Australian Football Association of North America

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

The AFL has announced changes to the draft rules which will give players and clubs more freedom. Most of the changes will take effect this year while one will take effect in 2009. The changes are:

Any player whose contract expires on or before October 31 will be allowed to nominate for the National Draft.

Previously, a player still on a club list but out of contract could not enter the National Draft. They could enter the Preseason Draft if contract negotiations were unsuccessful. This change will apply to the 2008 Draft.

Any player who turns 18 on or before December 31 will be eligible for that year's Draft. This rule will not take effect until next year.

Any player previously on a senior or rookie list but who did not play a senior AFL game can now be selected as a "mature-age" rookie. This change will take effect in 2008.

The league has also lifted the restrictions on the number of players who can be traded by a club as well as the number of player involved in a single trade. Previously, clubs could not trade more than five players and single trade deals could involve a maximum of three players. This change will take effect in 2008.

The AFL and AFLPA will continue to discuss the issue of free agency. The AFLPA recently submitted a lengthy paper on the issue. The AFL is also considering changes to the veteran rule. The league and AFLPA hope to reach some sort of agreement on both issues by the end of this year.

Source: Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release