‘Sick and tired’: Saints boss slams AFL draft system in rogue awards night speech

St Kilda president Andrew Bassat has labelled a traditional AFL rule “rubbish” in a heated speech at the club’s best-and-fairest function.

Andrew Bassat believes the AFL's father-son rules are "rubbish".

St Kilda president Andrew Bassat has labelled the AFL’s father-son and academy structure “rubbish” at their annual best-and-fairest function.

Bassat addressed players, coaches, families and alumni at last night’s dinner for the sixth time in his tenure as club president – and during his speech, touched on his well-documented opinion on access to players pre-draft.

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But before firing off his public shot at the league, he prefaced his critiques of the “systems” by noting that they are not the biggest reason for their lack of achievements since their first and only V/AFL premiership in 1966.

“I won’t surprise too many (people) in the room by saying that we’ve been a relatively unsuccessful club through our 151-year history,” Bassat said.

“Before I go on to talk about the system, there’s no doubt by far biggest single reason for our lack of success, has been our own agency.”

Watch the St Kilda president’s speech in the video player above

Andrew Bassat teed off at the AFL's father-son rule.

The Saints have won just one final (2020 elimination final vs. Western Bulldogs) since their infamous 2010 finals series, where they are widely regarded as one of, if not the best team this century to never win a premiership.

“I will spend a minute talking about the system (father-son and academy picks), because it’s important I do so for two reasons – one, to talk about what we’re doing about it, but why I think this should galvanise us, rather than have us fearful,” Bassat continued.

“The system; it’s not a level playing field as we all know.

“The more I look at it, the system is designed to favour the wealthier clubs and designed to favour the northern clubs. Our role, is meant to be to make up the numbers, and not complain about it.

“In terms of what we’re doing about it, it’s fair to say that our club is sick and tired of meekly accepting its rubbish.”

Bassat’s speech was then briefly interrupted with a round of applause from those in the room.

“We’re absolutely committed as a club to fight relentlessly, to ensure that we’re given a fairer opportunity for success.”

Bassat with departing Saints Josh Battle in round 17 this year (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

The 58-year-old then stated that he and the Saints had made inroads into what they believe are necessary changes that must be made competition-wide – referring to the access that clubs have to father-son prospects, and how much they cough up in the form of draft capital to acquire a player of such a nature.

Levi Ashcroft – the brother of 2024 Norm Smith Medallist Will and son of three-time Brisbane premiership player Marcus – is widely tipped as the best player in this year’s draft pool; but that won’t stop the Lions from acquiring him, regardless of how early in the draft that another team bids for him.

Currently with pick 18 as their first selection in the draft, Bassat was fuming that the Lions will still have access to Ashcroft at what he believes is an unreasonably low price to pay – and made it known.

“We’ve actually made some progress this year; we led the charge to ensure that a fairer price is paid for father-son and academy (picks),” Bassat revealed, before detailing sarcastic dialogue with commissioners at last Saturday’s grand final.

“Unfortunately, the AFL in its wisdom chose to make the changes next year; so, I had a great time after half time (at the Grand Final) when it was pretty clear Brisbane was going to win.

“Every single commissioner I found (there)… the conversation went to the effect of (Bassat): ‘I’ve got a great idea – how about you give the best player in the draft to Brisbane this year!’

Andrew Bassat believes the AFL's father-son rules are "rubbish".

“And they would start walking away (and I’d say): ‘Oh, don’t charge them for it’.

“The system’s an absolute nonsense; it’s complete and utter nonsense. We’ll fight the battle, certainly until my last day as president – and hopefully beyond.

Bassat’s speech begun to change tune not long after, noting that “success to never be given to us,” and how “the reality is, the system will only change slowly.”

The Saints have produced three AFL father-son products since the system was introduced in 1986, and three AFLW father-daughter selections; the most of women’s in the competition’s history.

Bailey Rice - the son of the 234-game Dean Rice - was their last father-son selection in 2015, and played 11 AFL games.

2023 All-Australian Callum Wilkie took out the club’s prestigious best and fairest award, edging out teammates Jack Sinclair and Josh Battle for the top gong.

Originally published as ‘Sick and tired’: Saints boss slams AFL draft system in rogue awards night speech