Axe Man
17-11-2016, 10:46 AM
AFL rookies could be eligible to play from Round 1, expanded lists as soon as 2018 (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-rookies-could-be-eligible-to-play-from-round-1-expanded-lists-as-soon-as-2018/news-story/4b9f814f27debec43c03fcf969477483)
EVERY AFL rookie could be eligible to play from Round 1 under a move that would provide a massive boost to around 100 players next year.
The league and AFL player union are working on a proposal that seems likely to be ratified as part of the collective bargaining agreement.
Each club has a maximum of six rookies, but many need to wait until a long-term injury to be elevated and eligible to play senior football.
By 2018 AFL clubs could have no rookies, with senior lists expanded from 38 to 44 and all of those players available for every game.
But as a transition a move to make all rookies eligible by Round 1 next year would give them real incentive to prove their worth in the pre-season competition.
Western Bulldogs premiership coach Luke Beveridge urged the AFL to scrap the rookie list at a mid-season meeting of coaches with AFL boss Gillon McLachlan.
Under the current rules there are three ways for rookies to play AFL football.
If a club has less than 40 primary listed players it can nominate a rookie for Round 1, it can elevate a rookie mid-season or it can temporarily replace a player on the long-term injury list.
Rookies are signed for only a single season at a time rather than the initial two-year contract listed players are guaranteed.
They are also paid only $57,940 a season, lifted to $64,395 and $3,660 per senior match if they are elevated during the season.
This year clubs are clearing the decks of existing rookies to stock up at November 28’s rookie draft given the exceptional depth of players in this year’s draft class.
Beveridge said mid-year he was in favour of one single list with every player eligible to play.
“I think one of the primary things I’ll be looking (to talk about) is a bit more direction with the lists and whether or not they are going to combine the two,” Beveridge said.
“It would be nice to know now (as) we’re strategising all the time from a list management perspective.
“That call needs to be made really early so the clubs know and plan ahead.
“I’m in favour of making it (a list) of 44 and keeping to just three (compulsory) delistings.”
EVERY AFL rookie could be eligible to play from Round 1 under a move that would provide a massive boost to around 100 players next year.
The league and AFL player union are working on a proposal that seems likely to be ratified as part of the collective bargaining agreement.
Each club has a maximum of six rookies, but many need to wait until a long-term injury to be elevated and eligible to play senior football.
By 2018 AFL clubs could have no rookies, with senior lists expanded from 38 to 44 and all of those players available for every game.
But as a transition a move to make all rookies eligible by Round 1 next year would give them real incentive to prove their worth in the pre-season competition.
Western Bulldogs premiership coach Luke Beveridge urged the AFL to scrap the rookie list at a mid-season meeting of coaches with AFL boss Gillon McLachlan.
Under the current rules there are three ways for rookies to play AFL football.
If a club has less than 40 primary listed players it can nominate a rookie for Round 1, it can elevate a rookie mid-season or it can temporarily replace a player on the long-term injury list.
Rookies are signed for only a single season at a time rather than the initial two-year contract listed players are guaranteed.
They are also paid only $57,940 a season, lifted to $64,395 and $3,660 per senior match if they are elevated during the season.
This year clubs are clearing the decks of existing rookies to stock up at November 28’s rookie draft given the exceptional depth of players in this year’s draft class.
Beveridge said mid-year he was in favour of one single list with every player eligible to play.
“I think one of the primary things I’ll be looking (to talk about) is a bit more direction with the lists and whether or not they are going to combine the two,” Beveridge said.
“It would be nice to know now (as) we’re strategising all the time from a list management perspective.
“That call needs to be made really early so the clubs know and plan ahead.
“I’m in favour of making it (a list) of 44 and keeping to just three (compulsory) delistings.”