The AFL‘s free-agency compensation components is dealing with recent scrutiny after West Coast obtained decide two for the departure of Oscar Allen, who on Wednesday signed with Brisbane.
Allen was in a position to be part of the reigning premiers when West Coast opted in opposition to matching Brisbane’s supply for the 26-year-old key ahead.
The Lions didn’t specify the size of Allen’s contract in an announcement confirming his signature, however the former Eagles co-captain reportedly penned a six-year deal.
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Discussing on Fox Footy the compensation handed to the Eagles, 1988 Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy prompt it was not proper for West Coast to be given a variety in subsequent month’s draft as excessive as decide two.
“I feel the largest query is, is he price decide two? Has the AFL acquired this proper, that you just’re handing over decide two for a man that hasn’t performed nice footy for a number of years?” Healy mentioned.
“I assumed he was the very best up-and-coming younger ahead within the competitors … and he, in my opinion, was going to grow to be the man that led them [the Eagles] to a different flag. Hasn’t labored out.
“However decide two — it is an enormous compensation.”
The AFL’s free-agency compensation system is a thriller, therefore why it is sometimes called “the herbs and spices components”, however what is understood is the league produces a factors score for gamers primarily based on the brand new contract of the free agent and their age.
West Coast obtained the very best band of compensation doable for the exit of Allen, which equated to choose two as a result of that was the subsequent decide behind the first-round choice it already owned.
Allen booted 53 targets for the Eagles in 2023 however solely 21 majors over his previous two seasons, which have been hampered by Achilles, calf and knee accidents.
Because the draft order stands at present, West Coast holds picks one, two, 13, 34, 38, 53 and 58.
Oscar Allen (left) and Harley Reid. Getty
Western Bulldogs legend Brad Johnson floated the prospect of West Coast giving up decide one to probably safe an excellent stronger draft hand.
“Do you suppose from West Coast’s perspective, although, now with decide one and two, they really have a look at decide one and go, ‘Can we offload that to a different membership, perhaps a Bombers, for 4 and 5, for instance, after which go into the draft with two, 4, 5 and 12?’ and actually construct their record, much like what Richmond did?” Johnson mentioned on Fox Footy.
“Richmond have completed an excellent job with the kids that they’ve picked during the last 12 months.”
Eagles head of soccer John Worsfold mentioned the membership continued to barter with Allen and his administration all through the season however was “unable to succeed in an acceptable settlement”.
“We perceive the panorama of free company and the gamers’ proper to discover, and we have now determined to not match Brisbane’s supply introduced to Oscar,” Worsfold mentioned.
“In consequence, we have now obtained free-agency compensation at choice No.2 general, which can permit us so as to add extra elite younger expertise through the draft consistent with our record administration technique.
“As we farewell Oscar, we want him and his fiancée Lorna each success for his or her subsequent chapter.”
Allen mentioned he was “ecstatic” to land on the Lions.
“My accomplice Lorna and I are extremely excited to hitch the Brisbane Lions soccer membership, and it will likely be an thrilling journey for us shifting ahead,” Allen mentioned.
“We have already obtained an incredible quantity of help from the membership, and we can’t wait to get to know the gamers and employees.”
