Port Adelaide list manager Jason Cripps wants power to trade contracted players without their permission
PORT Adelaide list manager Jason Cripps would like the power to trade AFL players without their permission so AFL clubs can have some say in player movement.
- Hawks to swoop on Wingard
- Lycett give Hinkley new plan
- Crows waiting game
- Sign-up for Rucci’s Roast newsletter
PORT Adelaide list manager Jason Cripps has re-ignited the debate on AFL clubs freely trading contracted players to rebalance the scales that have been tilted in the players’ favour with free agency.
Unlike many other professional sports, the AFL forbids the 18 league clubs moving contracted players unless the players agree to the trade.
“I have no problem with players who are contracted testing the market (as early as a year before the contract expires),” Cripps said on radio FIVEaa on Tuesday.
“But we need to get to the position where clubs can trade players who are contracted - and trade them to their choice of club, not always have the choice decided by the player.
“If we are going to continue down the path with free agency - and reduce (from eight years) when a player becomes eligible for free agency, the power balance needs to move back to the clubs.
“The power should be with the club in trading contracted players.”
Currently, Adelaide is being compelled to trade contracted forward Mitch McGovern - who still has two years on a three-season deal - to his club of choice, Carlton. But the Crows could have found a better trade with a different club, in particular Fremantle in McGovern’s home city of Perth.
Port Adelaide cannot move contracted midfielder-forward Chad Wingard - despite keen interest from rival AFL clubs - unless Wingard agrees to the transfer.
But in 12 months, Wingard could leave the Power as a free agent - and leave Port Adelaide with a compensation draft pick from the AFL that could be inferior than what would be offered from a club in a trade.
Also, Greater Western Sydney - that on Tuesday “lost” contracted midfielder Dylan Shiel to Essendon - could find a better deal with one of Shiel’s other three suitors rather than the Bombers.
Free trading would allow the Giants to protect their interests by trading Shiel to the club offering the best trade.
The AFL - and the players’ union - has repeatedly rebuffed clubs seeking free trading. Clubs would have to honour or enhance the standing contracts - and Cripps also wants player salaries to be publicly disclosed.
michelangelo.rucci@news.com.au