $200,000 mark.
The incredible 2026 effort brings DDDGFA 10-year total to just over $1,140,000.
A remarkable feat for the community-based organisation of volunteers.
“There are so many people to thank. Most importantly, our hardworking committee, your dedication and effort are truly appreciated,” said DDDGFA President Paul Durden.
“Thank you as well to the many businesses and
individuals who generously donated to our online auction, the farmers who contributed cattle and sheep, and everyone who attends our fundraising events, anyone that has supported us, and put their hands up to purchase raffle tickets and auction items.
“A big thank you also
to all the amazing musicians who volunteered their time to perform and our amazing face painter yesterday. But most of all, thank you to you, the public. Without your generosity and support, this incredible result simply would not be possible.”
Wednesday 22nd April 2026 - 11am to 3pm
OLDER Australians are rewriting the rulebook on retirement. The so-called 'twilight years’ have been replaced by a new definition of life beyond work. And retirees are busier than ever!
While ageing can make it harder to do some things around the house, Intereach aged care services are here to help, so you have time to do the things that matter most to you.
Care Partner Jane works with older people in her region, coordinating the services that help them to remain independent at home and connected to their communities.
“I am very fortunate to work with an amazing group of older people whose interests and skills are eclectic,” Jane said. “From dancing to singing, gardening to painting,
writing to volunteering, and more – the clients I support are living life to the fullest.”
The beauty of support at home is that it provides eight levels of care. If you need a little help or something more, Intereach can help you to access the level of support you need.
Support at home doesn’t mean you’re stuck at home.
Intereach’s community support workers can help with various tasks around the house so you can get out and about, doing the things you enjoy most.
Reach out to Intereach today and live the life you choose at your place, your pace.
P: 1300 488 226 E: contact@intereach. com.au W: www.intereach.com.au
SHOP
GIFT giving is made easy at Prouds the Jewellers, and this Mother’s Day, Prouds Shepparton is giving locals even more reason to celebrate with exceptional savings and a special diamond earring giveaway.
Prouds Shepparton’s latest catalogue features stunning pieces to suit every style and budget. When you spend $75 or more in store, you will go in the draw to win a gorgeous pair of diamond earrings, valued at $2,199. This offer is exclusive to in-store purchases and only available at Prouds Shepparton.
Don’t miss out on these limited time savings to make Mum’s day or to treat a special lady in your life. Head in store to Prouds Shepparton on the corner of Maude and Fryers Streets, Shepparton, today. Phone: (03) 5821 4512.
Pick up a brochure or explore the range in store or online at their website: https://tinyurl.com/proudscatalogue
The competition begins Wednesday, April 15 and closes Thursday, May 7, with the draw happening in store on Saturday, May 9, ahead of Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10. See in store for the full terms and conditions.
FIFTEEN participants, many who participated in cricket for the first time, enjoyed a six week program that was based on being involved in a mainstream Cricket Club, being out in the sun and fresh air, and learning new skills in a safe and inclusive environment that Alana and NYCCC provided.
The program was so successful that Alana is a finalist for two Victorian Sports Awards: the Gallagher Community Coach of the Year and the Polytan Peter Norman Inclusion Award.
“To be a finalist in two categorise is a huge honour. These are the most prestigious sports awards in Victoria and to be selected as a final analyst by the calibre of judges, as I said, it's an honour. But the way that I want to look at it is it's also a big win for inclusion. It's a win for everyone with a disability to say, ‘hey, look, you can do this,’” said Alana.
Alana's own story is one of overcoming tragedy
to inspiring people with what she has achieved. Three years ago, she miraculously survived a lifethreatening accident that left her with a traumatic brain injury and hearing loss. She has had to overcome many challenges as she rebuilds her life.
“I spent so long volunteering in that space, but never did I think I would be the one with a disability. Unfortunately, things happen in life, that's just reality. You never know when something is going to happen.” said Alana.
“Now I have lived experience of what it's like to live with a disability, I think that's made me an even better coach, because I understand things like sensory needs. For example, I have to wear hearing aids because I've lost a lot of my hearing. So, I know not to use a whistle, because that’s very sensitive blowing a whistle when someone's wearing hearing aids. Also, people with autism don't like a lot of high-pitched sounds. Of course, you can do a lot of research and knowledge and understanding of
disabilities. In my opinion, lived experience is the key to making the clinics as good as they can be.”
“I've been given a second chance in life, which doesn't really happen. So now I want to make the most of that, and these clinics are the start of showing leadership of somebody with a disability. We can be coaches. We can be scorers, because I score cricket as well every weekend.
“I think just being a finalist in the top four of two categories is a huge honour and proves how successful the program has been.”
