Multiple coaches have publicly voiced their disinterest in a mid-season trade period for the league, unless some specific criteria are met.
Speculation has grown in recent weeks on the possibility of players changing teams at the halfway point of a season, but there is a common belief among non-Victorian clubs that the idea would disadvantage them enough to reject the idea.
Speaking on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Monday night, GWS coach Adam Kingsley spoke on the perceived advantage to Victorian clubs, should a mid-season trade period eventuate.
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“That’s my belief, it’s a lot easier to turn left instead of right than it is to relocate into a completely different state; away from potentially family, friends and comforts,” Kingsley said.
“My opinion would be that it’s probably not something that will favour the northern states particularly, but also the West Australian and South Australian clubs – I think you’d see most of the movement happen within Victoria.”
Should the AFL decide to take trading matters out of the hands of players, the second-year Giants coach was more warming to the concept.
“At the moment, I think the players can decide what happens with trade, so in that situation, I don’t think that it works,” Kingsley added.
“If you give the clubs the power to trade, then I think it’s a great initiative, and would probably be something that works.”
If the AFL were to only allow deals sought by clubs (not players), as well as perhaps restrictions on the types of athletes traded, the concept might be more warmly welcomed by all.
Potential criteria could extend to players only being eligible for trade if they have played little football at the top level up to the date of the draft.
Current Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick agreed with his former Richmond colleague on the ending sentiment, which if implemented would change the whole dynamic of trading not just in the middle of the year, but also off-season.
“Adam’s point is right – the reality is, if the players have the power at the moment, it just doesn’t work – that’s where the mechanism has to change,” Hardwick said.
“The AFL is an entertainment industry, so things have to happen; we can’t just rely on the game to give us the entertainment, there have to be things that actually promote movement or promote hope to sides – and at the moment, we don’t really have that.
“We have a mid-season draft, but there’s been fewer and fewer picks because the talent’s not quite there.”
With the addition of a Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP), there is merit to Hardwick’s comments on a concern over the talent pool available at the current mid-season draft.
Subsequently, their may be a greater want from coaches to poach fringe or unused players at other clubs to maintain both the playing standards of their own club and the league.
The 2024 edition of the mid-season draft will take place next Wednesday on May 29, with several former AFL players such as Brynn Teakle, Flynn Perez and Trent Bianco highlighting the potential draftees.
Source Agencies
