SANFL says AFL mid-year draft and trade period will hurt local leagues

Norwood chief executive James Fantasia has vehemently spoken out against a mid-season AFL draft and claims the negative impact on the game far outweighs any positives for its introduction.

Nick Holman in action for Central District last season. Picture: Dylan Coker

Norwood chief executive James Fantasia has vehemently spoken out against a mid-season AFL draft and claims the negative impact on the game far outweighs any positives for its introduction.

Fantasia said no one begrudged a player’s good fortune in getting an opportunity on the national stage, but he is adamant strong state leagues are critical for the health of the game.

And he is worried a team could miss out on a premiership because of a mid-season decision by an AFL club.

While Fantasia said the Redlegs were bitterly opposed to including state league players in a mid-season draft, he has backed player trades between AFL clubs.

“A mid-season draft could have such a negative affect on a team which equates to financial stability,” Fantasia said. “The impact on what happens at (SANFL) club level is so much greater than the positives for an AFL club.

“This is not about trying to block a career pathway. When a player gets drafted at the end of the year they go with the club’s blessing. But we get an opportunity to replace the player.

“We cannot just worry about under 18 football and the AFL and have a void between them.

“What is critical for the betterment of the game is to have strong state leagues and diminishing them will impact on the game long term.”

The return of a mid-season draft has again raised its head and could be implemented as early as June in a huge blow for state leagues.

Fantasia is well versed to discuss the subject, having had lengthy stints in the AFL in recruiting and management roles.

“It could derail a club’s season,” he said. “Imagine Central District last year losing Nick Holman mid-season and the impact that would have had.”

The Bulldogs lost Tony Lynn to Carlton when a mid-season draft existed in 1994, two years following his club best and fairest award win and the season after being best on ground for South Australia against Western Australia.

Bulldogs chief executive Kris Grant said the loss of Lynn midway through the season deflated enthusiasm at the club.

“There needs to be more consideration for competitions below the AFL and losing one of your best players in the middle of the season has a massive impact, as we know only too well,” he said.

“There are other factors not being considered. The player could be someone we have found a job for, which is not easy.

“All of a sudden the player is gone and that would be frustrating for the employer who could be lost to the club.”

The SANFL, concerned with any change which could disrupt clubs’ lists during the season, has yet to discuss a mid-season draft with the AFL.

“There is a great deal of investment in resource, time and energy, by volunteers, members, players, coaches and staff, that goes into building a list and positioning for success,’’ SANFL general manager football Adam Kelly said.

“While SANFL clubs are invested in both on field success and providing a pathway to the AFL, we would be opposed to disruption during the season.”