About our AFL Free Agency news
Latest news on AFL Free Agency, covering player movements, contract negotiations, trade rumours, and expert analysis of the annual period when eligible AFL players can move clubs without a trade.
AFL Free Agency is a crucial part of the league's player movement landscape, allowing players who have served a certain number of years with their current club to explore opportunities elsewhere. The free agency period usually occurs in October, following the completion of the AFL Trade Period, and is divided into two categories: restricted free agency and unrestricted free agency.
Restricted free agents are players who have served eight or more years at their current club and are in the top 25% of paid players at that club. If a restricted free agent receives an offer from another club, their current club has the right to match the offer and retain the player. Unrestricted free agents, on the other hand, are players who have served at least eight years with their current club but are not in the top 25% of paid players, or players who have served at least ten years with their current club regardless of their pay scale. These players are free to move to the club of their choice without their current club having the right to match the offer.
Our AFL Free Agency feed keeps you up-to-date on all the latest player movements, contract negotiations, and trade rumors during this crucial period. We provide expert analysis of the potential impact of key free agent signings on both the player's new club and the club they are leaving behind. Our coverage also includes interviews with players, coaches, and industry insiders, offering unique insights into the free agency process and the factors that influence player decisions.
Notable free agent moves in recent years include Lance Franklin's high-profile switch from Hawthorn to Sydney in 2013, and Tom Lynch's move from Gold Coast to Richmond in 2018, which helped propel the Tigers to back-to-back premierships. Our feed also explores the history of AFL Free Agency, which was introduced in 2012, and its impact on the league's competitive balance and player loyalty.
As the AFL continues to evolve, free agency remains a hotly debated topic among fans, players, and administrators. Our NewsNow feed provides comprehensive coverage of all aspects of AFL Free Agency, ensuring you stay informed about the latest developments and their potential impact on your favourite club and the league as a whole.