St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has launched a scathing attack on the AFL's draft system, labelling it 'compromised' and joining his club president in accusing the league of being 'weak' on player movement reforms.
Lyon's criticism of the draft
The AFL is pushing ahead with changes affecting father-son prospects and academy selections, despite strong objections from several clubs. Lyon believes the league has not gone far enough in overhauling the draft, which saw the first round expand to 25 picks last year instead of the standard 18.
'We would like to see a pure first round,' Lyon said on Thursday. 'Hopefully at some point they get to a pure first round, but it doesn't look like it.' He added, 'I think if you make something harder then add something in, those that are in between suffer even more. Probably let's not call it the national draft, let's call it the compromised draft.'
President Bassat's stance
St Kilda president Andrew Bassat responded on Wednesday to the AFL's announcement, describing the changes as 'weak' and warning they would lead to 'almost certain tanking'. The Saints have been vocal about wanting change, particularly targeting Queensland teams for their access to academy talent.
Clubs react to proposed changes
Clubs such as Carlton and Port Adelaide lobbied hard for the changes to be delayed until at least 2027, as both have elite father-son talent available in this year's draft. Brisbane coach Chris Fagan expressed sympathy for affected clubs, noting that the Lions recently secured gun brothers Will and Ashcroft with later draft picks.
'I feel sorry for those clubs that had father-sons lined up within the next 12 months,' Fagan said. 'I honestly believe if we're going to bring in those new rules then there maybe needs to be a two-year moratorium so clubs that are close to securing those players do get that opportunity.'
Beveridge's outburst
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge launched a three-minute tirade against the AFL, calling the league a 'punching bag' and referencing confusion around the ARC and umpiring. North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson declined to comment on Beveridge's remarks, joking that it was 'his turn' to complain about the AFL.
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