Along with Alana, the Shepparton BMX Multi Use Events Facility is a Victoria Sports Award finalist for the Bunnings Trade Local Government Initiative of the Year. The awards will be held at the MCG on, Wednesday, May 13.
TECHNOLOGY is an ever-changing thing, with new update and devices flooding the market it can be hard to know if you have the right computer, laptop or tablet to meet your needs.
What hasn’t changed over the years is the expert knowledge and customer service that Data Parts in Shepparton has provided to the region for more than four decades.
Since its inception, Data Parts has driven sustainable growth through cutting-edge technology and exceptional customer service, ensuring long-term success for our clients. They focus on delivering reliable and innovative data solutions that empower their clients to achieve their goals.
“Our clients range from single users to organisations with nearly 60 users. We offer flexible support from fully managed service contracts where we handle everything end-to-end, to break-fix support for clients who only need us when something goes wrong. Depending on the situation, we provide remote assistance or visit on-site,” said Data Parts Director Sebastian Mangiameli.
To learn more about that great service Data Parts provide, visit www.dataparts.net.au or in-store at 3 Edward Street, Shepparton, or call them on (03) 5821 7155.
IT is true that the cost of living is not what it used to be, but you don’t have to pay too much for quality wines. Phillips Cellars’ clean skin wine sale is back, making April the opportune time to stock up on revered drops handpicked by proprietor, Paul Phillips.
Clean skin wines are unlabelled bottles that offer high-quality wine at lower prices by removing marketing, branding and packaging costs. The annual sale provides exceptional wines from prestigious wine regions at a
fraction of the cost at other retailers.
Phillips Cellars’ range includes big sellers like the Heathcote Shiraz ($11 per bottle or $120 for a dozen) and Dookie Shiraz (just $9 a bottle or $100 for a dozen), the ever-popular King Valley Pinot Grigio ($8 per bottle or $90 for a dozen), plus 12 more exceptional buys.
“All of these wines have been personally vetted by me,” said Paul. “If they carried their original labels, you’d be looking at a price tag north of $22. In the current economic climate,
it’s about giving people access to that same level of quality at a much more accessible price point.”
The sale is on while stocks last. Stock up and
Mathieson Motors is open 8am-5pm Monday to Friday, and 8am-1pm on Saturdays. Phone (03) 5821 5006 or contact Damian directly at damian@mathiesonmotors.com or 0459 250 022. Going the extra mile to get you
WHETHER you’re looking for a reliable daily driver or a tough workhorse, the team at Mathieson Motors is ready to help, offering personalised service, finance and deals to suit every lifestyle and budget.
Established in 1985, this second-generation family business has built a rock-solid reputation as Shepparton’s used car specialists. They pride themselves on offering high-quality, immaculately presented pre-owned passenger and light commercial vehicles backed by decades of local experience and extensive industry contacts.
Mathieson Motors has an impressive range of vehicles on display, all ready for a test drive at competitive rates. Finance is available, with a quick, same day turnaround for many customers. Located at 8-12 Hawkins Street, Shepparton, you can also browse vehicles currently available at their website www. mathiesonmotors.com/
LOCAL residents, farmers and community groups are encouraged to share their views to help inform public consultation into the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, said the current review is an important opportunity for communities across northern Victoria to help shape the future of the Basin.
“Water security continues to be an important issue across northern Victoria, but in particular the Goulburn Valley,” she said. “Irrigation is the lifeblood of our agricultural sector, yet farmers continue to face uncertainty around water availability, pricing and policy settings.”
Consultation is open until Friday, May 1, 2026, inviting feedback on the Discussion Paper, including key challenges, proposed options, and community priorities for
managing the Basin into the future.
“It is important that the unique needs of rural and regional communities are reflected in any future decisions regarding the Basin,” said Ms O’Keeffe.
“Communities must be protected, supported and planned for. Our region is incredibly proud to be known as the food bowl of Australia, a region that literally feeds the nation as well as producing global exports.”
She said anyone interested in the health of our waterways, agriculture, and regional communities should take part in the current review.
Submissions can be made via the consultation website, with further information about the review available online at https://getinvolved.mdba.gov. au/2026basinplanreview.
Two winless teams sit ninth (Benalla) and eleventh (Euroa) on the ladder, but there were positives for both last week. The Saints led Echuca at quarter time before running out of legs and going down by 37 points, while Euroa was competitive early against United, trailing by just nine points at the main break before a decisive third–quarter blowout.
Benalla has genuine star quality around the ball, and Euroa will regain Lachlan Hill from suspension, which should add some important stability.
