AFL to review free agency rules to protect competitive balance

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon has announced that the league will review free agency rules to ensure the system does not distort competitive balance among the 18 clubs. The review aims to prevent the system from favoring teams already in premiership contention.

The potential reform follows the success of the Brisbane Lions, who recently secured their third consecutive premiership after attracting players Sam Draper and Oscar Allen as free agents. While the AFL previously attempted to change the compensation system to prevent high-value draft picks from being awarded to non-finalist teams, the AFL Players Association resisted those changes.

Dillon indicated that any upcoming adjustments to the free agency framework will be discussed in agreement with the players association to maintain league parity.