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AFLPA says free agency underused, not harming competition, as next pay deal looms

Players' union review finds free agency has not materially affected competitive balance and calls for broader use

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time1 min
Sources3 outlets
The AFL Players' Association has concluded that free agency is underutilised and has not materially impacted competitive balance in the AFL, flagging a potential overhaul of the system as part of negotiations for the league's next collective bargaining agreement.

The AFLPA's internal review, seen by this masthead, found that the player movement mechanism has not harmed the equality of the competition and is not being used to its full potential.

AFLPA chief executive James Gallagher said free agency should create a more open player movement market and enhance competitive balance.

"Our review suggests free agency is underutilised and hasn't materially impacted competitive balance either for better or worse," Gallagher said.

The review comes as the AFL and the players' union prepare to negotiate the next pay deal, with free agency rules expected to be a key point of discussion.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The AFL's next pay deal will determine rules for player movement, affecting how clubs build their lists and how players control their careers.
  • Free agency reform could shift the balance of power between players, clubs, and the league.
  • The review challenges the assumption that free agency undermines competitive balance, a concern often cited by club administrators.

Background

Free agency was introduced in the AFL in 2012, allowing out-of-contract players with a certain number of years of service to move to another club without a trade. The system has been criticised by some clubs who fear losing star players without adequate compensation, while players have argued it is too restrictive.

Key Perspectives

AFLPA (players): The union wants to expand free agency to give players more choice and leverage, arguing it benefits both players and the competition by increasing player movement. AFL (league): The league must balance player freedom with maintaining competitive balance and protecting club interests, particularly smaller-market teams. Clubs (particularly those losing talent): Some clubs worry that expanded free agency will make it harder to retain homegrown stars, especially when rival clubs can offer more money or stronger premiership chances.

What to Watch

  • The AFL's response to the review and whether it proposes its own data on competitive balance.
  • Key figures and thresholds proposed for new free agency rules in the next CBA.
  • Reaction from club presidents and list managers, particularly at clubs that have recently lost free agents.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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