Firstly, I understand the opportunity is huge for VFL listed players to potentially fulfil a life dream of playing at AFL level but what is the impact on VFL clubs?
I believe the financial incentive is $10,000. Is that enough compensation for potentially jeopardising your chances of a premiership? I would argue it is nowhere near enough.
I'll use Port Melbourne as an example (on the assumption that Sam Naismith gets the opportunity and is re-drafted). His loss I believe will be in the range of a 20% reduction in possession, especially getting first use of the ball from a ruck contest.
It is enough of change that should Naismith be picked up, that Port may tumble out of finals contention altogether.
For the health of a footy club, I think Premierships and not players drafted should be rated higher than having individuals drafted into the AFL. Imagine if two players got picked up (eg Hooper ad Naismith). The clubs decline in ladder position potentially loses you sponsorship, membership, crowd numbers and revenue from merchandise and food.
What are your thoughts?
The AFL wants to change the draft eligibilty to anyone who has played State Level football this year, and is canvassing the clubs to gauge interest. This draft can be devastating for the the stand alones, and if a player is taken the club should be compensated by a replacement player off that AFL clubs rookie list, and cash. 10k and a player sounds about right to me. Not such a big deal for the affiliates and small monetary compensation is fair enough for them.
"if a player is taken the club should be compensated by a replacement player off that AFL clubs rookie list," - Bearsman
The idea of accessing a player on the AFL clubs list is an interesting concept Bearsman. If it was access to any player on their list not selected on a given week (perhaps even two) , then I think it would go some way to covering the loss. I think the issue then would be what happens when the drafting club is not in Victoria. It would be very problematic.
* It's time to restore the VFA name.
It wouldnt have to be a permanent move to the VFL club - it could even be that they send a different player every week. The AFL club would pay the costs involved. Similar to when Lewis Pearce was at Saint KIlda and played for Frankston when it suited them.
I reckon that's for a lot of merit to it Bearsman 👍
* It's time to restore the VFA name.