AFLPA head backs rule for Tassie to recruit contracted players

GEELONG superstar and AFLPA president Patrick Dangerfield has said he believes the newly announced Tasmanian team should have access to contracted players from rival clubs ahead of their inaugural 2028 season.

To have Tasmania competitive straight away, Dangerfield said the new franchise should be able to recruit one player from every club – no matter their contract status – if they choose to join the AFL’s 19th side.

On top of draft concessions, Dangerfield said a move like this would allow the AFL to build up their new club properly.

“My view is that the Tasmanian team should have access to contracted players,” Dangerfield said on SEN Mornings.

“One from every club, regardless of contract, if they choose to join Tasmania, then they should be able to do that.

“Whether there’s a mechanism for reimbursement to those clubs, I’m not really sure. I don’t think it really makes much sense [to do that].

“I think if we’re going to do this and do this properly, then Tasmania should have access to not only the best talent, but the best possible people in order to create something that’s truly unique and truly special.”

When asked whether clubs should receive any kind of protection for losing contracted players to Tasmania, Dangerfield said that should come by creating a strong club environment.

“Your level of protection is providing an environment for your players that they don’t want to leave,” Dangerfield said.

“What it does is promote clubs to provide the best possible environment, so they don’t want to leave because the environment they’re in is successful.

“It generates competition with the existing clubs to provide a great framework for their players to enjoy and not want to leave.

“That is what I would say would make sense.”

The AFL is yet to announce what draft concessions and player recruitment policies the new side will have access to.

– BY LACHLAN GELEIT/ SEN