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McLachlan flags change to free agency rules

Published by
Zero Hanger

The AFL is set to implement a minor change to free agency rules in 2018.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan, confirmed on Friday morning a change is likely, following a strong push from the AFL Players Association.

The change will see players who have played eight years at one club, become 'lifetime free agents' after moving clubs.

Currently, when a free agent moves clubs, he must play at his new clubs for six years before becoming a free agent once again.

However, McLachlan said this will change under the proposed new rules.

"We haven't finalised the deal, but the clubs have been briefed. If there are concessions they will be minor ones," McLachlan said on 3AW on Friday.

"Broadly free agency will stay the same, but there may be one change. The most likely is lifetime free agency.

"Right now, if a 28-year-old player moves under free agency, he theoretically has to be there (at his new club) another six years to become eligible for free agency again.

"Once someone has moved under free agency I think it becomes logical that they become a free agent … it's a logical change. I think it's just a sensible change."

The biggest names set to become free agents at the end of this season are Richmond's Dustin Martin, Fremantle's Nat Fyfe and Brisbane's Tom Rockliff.

Published by
Zero Hanger