Although it’s copping a bit of stick, no case can be made to get rid of free agency in the AFL.
We’ve already seen some big names test the free agency market.
Of course Buddy Franklin got his nine-year deal with the Swans in 2013, while Brendon Goddard jumped on board the Bombers ship for the ride of his life in 2012. These signings caused controversy but how is this ‘de-equalisation’?
The Saints used their compensation pick to bring in Tom Hickey in from the Gold Coast as well as picks 25 and 46.
Hickey was looking the perfect replacement for big man Ben McEvoy earlier this year before he went down with a hot spot in his foot and later on with knee tendonitis.
Pick 25 was used to pick up Spencer White who hasn’t set the world on fire in his two years at the club, but he did kick three goals on debut in Round 22 this year and is a work in progress.
Pick 46 is where it gets interesting.
In 2012, the Saints traded pick 46 to Sydney in return for Trent Dennis-Lane who, in the opinion of many, has been a waste of time. He has been spending most of his time at Sandringham in the VFL.
But now in an ironic twist the player taken by Sydney at pick 46 in 2012, Tim Membrey, is seeking a trade to St Kilda.
Now bear in mind, free agency and equalisation cannot stop foolish trades or poor list management.
As good as Goddard is, and as bad as St Kilda have been – this is a case of free agency at work.
Goddard gets to chase a premiership at the Bombers, and the Saints should have picked up Membrey in 2012 if it weren’t for sheer stupidity.
Who knows, Membrey might have proved to be the missing piece of the puzzle for the Saints in a year that saw Nick Riewoldt as the lonesome target inside the 50.
Then there is Buddy, one of the most talented footballers of our generation, who chooses to leave the reigning premiers for the Swans at the end of 2013.
Is it equalisation if a fantastic player leaves a dominant club to take up a lucrative contract offer?
Yes.
Especially when now we see a player like Nick Malceski walk away from the Swans in favour of a developing squad in the Suns.
If money is the reason that Malceski walked, good news for everyone but Sydney fans!
Buddy’s contract is back-ended, so we could see a few more blokes leave the Harbour city for clubs that have a bit more in the cap to offer.
Equalisation?
Yep.
But what about James Frawley hightailing it to the Hawks?
For a player that has looked above average at best in a pretty ordinary side for the last eight years, Paul Roos would be over the moon with pick three as compensation.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Frawley held his own at the Hawks, but I also wouldn’t be surprised if he spent more time at Box Hill than at Waverley. This will be the third year of free agency and so far no one has been shafted.
And even if they had, haven’t we been whinging about the rules seemingly changing every year?
Give free agency a shot, it’s too early to make a decision either way.
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Chief certainly gave David King the details he wanted!
Will it get the Hawks ready for a crucial clash with North Melbourne?
Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
Collingwood premiership defender Nathan Murphy has been forced into a premature and immediate AFL retirement through concussion to prioritise a "full and healthy life"…
Geelong has been crafty and creative in its list management and has quietly assembled a very exciting young group of midfielders and half-forwards.
Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale will be looking to lead his team to a victory against Melbourne in what will be his 250th AFL game.
