‘Going to be backlash’: AFL to axe father-son rule in ‘significant change’ to draft system
The AFL is set to scrap one of its most famous traditions, with major backlash expected to a massive rule change that will change the league.
It’s one of the most romantic traditions in Aussie rules, but the AFL could effectively scrap the father-son rule as soon as next year.
Some of the AFL’s most famous names are continuing the legacy of their dads by playing for the same clubs under the father-son rule.
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Think Nick and Josh Daicos (Collingwood), Tom Liberatore and Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs), Will and Levi Ashcroft (Brisbane) Jack Viney (Melbourne), Jack Silvagni (Carlton), Jackson Archer (North Melbourne), Calsher Dear (Hawthorn) and Jason Burgoyne (Port Adelaide).
But there was outrage when the Lions were able to take Levi Ashcroft with pick No. 5 in last year’s draft and they only had to give up picks 40, 42, 43 and 46 as compensation to match a bid.
His dad Marcus Ashcroft played in Brisbane’s three-peat in 2001-03, but it angered many clubs and fans that the Lions were able to add the best player in the draft for peanuts, straight after winning the 2024 premiership.
The Daicos brothers played in Collingwood’s 2023 premiership win and Will Ashcroft won the North Smith Medal in Brisbane’s grand final triumph last year.
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But the AFL is seriously considering changing the rules around matching bids for father-sons and academy selections with clubs who miss out on gun players frustrated about compromised drafts.
Veteran footy reporter Caroline Wilson told Channel 7’s Agenda Setters that clubs were preparing for a change to bidding rules in 2026.
“Most footy bosses … believe there will be no father-son or academy picks for the whole first round of the draft, which is what St Kilda, Fremantle and others have been pushing for” Wilson said.
“(It comes) in a week where Levi Ashcroft could well win the Rising Star and certainly be a contender.
“We discussed it with Jarryd Roughead today and he made the point where it’s really disappointing to the Hawthorn football club that the son of their champion, twice Norm Smith medallist and premiership captain (Luke Hodge), that his son (Cooper Hodge) could go to Brisbane ahead of Hawthorn because of academies.”
Leading AFL reporter Callum Twomey said the AFL has “significant change on its mind with regards to the bidding system — the father-son and academy system”.
“While some clubs are pushing for this — Geelong and St Kilda have raised this — the majority are fearful the AFL is going to bring in a draft lockout,” Twomey said on AFL.com.au’s Gettable.
“Whether it’s the first five picks, first 10 picks, or the first round — a protected zone — bids can’t be matches on those father-son and academy players.
“The league is keen to get the ball rolling on this pretty soon, potentially as soon as next year. There’s going to be some significant backlash to this potential draft lockout and clubs will rally against that.”
Such a change would effectively eradicate the father-son rule, given some of footy’s most famous surnames produce offspring so talented they will be taken in the first round.
If the AFL makes changes to the draft system, clubs would be able to swoop on rivals and draft father-son prospects away from their heritage club in the first round.
Carlton-nominated Cody Walker, a possible No. 1 pick in 2026, would be open to the entire draft despite being linked to Carlton as the son of former Blues high flyer Andrew Walker.
Cooper Hodge, the son of four-time premiership Hawk Luke Hodge, is linked to both Hawthorn and Brisbane, where he is a member of the Lions academy.
Hodge has been repeatedly quizzed about whether his son would nominate Hawthorn or Brisbane as his preferred choice. In the new system, Cooper would also be available in the open draft pool should a team deem him a first-round talent.
Hodge told the Agenda Setters: “The Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast put in a lot of money to these academies to help develop the kids because league is the main sport up there.
“Yes, Cooper would have probably found footy regardless. His development over the last 18 months, the majority of that has come through the Brisbane Lions academy and the investment they’ve made to young kids trying to fast track them.”
Hodge believes academies and father-son prospects still have a place in the AFL Draft, but teams like the Lions will need to pay a heavier price to secure the young talents.
“There was no doubt getting them in the first round, especially after what we’ve seen with Levi, Will and Jaspa (Fletcher) — they might have to pay a heavier price to get the high end quality kids.
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“But I still believe there is a place for it (academies, father-sons) because they don’t have the culture of a South Australia, WA or Victoria where you’ve got a footy in your hand before school, recess and after school.
“The work they’re putting into the kids is benefiting and I think they deserve to get rights at some stage.”
The AFL Draft will be held on November 19-20.
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