Opinion
As we head towards the middle of the AFL season towards the bye rounds, the AFL and many clubs would be asking themselves if there should be a mid-season trade period.
This has become a divisive topic over the past few years with many positives as well negatives too. But it is fair to say that many clubs could benefit from the implementation and would add excitement to a dull period where there seems to be not a lot to talk about in the media.
The implementation of a mid-season trade period could allow many clubs to top up with players that they need to fill a gap in their squad. With a long season of 24 rounds, this leaves many clubs with riddled injury lists including the West Coast Eagles, Sydney and St.Kilda to need replacements quickly.
St.Kilda could get a key forward to improve their efficiency going inside 50 with them going at 45 percent inside their forward 50.
For example, they could attempt to get someone such as Sam Day from the Gold Coast Suns who has 148 games under his belt, and is currently unable to cement his spot at the Suns, but could give a good month in a half of strong footy until Max King gets back up and going.
These players the club could get for basically nothing could be crucial in getting the Saints a final seat at the table.
Sydney is another club who are in desperate need of some relief down back with Key cogs including Dane Rampe, Tom Mccartin and Paddy Mccartin all out. The proposal could allow them to lure Jeremy Mcgovern or even Harry Himmelberg out of their club to help them climb up the ladder fast.
Yes, it might be difficult for their original club to accept the deal, but these deals become possible for a team such as the West Coast Eagles who are desperate for talented young draft picks.
For the West Coast Eagles, their season is no doubt over after several experienced players are out for long periods. The mid-season idea would be a great chance to get some extra players who can play a role to give fans hope, and a reason to attend the games.
The mid-season trade period could also give opportunities to clubs in the premiership window to improve their weaknesses. A side like Port Adelaide who lacks depth down back with the side having no defender over 194 cm could try and strengthen their backline to help them go deep into finals.
The addition would create excitement for all footy fans and give the belief that their team’s poor first half of the year could change. It would give the media something to talk about in the middle period of the season rather than starting arguments against each other.
Indeed, with Kane Cornes stating “I am sick of AFL figures having opinions off the back of other opinions,” emphasises the lack of content to talk about.
But, there are some negatives surrounding the possibility of a mid-season trade period.
The loyalty of players would be highly concerning with the possibility of players checking out during the season or even refusing to play until they get their trade. The richness of being a one-club player would be reduced with more player movement than ever before.
The AFL would possibly come closer to the NRL transfer system in which case players sign with other clubs despite having a contract in place for another year at their existing club. These types of players underperforming could be questioned on their effort and motivation for playing at their current club.
Former Manly Sea Eagles player now Gold Coast Titan Kieran Foran, revealed to his teammates in May last year that he had signed a two-year contract to join the Titans the following year even when it was only Round 9.
Are the AFL and all clubs mature enough to have this approach?
Melbourne Demons Coach Simon Goodwin believes “it’s inevitable.”
“You look at competitions around the world and you see what’s happening whether it be clubs can trade players against their will, or just Mid Season trades, Mid Season opportunities, it generates interest within the game,” Goodwin said on AFL 360.
“I can see it starting to transfer to our game, whether that’s in the next few years or that’s five, six or even seven years away, who knows.
“We need to get clubs that are down the bottom opportunity to advance quicker in the game. You don’t want to see clubs sitting down the bottom for five or six years and not have the opportunity to move up the ladder quickly.”
List management would be crucial as ever in this case if mistakes are made by clubs who believe their premiership window and go on not be, it may lead to a decade of treading on water.
For many traditionalists, the idea of a mid-season trade period is complete nonsense, but for many others, it seems like it is unavoidable in years to come.
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