AFL draft changes, but no free agency
30/04/2008 1:47 PM
on a list before, provided they have not played a senior game."
"We hope this will provide a second chance for some players who are late developers," he said.
"A player must also now be contracted by his club by October 31, if that club wishes to retain him."
"If the player is not contracted by October 31, he has the option to delist himself and enter the National Draft and/or the Pre Season Draft."
"This increases the options available to players who cannot reach agreement with their clubs."
Previously, a player was prevented from entering the National Draft if he was still listed by his club, but out of contract.
This meant that players were not able to to enter the National Draft and secure a position with clubs before the pre-season draft, where fewer selections are available.
According to the league the change to the player drafting age, to come into force after the 2009 season, is designed to ensure more players are able to complete their secondary studies prior to being listed AFL players.
This would allow teenagers to mature further before joining an AFL club and also allows clubs a more accurate assessment of a player's ability and potential.
The working party comprised Anderson and fellow AFL staffers Andrew Dillon, Rod Austin and Simon Lethlean, AFLPA representatives Brendon Gale, Matt Finnis, Bernie Shinners and Laura Sigal and Adelaide FC Chief Executive Steven Trigg.