AFL warns clubs over lopsided trades as free agents pursue moves
The AFL has warned clubs it will reject unfair trades and side deals as Zak Butters and Ben King seek moves.
The AFL has warned clubs it will not approve lopsided player trades or sweetheart side deals designed to manipulate the draft. Greg Swann, the AFL's executive general manager of football performance, said every deal must stand on merit or it will not be approved.
The warning comes as Port Adelaide's Zak Butters declares he wants to join the Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast's Ben King signals his desire to return to Victoria. Clubs use generous separate deals to encourage teams to let restricted free agents leave.
Swann said the league contacted all clubs weeks ago about this practice. The AFL will reinforce the message before the trade period.
He acknowledged deals can sometimes look odd at first but turn out fair later. Yet the AFL will scrutinise them closely.
- Western Bulldogs
- Butters destination
- Hawthorn
- King expected destination
- Pick 5
- Port Adelaide compensation
- Pick 7
- Gold Coast compensation
Why it mattersFair trades keep the competition balanced; dodgy side deals let wealthy clubs game the system and disadvantage smaller clubs.
AustraliaAFL fans and clubs depend on transparent trades to keep the competition genuinely competitive across the league.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 8 d ago
