AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said on Wednesday the AFL had written to clubs outlining three potential changes to the rules, beginning with the 2009 NAB AFL Rookie Draft to be held in December.

The AFL will consider extending until the end of the 2012 season the current rule allowing clubs to select an additional two rookies.

The second proposal is that clubs be allowed to select up to two mature-age rookies until the end of the 2012 season.

Finally, it is also proposed that clubs be able to retain a rookie list player for a third season without having to enter the draft, subject to the player being given the option to nominate for the draft.

The commission will make a final decision on the recommendations at its meeting on October 19.

Edited September 30, 200916 yr by jayceebee31

Hope this goes ahead.

Keeping a player like Spencer on the rookie list for a 3rd year (without having them nominate for the draft first) would make our list management decisions a lot easier. It may save someone like Buckley or Bartram a spot on the list.

Well, this would help us keep Spencer. Valenti may not agree if he has a few clubs whispering sweet nothings.

But it could free up a spot that could mean Buckley or McNamara stay when they otherwise would have gone.

I just hope that final change means they don't have to enter BOTH drafts, becuase if it is only the PSD then they might be picked up in the ND.

Edited September 30, 200916 yr by rpfc

I would promote Valenti, now, especially with the departure of Brock.

Spencer wouldn't be likely to be picked up by anyone else so offer him an extra year, and also McKenzie.

The choice, if it comes to that, between Buckley and McNamara is an interesting one - I guess much depends if Buckley is regarded as an ongoing injury risk - myself, I liked what I saw with McNamara and I suspect his body is right. I have also liked Buckley but worry a lot about his ability to stand up to the rigors of the game.

Edited September 30, 200916 yr by monoccular

They'd better get this sorted soon, I would like to think we could enter trade week knowing how this will play out.

Well, this would help us keep Spencer. Valenti may not agree if he has a few clubs whispering sweet nothings.

Personally I think we should stop hedging our bets with Valenti anyway. Commit to him and give him two years, or get rid of him. A third year on the rookie list would be a waste of time IMO.

They'd better get this sorted soon, I would like to think we could enter trade week knowing how this will play out.

Will not make a final decision till 19th October- damn stupid- they should have had all these things well sorted out before trade week.

Personally I think we should stop hedging our bets with Valenti anyway. Commit to him and give him two years, or get rid of him. A third year on the rookie list would be a waste of time IMO.

Agree Nash, if we cant make a decision after two years .........!

Personally, I don't see him as part of the elite mid-field group that we are trying to build.

The new rule could be worth an extra draft pick or two for us.

I would promote Valenti, now, especially with the departure of Brock.

Spencer wouldn't be likely to be picked up by anyone else so offer him an extra year, and also McKenzie.

The choice, if it comes to that, between Buckley and McNamara is an interesting one - I guess much depends if Buckley is regarded as an ongoing injury risk - myself, I liked what I saw with McNamara and I suspect his body is right. I have also liked Buckley but worry a lot about his ability to stand up to the rigors of the game.

Yeah me too, i like Valents - he's a little terrier..

but at very least even if it means re-rookieing (??) him for another year to fully prove himself would be cool too. Just hope he's happy to stick around.

Cheers for the info JCB

Personally I think we should stop hedging our bets with Valenti anyway. Commit to him and give him two years, or get rid of him. A third year on the rookie list would be a waste of time IMO.

I agree. Love the way he goes about it but he's a "no" for me. I'd be more worried about someone poaching Spencer but others here don't appear to rate him or the potential for other clubs to be interested. The change to the rookie rule might just save Simon Buckley's career.

Hughes is the one on the rookie list that intrigues me.

I don't think that he has any upside - especially now that he is in surgery again. He's 23 or 24.The word was the we only took him last year because we had some sort of obligation to him.

I'd delist him quick smart in a favour of another big development player like Spencer

Hughes is the one on the rookie list that intrigues me.

I don't think that he has any upside - especially now that he is in surgery again. He's 23 or 24.The word was the we only took him last year because we had some sort of obligation to him.

I'd delist him quick smart in a favour of another big development player like Spencer

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