SANFL clubs want to retain players taken by Adelaide and Port Adelaide AFL clubs in mid-season draft

The AFL’s decision to introduce a mid-season draft has concerned SANFL clubs — particularly in the wake of season-ending Round 1 injuries — and they have been unified in their response.

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The unified bid by the traditional SANFL clubs to retain players picked up by Adelaide’s two AFL clubs in the mid-season draft has been reinforced in a message to members and fans.

Central District, Sturt, South Adelaide, North Adelaide, Norwood and Woodville-West Torrens released statements on their websites claiming the SANFL, at the request of the clubs, had approached Adelaide and Port Adelaide to discuss the matter.

SANFL captains (from left) Luke Thompson (Eagles), Chris Curran (Glenelg), Matt Rose (South Adelaide), Matthew Wright (Adelaide), Max Thring (North Adelaide), Zane Kirkwood (Sturt), Jace Bode (Norwood), Hugh Haysman (West Adelaide, standing in for Tom Keough), Trent Goodrem (Central District) and Cam Sutcliffe (Port Adelaide). Picture: Mark Brake/AAP

The clubs accept any player taken by the Crows or Power would be required to train with the AFL side, but they strongly believe the player should be released to their SANFL club when not selected for AFL games.

That is the plan adopted by West Coast after the birth of their stand-alone side in the WAFL this season.

Norwood said it was firmly opposed to the pre-season supplementary listing and mid-season draft and was disappointed the AFL had made such a decision without consultation or respect for the state league clubs and the competitions that feed them.

“We wish to make it absolutely clear that our club works extremely hard to develop players for the AFL and supports the player’s career path, wishing to produce as many AFL players as possible,” the Redlegs’ statement said.

“We simply do not see the merit in both a mid-season draft and an extension of the pre-season listing which we believe adversely affects the 140-year-old SANFL competition.”

South Adelaide has already lost gun recruit Hayden McLean to the Sydney Swans. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

The controversial mid-season draft, as well as the pre-season supplementary draft, were introduced this year and the Panthers have already been a victim after losing young forward Hayden McLean to Sydney this month.

The clubs are now fearing losing key personnel mid-season and having their premiership hopes derailed.

Those nervous thoughts have grown more pronounced following season-ending knee injuries in the opening round of AFL action and clubs being approached by recruiters to chat about potential draftees.