The AFL Players’ Association is pleased to announce that Free Agency will be introduced into the AFL following the 2012 season.

In a nutshell, from the end of the 2012 season any player who is delisted will automatically become a Free Agent, eligible to sign with any AFL Club.

Players who have 8 years with an AFL club will be eligible to become Free Agents when they are coming out of contract.

By striking a balance between respecting the culture and traditions of our game, whilst acknowledging the rights of players for increased self determination, this is an outcome that is good for Players, Clubs and the game.

Crucially, the introduction of Free Agency does not affect the salary cap, draft system, list sizes or revenue sharing, which are all fundamental in helping ensure the AFL competition’s continued success.

Free Agency will provide increased contract security to Players.  Clubs will now have an incentive to secure Players on longer term contracts in order to ensure their Players don’t come onto the ‘open market’.

In a free labour market, better players will prosper by increasing their bargaining power.

Free Agency also enhances the position of mid tier players by giving them more freedom earlier.

The AFLPA Chief Executive Officer, Matt Finnis, said that securing a more flexible labour market for AFL players has been a key objective for the association for several years.

“We’ve struck a balance between respecting the culture and traditions of our competition, whilst acknowledging the rights of players for increased self determination.  This is an outcome that is good for Players, Clubs and the game.”

“We’re pleased to be able to introduce a model of free agency which is uniquely structured to suit the AFL competition.  Our campaign for free agency has never been about revolution – rather it has been focused on improving a system which has helped to secure the AFL competition as the pre-eminent professional team sport in the country. “

Ultimately, we believe that Free Agency is a simple expression of Players’ rights.

Join AFLPA GM Player Relations Ian Prendergast for a live blog on Free Agency tomorrow at www.aflpablog.com.au.  Stay tuned for a start time later today.  Get your questions ready!