Ash Holland faces his biggest test of the season so far in a matchup with Liam Betson, and the Bears will be focused on limiting the impact of Luke Smith and Kade O’Dwyer, who kicked six goals between them last weekend.
Tip: Shepparton Bears by 28 points.
Last time they met: Round 15, 2025 – Bears by 63 points
With a win against the reigning premier in their back pocket and sitting fourth with two victories, the Swans enter this clash full of confidence.
Tip: Benalla by 27 points, with Nathan Wright to kick seven goals - unless he receives a VFL call–up.
Last time they met: Round 7, 2025 – Euroa by 4 points
United recruits Matt Casey and Brodie Newman are beginning to assert themselves at the contest, and Jesse Cucinotta returns from suspension after United’s 28–point win over Euroa.
This shapes as a tighter contest than many will predict.
Tip: Swans by 19 points.
Seymour would have been disappointed with its 40–point loss to the Bears in Round 1, while Mansfield could not have been more impressive in a 92–point demolition of an injury–ravaged Rochester.
Billy Hogan has already kicked 12 goals in two games, Will Foster starred again, and Mansfield’s depth was highlighted by three Mahoney family members lining up in last week’s dominant win. Seymour may regain ruckman Tom Stapleton, but it’s hard to look past the Eagles.
Tip: Mansfield by 35 points.
Last time they met: Round 14, 2025 – Mansfield by 39 points
The Bears have been impressive early, sitting unbeaten in fourth position, while Mooroopna did everything asked under lights last week, kicking 123 points against Tatura.
Last time they met: Round 7, 2025 – Swans by 58 points
The injury narrative has flipped this season. Last year it was Echuca battling availability issues; this year it’s the Tigers. Discount Rochester’s early form and focus on Echuca’s consistency.
Tip: Echuca by 38 points.
Last time they met: Finals Round 2, 2025 –Rochester by 6 points
This will not resemble last season’s blowout. Tatura comes in with some new faces, but Kyabram rarely delivers two poor performances in a row and will be eager to make a statement.
Tip: Kyabram by 59 points.
Last time they met: Round 13, 2025 – Kyabram by 164 points
What team do you support? Carlton. Who is your all-time favourite player? Anthony Koutoufides. What is your favourite AFL moment? Favorite moment will be when Carlton finally wins another GF. If you could have any current player from another club, who would it be and why? Nick Daicos. He’s an absolute super star.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has confirmed that the league is looking at ways of making the competition more equal amongst the 18 sides.
With last year’s draft seeing four bids made for either a father-son or academy selection within the first six picks, alongside issues with free agency and the fixture has resulted in there being a clear gulf between sides.
That unevenness was further evident between the top nine and the bottom nine last year, with the ninth-placed Western Bulldogs being five wins ahead of the 11th-placed Carlton.
With growing calls from the football public for changes to be made, Dillon noted that they’re already looking at ways of speeding up the rebuild process.
“Equalisation is an important plank of the competition,” the AFL CEO said on SEN’s Whateley.
“We want fans at the games, we want them watching or streaming, so it’s certainly a look for us.
“One of the things that we are looking at, led by Greg Swann and his team, is the amount of time it takes if you want to do the rebuild.
“We’ve got a couple of teams like Richmond, for example, who’ve sort of stripped right back, and at the moment, I don’t think, even though they’re sort of (got) green shoots and the like, I don’t think they are where they would like to be.
“They’ve probably still got, on what I can see, without anything else being different, a couple of hard years ahead of them, and that will test the patience of their fans, notwithstanding they had such a golden era from sort of ‘17 to ‘20.”
One of the options that the AFL is currently considering is making
tweaks to its free agency framework.
“Free agency (is) one of them,” he continued.
“We’ve got a collective agreement coming up with the players, which we’ll be negotiating this year and next year.
“That will be one of the things that’s certainly on the table.”
Dillon also explained they would be
looking to announce changes to make bids for father-sons and academy picks even harder to allow for talent to be spread more evenly.
“I think that is one part of it,” he acknowledged.
“But the draft is an important part of equalisation, but as I said, it’s only one part.
“You’ve got trade, you’ve got
free agency, and then you’ve got the fixture, you’ve got how the players are developed once they get to their clubs.
“I think all of those things are in the mix. But if we go back to the draft with father-son, NGAs, Northern Academies, I think what’s become really clear over the last couple of years is that (with) the draft value index, the clubs have worked out a
way to not manipulate it but use it to their advantage.
“So, we’re in the process, and we’re not far off making some changes there which will still allow clubs access to those talented players if they’re either a father-son or an academy player.
“But they will pay a much closer to the fair price under the draft value index.”
