The AFL has informed clubs it will conduct a wider review of the trade period, including the controversy surrounding free agency in recent weeks.
AFL executive GM of football Laura Kane confirmed the league’s plans to AFL Media, but acknowledged it’s unlikely the formula determining free agency compensation will be made public any time soon.
Seven players moved clubs in the 2023 free agency period, with three moves netting first-round compensation picks for the club that lost a player.
Ben McKay’s move to Essendon was especially high profile, with North Melbourne eventually gaining pick three for his departure.
The Roos admitted they forced Essendon to stump up to generate better compensation and avoid a trade. The formula that determines free agency compensation has never been revealed but does involve different aspects of the deal a player moves clubs for.
With that move among numerous sparking debate, Kane – who was only appointed to her portfolio permanently in August – spoke to Gettable about potential changes.
“There's clearly a lot of interest in free agency compensation,” she said.
“The formula, with everything relating to trade and player movement generally, it's all connected. Of course, I'm sure the fans would love visibility of something like the calculation for compensation. But we don't currently reveal player salaries. It's all connected.
“Wholesale change would be required to reveal or look at some aspects of free agency (compensation). We did flag with clubs ahead of the period that we would review it.
“We have the benefit of a four-year CBA term remaining, the fifth year just gone. We have certainty around things like the broadcast deal, so to that end we're able to look at different rules and different mechanisms and what needs to be captured in things like compensation for free agents to make sure that it's reflective of the market.”
McKay, who finished 7th in North Melbourne's 2023 best and fairest count, is reported to be on a salary averaging around $850,000 over six years.
AFL Media’s Cal Twomey reports the key defender will be on between $1.4 million to $1.5 million in 2024 due to a front-loaded contract.