The SANFL has introduced a cap for the number of AFL-listed players eligible to play finals football at State League level.

The League announced on Thursday that a maximum of 17 listed players will be able to represent either of the two South Australian AFL clubs in the SANFL’s major round.

The SANFL finals cap will apply regardless of whether the club’s senior side has qualified for AFL finals. There was previously no limitation on SANFL selection if a club’s AFL team remained in the AFL finals race.

There will be no cap on AFL-listed players throughout the SANFL’s minor round.

The new rule was introduced after an annual review of AFL Club licence agreements in consultation with the Adelaide and Port Adelaide Football Clubs and the eight traditional SANFL clubs.

Adelaide qualified for SANFL finals for the first time this year after finishing fourth on the League ladder. The SANFL Crows won their first two finals, before falling to eventual premiers Sturt by 35 points in the Preliminary Final.