DARREN MONCRIEFF
Wednesday 28 March 2012
SIX Indigenous AFL players will enter the unknown world of free agency after the current season.
The concept, introduced by the AFL and AFL Players' Association, allows uncontracted footballers to move to the club of their choice -- but it's only for players who have met certain criteria.
Chance Bateman (Hawthorn), Raphael Clarke (St Kilda), Antoni Grover (Fremantle), Nathan Lovett-Murray (Essendon) and Ash McGrath (Brisbane) are unrestricted free agents, while Danyle Pearce (Port Adelaide) is a restricted free agent.
The six Indigenous players are among 62 free agents in the AFL this year.
As unrestricted free agents, Bateman, Clarke, Grover, Lovett-Murray and McGrath have served eight or more seasons at the one club, are not among the top 25 per cent highest-paid players at their clubs, and are now out of contract for the first time since reaching eight seasons of service.
Therefore, these players are eligible to field offers from rival AFL clubs but their current club does not have the right to match the presented offer.
Their original club, however, will receive a compensation draft pick for the loss of the player.
Pearce, the AFL's 2006 Rising Star Award winner, is a restricted free agent.
The key difference for Pearce is that Port Adelaide does have the right to match the presented offer and if they do he may choose to remain with his original club. If not, he can seek a trade or enter the draft.
The free agency concept is a form of long-service reward. It came about from AFL players seeking better treatment from their clubs and more flexibility in their careers.
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Last Modified on 28/03/2012 19:10