Free Agency almost here ...?

[Hondo]

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/a ... -ort7.html

Seems to be free agency after 8 years of service (approx age 26) with the club losing the player being compensated by some sort of draft pick

[Sojourner]

Interesting that it has been resolved at eight years. Clearly they will still have to fit into the same Salary Cap, yet its not the worst thing that could happen and could well result in the likes of Gibbs being able to return to SA should he so wish to in a few years time!

[stan]

Interesting that it has been resolved at eight years. Clearly they will still have to fit into the same Salary Cap, yet its not the worst thing that could happen and could well result in the likes of Gibbs being able to return to SA should he so wish to in a few years time!

Question, does that mean players who have already provided 8 years of service can under the new rules head home at the end of the season providing contracts are of course fullfilled?

If so, and I know hes getting on, but FFS PAV come home.

[Swooper16]

I think this will hurt the SA clubs more then help them. Can anyone provide any recent examples of either Port or Adelaide getting a standout player due to the come-home factor...?

In recent times we have seen Pav, Didak, Lake all been courted by the SA clubs but all of which have decided to remain interstate. Once a player has spent 8 years setting up their life interstate (Melbourne particularly) then i cant see many players wanting to return to Adelaide. I think we will definately see more heading the other way tho.

[Dutchy]

Thompson, Welsh, Motlop a few I can think of...

Going to put a lot of pressure on team not paying the full Salary Cap due to financial pressures as they will be more than likely unable to match any offers made by the "rich" clubs...

[Swooper16]

Thompson, Welsh, Motlop a few I can think of...

Going to put a lot of pressure on team not paying the full Salary Cap due to financial pressures as they will be more than likely unable to match any offers made by the "rich" clubs...

Thompson was the last one i can think of but that was some time ago and i think North were quite happy to see Motlop leave.

Anyway i just think we will see more talent leave SA then we get back under this new Free Agent agreement. As a port supporter i hope i am wrong tho.

[Hondo]

There'll be greater pressure on Melbourne lads drafted out of Melbourne to go home rather than the other way IMO.

Someone like Dangerfield or Boak could consider 10 different offers in theory. The promotional & financial opportunities in Melb v Adelaide have made it tougher to get the "come home" players and Rendell has said as much.

ie, getting Gibbs or Cooney home will be a huge ask I think. Getting Danger back to Melbourne = not so hard.