Essendon and Hawthorn will have one arm tied behind their backs in the upcoming AFL trade period, with neither club allowed to trade a first round draft pick.
As first reported by AFL Media’s Callum Twomey and Mitch Cleary, the Victorian powerhouses will be barred from doing so unless they acquire the first-round pick from another club.
AFL rules state clubs must use two first-round picks over a four-year period. This was brought in among changes that allowed teams to trade future picks.
Because of this, West Coast also cannot trade their future first-round selection.
The Bombers have dealt three first-round picks in three years as part of deals for Devon Smith and Dylan Shiel.
The Hawks have done similarly in order to bring Jaeger O’Meara and Chad Wingard to the club.
West Coast gave up two first-round picks as part of the Tim Kelly trade.
These restrictions will not affect their ability to sign free agents. Essendon has been linked to Adelaide midfielder Brad Crouch.
The 2020 AFL trade period will get underway on November 4th and run until the 12th.