AFL expects possibly four priority pick requests from struggling clubs

THE AFL Commission will decide upon as many as four priority pick requests on Brownlow Medal day as it prepares for clubs to make submissions next week.

Another defeat as dejected Carlton players make their way from the ground after losing to the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium last Saturday. Picture: AAP

THE AFL Commission will decide upon as many as four priority pick requests on Brownlow Medal day as it prepares for clubs to make submissions next week.

Carlton and Gold Coast are certain to submit requests after underperforming seasons, with Suns chief executive Mark Evans in the unique position of handing out the last priority pick to the Lions in 2016 in his role at the AFL.

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Brisbane chief executive Greg Swann on Wednesday said the Lions would likely lodge a request after winning only 18 games in the past four years, the least in the AFL.

“We would consider it,’’ he said.

It comes as the Herald Sun can reveal the AFL trialled two models at the recent chief executives meeting that handed clubs an extra selection if they had not played finals for five years.

The AFL workshopped two models that won strong club support — one that saw clubs handed an extra selection after that year’s non-finalists (pick 11 onwards) and another after the first round of the draft.

The AFL made clear that rule for perennial underperformers was unlikely to come in this year, but hypothetically Carlton, Brisbane, Gold Coast and St Kilda would have qualified for an extra pick given five years out of September action.

Under the current priority pick rule the Saints could also consider an application after four wins and a draw but their 23 wins in the previous two years would count against them.

Former Carlton chief executive Ian Collins, who introduced priority picks as the AFL’s football boss, said on Wednesday the Blues deserved an extra pick.

Carlton players make their way from the ground after another loss. Picture: AAP

He believes clubs should not have to make submissions, arguing concrete guidelines should reward clubs with pre-draft picks.

Despite Steve Hocking’s open-ended answer to questioning over the weekend, the league has emphatically ruled out pre-draft priority picks to clubs like Carlton and the Suns.

But mid first-round picks are on the table or the usual selections after the first round of the draft that saw Brisbane secure young star Jarrod Berry with pick 19 in the 2016 national draft.

“I introduced the rules on priority picks. I told (Blues CEO) Cain Liddle he should have had a priority pick request into the AFL as far back as January,’’ Collins told the Herald Sun.

“If you want a bit of light at the end of the tunnel for supporters you need to start making things happen. If they get assistance, so be it.

Gold Coast Suns have endured a tough season. Picture: AAP

“It is a bit silly the AFL having to approve it instead of setting down hard and fast rules.

“In the old system you had to perform poorly for three years and if you were a basketcase you get a pick.”

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane confirmed on Wednesday the timeline for those requests involved submissions only after Round 23 of the AFL season.

The AFL’s executive would then scrutinise those requests before the AFL approves or rejects them at their “absolute” discretion.

The AFL’s own rules on priority picks do not refer to submissions, saying the commission “in its absolute discretion that a club is entitled to one or more priority selections at the next occurring national draft selection meetings”.

Under the current priority pick rule the Saints can consider an application but their form in the previous two years is likely to count against them.

But the league has told clubs it must submit requests, which will force the Blues under Liddle and new football boss Brad Lloyd to cautiously backtrack from their position not to apply for one.

If Brisbane beats West Coast it would have six victories for the season — above the old threshold for a pick — but after being rejected last year might argue less than victories in four seasons makes them eligible.

The Lions’ healthy percentage of 89.9 and five losses of seven points or under will count against them.

St Kilda could argue it has won only four and a half games this year but having won 23 games in the previous two seasons would be unlikely to receive an extra selection.

Saints coach Alan Richardson argued on Fox Footy’s AFL360 on Monday night the priority pick should be retained by the AFL but did not indicate St Kilda’s intentions.

Coach Chris Fagan has just signed on for an extra two years with the Brisbane Lions and a priority pick would do his tenure no harm.

CLUBS WHO COULD APPLY FOR A PRIORITY PICK

CARLTON

Has won five wooden spoons this century, more than any other club. Hasn’t legitimately qualified for finals since 2011 (played at Essendon’s expense in 2013), hasn’t finished above 13th in the past five seasons. Will apply.

GOLD COAST

Ravaged by a player drain, hasn’t finished above 12th in its eight-year history, the league didn’t give it enough concessions or support in initial set-up. Will apply

BRISBANE

Has won only 18 games in the past four years, less than Carlton (19) and the Suns (20 and a draw), and didn’t receive a priority pick last year despite finishing last. Will definitely make a submission.

ST KILDA

A long shot but have won only four games this year (plus a draw), beating only Brisbane, Gold Coast, Carlton and Melbourne. Haven’t played finals since 2011.

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