THE Greater South West Junior Football League (GSWJFL) is looking ahead to the upcoming with the Under-16.5 age group changed to 17-and-Under for 2022.

The move was ticked off this week and it is hoped it will lead to greater player participation as well as playing an important role in the pathway from junior football to senior competitions.

GSWJFL executive and AFL Western District advisory board member, Paul Bosch said it was a positive change and was glad to get it confirmed to allow for planning and recruiting efforts by clubs to start.

“It will help non-Hampden skilled players and will give them some extra football and help them develop before progressing to senior footy,” he said.

“We will retain the Under-14 competition and we will be more lenient with the overage permits.

“(Given the bigger difference in age groups), we will be tougher on overage permits for the top age players in the 17-and-Under players.”

The league put a submission to the AFL Western District advisory board and it was voted on at Monday night’s meeting with the change gaining unanimous support from the board.

The league’s fixture is expected to be released later this week with the GSWJFL looking to work in with the South West District Football Netball League schedule.

“We are looking to align as much as possible with the South West league as possible,” Bosch said.

Coleraine and Hamilton Kangaroos fielded Under-16.5 teams last season with Cavendish set to enter a team into the top age group for the 2022 season.

The Under-14 and Under-11 age groups will remain the same.