AFL bring in last-minute changes to list lodgement rules in order to give clubs more flexibility

AFL clubs have wasted no time taking advantage of a new list lodgement rule that has seen several veterans converted into rookies. Here’s how.

Veterans Grant Birchall, Eddie Betts and Shane Mumford were reclassed as rookies on Wednesday as clubs quickly moved to take advantage of a contentious new AFL list rule.

The AFL announced clubs were now able to move two senior players straight to the rookie list — and keep $80,000 of each player’s wage out of the salary cap.

Clubs, who raised concerns this week about how they would manage a 9 per cent cut to next year’s cap, were quick to take advantage of the change.

In a throwback to the now defunct veterans’ rule, Carlton’s Betts, 33, who has played 331 games, and Brisbane’s Birchall — 32 and 264 games — will no longer sit on their club’s primary list.

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On the same day Greater Western Sydney announced that it had re-signed 34-year-old Mumford and 51-gamer Daniel Lloyd the Giants were able to park some of their wages outside the cap by making them rookies.

Port Adelaide record games holder Kane Cornes was one former player to question the league’s decision-making process.

“A 33-year-old legend of the game (Betts) is now on the rookie list — probably time we renamed the ‘rookie list’,” Cornes posted on Twitter.

It flies in the face of the rookie concept introduced in 1997 to “encourage the development and recruitment of players from outside normal player pathways”.

Grant Birchall, 32, will be a rookie at the Lions next year. Picture: Michael Klein

In other changes, Cartlon relisted Matthew Kennedy as a rookie, West Coast reclassified veteran tagger Mark Hutchings and the Gold Coast Suns made instant rookies out of

Jarrod Harbrow, Jack Hombsch, Jordan Murdoch and Zac Smith.

Brisbane list manager Dom Ambrogio said the new rules had not only helped the club but also players such as Birchall, Connor Ballenden and Rhys Mathieson were “removed” from the Lions’ senior list on Wednesday.

“We’re thankful to the AFL for their hard work in providing the clubs with additional management mechanisms to minimise any negative impact for the players involved,” Ambrogio said.

A 33 year-old legend of the game is now on the rookie list - probably time we renamed the ‘rookie list’ https://t.co/swwO93GC5O

— Kane Cornes (@kanecornes) November 25, 2020

Carlton head of football Brad Lloyd praised Betts for agreeing to the change and ensuring the “club can continue to keep its current playing list together”.

“We approached Eddie about the possibility of making this decision and as soon as Eddie knew how this opportunity would help the club, he agreed straight away,” Lloyd said.

“It is also a terrific result that we have been able to recontract Matthew now, without having to endure the wait until the rookie draft.”

Matt Kennedy is set to be re-rookied by the Blues. Picture: AFL Photos via Getty Images

Clubs are expected to have up to six Category A rookies to offset salary cap pressure, with $480,000 able to sit outside of their caps.

New rules for next year allow clubs to have between 37 and 44 players on their lists.

Primary lists must have 36-38 players, clubs can have between 4-6 Category A rookies and two Category B rookies.

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