Bottom-five clubs get second-round pick if first-rounder shifts back
Bottom-five clubs whose first-round pick moves back due to a matched bid will receive a second-round compensation pick.
The AFL introduced the rule this year to give struggling clubs a safety net. Three conditions must all be met: the club finishes in the bottom five, its own first-round pick moves back by at least one spot because of a matched bid, and it uses that pick to select a player.
The compensation pick is granted at the end of night one of the draft, tied to the club's finishing position, and can be traded before night two starts. Essendon, Richmond and West Coast are set to benefit if they use their first picks after the Dougie Cochrane bid shifts their selections back.
- April 2026
- Rule introduced
- Essendon, Richmond, West Coast
- Eligible clubs
- Back by 1 or more spots
- Pick movement requirement
Why it mattersThe rule softens the penalty for bottom clubs when star academy prospects are matched and moves higher in the draft.
AustraliaChanges how Australian AFL clubs can rebuild and recover from losing early picks to rival bids.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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