AFL may loosen rookie rules, add inactive listBy Jason Phelan
6.15 PM Thu 22 July, 2010A FURTHER loosening of the rookie list rules and an inactive list for compassionate or exceptional circumstances are among the initiatives that could be implemented by the AFL as it looks to ease the introduction of its two expansion teams over the next two years.
The AFL is seeking feedback from clubs on a number of proposals which have been put forward by the League’s player movement working party for possible implementation as soon as next season.
In recent years Graham Polak, Tom Lonergan and Adam Ramanauskas were all dropped from their respective clubs primary lists due to medical reasons and then had to take their chances getting back to their club via the draft.
This would not be the case if an inactive list were brought in which would allow such players to take an extended leave of absence and then return directly to their club of origin.
The main rookie list change under consideration is the option for clubs to leave one rookie position open after the rookie draft to be filled after the NAB Cup Grand Final and before the commencement of the premiership season.
Clubs could consider trialling players as part of a training squad during the summer or be able to assess state league players, before making a decision on the eve of the season.
Also under consideration is the possibility of an out of contract primary list player, with his consent, being moved directly to the rookie list instead of being delisted and then re-drafted via the rookie draft.
Buoyed by the fanfare created by the luring of rugby league converts Karmichael Hunt and Israel Folau, the AFL will also consider the introduction of an ‘elite athlete’ rule that would allow established clubs the option of trying to lure similar talent from other sports.
The Gold Coast and Team GWS did so with the backing of a salary cap exemption, but the working party has not progressed the idea to the point where salary cap implications have been taken into account for the 16 other clubs.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/98796/default.aspx
