Neitz has already announced his retirement, and Yze is widely expected to no longer be playing for the Demons at the end of the year.

As I understand it, each of these veteran list players changes the number of rookies we can list - with both moving on we would be entitled to two additional rookies.

Given that we surely wont have salary cap pressure for at least a year or two, I'd assume the extra rookies is the way we would go.

With Wonaeamirri definately getting promoted, and Valenti a possibility, we could be looking at four rookie picks regardless of whose delisted.

Also, can anyone fill me in on when the extra two 'compensation' rookies which the traditional clubs will be allowed while the new clubs are being introduced comes into effect? Could we be looking at an 8-person rookie list for 2009!?

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/27/2288346.htm

". . . the 16 existing clubs will be allowed to register two additional rookies for the 2009 and 2010 seasons as compensation for [the two new Clubs' draft concessions]."

Also, another thing I think is important is that only half of a rookie's salary is counted against his team's salary cap. That means that we could keep Valenti on the rookie list and keep a bit more cash free if we wanted to pick up a high-profile player from another team.

How many games does it take for a player to be considered a veteran? Or is it years of service?

If JMac continues next year, or even White they'd be eligible wouldn't they?

Otherwise, will picked DD...

A Club can nominate a player to be a veteran if that player has been listed at that Club for a minimum of ten years and is 30 years or older. Also, there is no limit to the number of veterans allowed.

So that means that Jeff White, Adem Yze, David Neitz (obviously), James McDonald and even Russell Robertson are all eligible next year.

But with Neita retired, White and Yze probably gone and James McDonald a possibility, only Robbo may be eligible next year.

And then Bruce the year after that?

It's a sobering moment when next year, if the retirements go as you say, the only players older than me on the list are Wrecker, Robbo and Bruce...

*sigh*

And then Bruce the year after that?

It's a sobering moment when next year, if the retirements go as you say, the only players older than me on the list are Wrecker, Robbo and Bruce...

*sigh*

That's right. Wrecker will be eligible then as well

It's wierd for me this year, too. It's the first year I've ever been older than a player. Cale Morton was born in 1990, while I was born in '89.