The AFL is set to head back into yesteryear regarding Next Generation Academy (NGA) talent as clubs will be granted access to high-end prospects, with league heads briefed on the change in Perth.

Under the current rules, NGA players selected within the first 40 Picks were unable to be matched by a bid from the affiliated club.

It sees the AFL return to a system that it had previously, with the most recent instance coming in 2020 when the Western Bulldogs matched a bid (from Adelaide) for Jamarra Ugle-Hagan at Pick 1.

The Bulldogs finished seventh and played St Kilda in an elimination final.

To assist with competitive balance and equality, the AFL pushed NGA access to outside the top 20 selections the following year and then to 40.

According toย AFL Media'sย Cal Twomey, the league informed all 18 clubs of a set of expected changes, inclusive of the alleviation of the NGA restriction.

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Essendon fans - who are linked to first-round fancy Isaac Kako - will rejoice in the change while St Kilda (Adrian Cole and Lennox Hoffman) and West Coast (Malakai Champion) are set to benefit.

Twomey also revealed the changes:

  • Rookies can remain on the list for up to five years (up from three) subject to games eligibility
  • Introducing contract length as a key determinant in free agency compensation
  • Allowing father-sons to be rookie-listed if they do not receive a bid in the National Draft

Other changes like the trading of picks two years in advance are expected to be waved through while the trading of mid-season selections is likely to be available in 2025.

More to come.