AFL's compensation formula leaves fans fuming over low draft picks
Supporters are frustrated with the AFL's unclear compensation formula. It gave only second-round picks for top stars like Neale and Greene.
The AFL's free agency compensation system continues to confuse and upset supporters. Toby Greene, Lachie Neale, and Joel Amartey all left as unrestricted free agents this off-season.
Yet their former clubs received only second-round picks in compensation. Fans had expected first-round picks for these top stars with high-value contracts.
The formula considers contract length and value plus player age. But the exact calculation is largely secret.
Greene, a club legend aged 33, received pick 26. Neale, a dual Brownlow medal winner also 33, got pick 39.
The Swans received pick 36 for Amartey, aged 27. Many fans believe the formula has been adjusted to stop the first round being filled by compensation picks.
- Pick 26, aged 33
- Greene compensation
- Pick 39, dual Brownlow medallist aged 33
- Neale compensation
- Pick 36, aged 27
- Amartey compensation
- Around 1 million dollars per season
- Greene and Neale contract value
Why it mattersThe compensation system directly affects draft strength and fairness. Supporters care whether the formula properly rewards clubs who lose star players.
AustraliaAustralian AFL fans are frustrated that the league's compensation system undervalues departing stars, affecting draft planning for all 18 clubs.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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