AFLPA President Darcy Moore Firmly Opposes Contract Length Caps
AFL Players' Association (AFLPA) president Darcy Moore has taken a strong stance against any potential introduction of a contract length cap in the league. This opposition comes as long-term contracts, often spanning seven to eight years, have become a significant topic of discussion within Australian Rules football.
Rise of Long-Term Deals and Player Movements
Recently, high-profile players have secured extensive contracts, with Carlton star Sam Walsh signing a massive extension last month that ties him to the Blues until the end of 2034. He joins Melbourne's Kozzy Pickett and Fremantle's Hayden Young as some of the longest-signed players in the AFL. While these deals provide security for players and leverage for clubs, they have not always prevented players from seeking exits. For instance, last year, former Demons Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver, along with Charlie Curnow, were all traded despite having previously signed long-term agreements.
Criticism and Proposed Changes
Channel 7 commentator Kane Cornes has long criticized these massive contracts, and reports emerged last year that the AFL was considering following the NBA's model by limiting contracts to a maximum of five years. However, any such change could not be implemented until the next collective bargaining agreement (CBA), with the current one in place until the end of 2027.
AFLPA's Position on Player Rights
In response to these discussions, Moore emphasized that the AFLPA is not interested in capping long-term deals. He stated, "I think for us it's certainly not one that we are interested in entertaining, the idea of capping contracts for players." Moore argued that clubs should be accountable for their performance and decisions regarding contract lengths. He added, "We support players' right to explore without limits. I think the reality is clubs are accountable to their own performance. If they're going to assign players to long-term contracts, then they're the ones that are ultimately accountable."
Concerns and Future Implications
When asked about a potential cap proposal from the AFL, Moore indicated that the AFLPA would need convincing it's the right move for the game. He highlighted existing restrictions on players, such as the national draft and free agency rules, and expressed reluctance to add more limitations. Meanwhile, Channel 7's Caroline Wilson reported that the AFL is very worried about the increasing trend of long-term deals, having attempted to include term and money limits in the last CBA. Fellow panellist Luke Hodge suggested that capping contracts could be a smart move to protect clubs from financial risks, such as injuries or concussions affecting long-term agreements.
