How does the player loan system work?

From the 2026 Event Conditions:

• The entity (not the player) applies in writing on the Player Loan Application Form. Forms were due at least two weeks before the event (18 February 2026).
• A team may have up to four loan players.
• Entities must first source players from within their own state (NSW entities from NSW, Queensland entities from Queensland, and Alliance States and ADF teams from within the Alliance States) before asking for a player from interstate.
• The player on loan must meet all eligibility requirements, must have trialled or made themselves available for their home entity and been unsuccessful (or the home entity has not nominated a team in their division), and must have written approval from the releasing entity, which must not be unreasonably withheld. They must not register for the team before the loan is approved.
• TFA is the sole approver of all loans, including state-based loan systems. Preference is given to loans between neighbouring affiliates or entities.
• Loan players cannot qualify for home-grown status through a loan, and their loan status expires at the end of the tournament.

Source: The Championships 2026 Event Conditions, Player Loan System (touchfootball.com.au/media/17920/the-championships-2026-event-conditions-v2.pdf).