AFL pre-season and mid-season Rookie Draft

Despite expressing concerns earlier this year, The West Australian Football Commission has been advised by the AFL this week that an extended pre-season Rookie Draft and mid-season Rookie Draft will be introduced in 2019.

WAFC CEO Gavin Taylor said: “The WAFL competition is recognised as a rich breeding ground for AFL talent and while this presents an exciting opportunity for more WAFL players to fulfil their AFL dream, we have immediate concerns about how this may impact on the quality and integrity of the WAFL competition.

“This decision obviously creates significant anxiety for our WAFL clubs in a period where they are beginning to build their playing lists for the 2019 season.

“We will be meeting with the WAFL clubs as soon as possible to discuss the impact this may have and consolidate our feedback for the AFL.

“Our current concerns include the impact of losing key players in the lead up to the season and during the middle of the season, what compensation will be provided to WAFL clubs, and ensuring there is adequate support for players who are drafted.

“We must also consider how this will impact on the quality of the competition for the thousands of WAFL fans and members that attend games or tune in each week on Channel 7.

“We are seeking further information as soon as possible from the AFL so we can fully understand the implications and provide feedback that will best serve the WAFL competition, clubs and players.”