The AFL has informed clubs of a set of expected changes to its draft and player movement rules which would see Essendon cash in on a tantalising NGA prospect.
The proposed rules would see Essendon able to match a bid on exciting small forward Isaac Kako, who is a member of their Next Generation Academy.
Current rules mean the club would not have been able to match a bid on the Calder Cannons talent until after pick number 40.
However, clubs were briefed today about a rule change that will see all clubs have access to their Next Generation Academy players from pick one onwards.
St Kilda could also benefit from the rule change with Sandringham Dragons pair Adrian Cole and Lennox Hoffman a part of their NGA programs, while West Coast have Malakai Champion who is also a possible top 40 selection.
Other proposed changes for this year include having players remain on the rookie list for longer, contract length a key factor in free agency compensation and allowing father-sons to be rookie-listed.
Hawthorn look set to land St Kilda defender Josh Battle as an unrestricted free agent, reports Jon Ralph on Midweek Tackle.
“I think he’s very strongly leaning to Hawthorn and so much of it ties into Sam Mitchell’s ability to bring these young kids along,” Ralph began.
“As we speak, I think Hawthorn believes they will land him, it would take a change in mind for him to stay at St Kilda.”
Ralph said the lure of winning a premiership under Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has been a big factor in Battle’s decision making.
“Within minutes of him meeting Sam Mitchell I think the very strong message from the football club at Hawthorn was he wants to be here, and he wants a change. He wants a premiership, he loves what the Hawks are building, they pitched to him the John Kennedy Centre in Dingley which will be up next year,” he said.
“He could change his mind, St Kilda could throw a bigger offer at him, but I think the Hawks would be really surprised if he wasn’t in Hawthorn colours next year.”
The Herald Sun’s Sam Landsberger said the Saints are “really nervous” that if Battle departs, they won’t get Band 1 compensation, which is why they are likely to offer Battle plenty of money, hoping Hawthorn’s offer is in a similar vicinity.
Should Battle head to the Hawks, draft prospects Luke Trainor and Tobie Travaglia emerged as key position defenders throughout the National Championships that could be suited to St Kilda.
Giants gun Harry Perryman could sacrifice almost one million dollars if he opts to stay at the club, as the Adelaide Crows come hard for the versatile Giant.
“He’s going to get superstar money either way, but he will sacrifice almost one million dollars if he wants to stay at GWS,” Ralph told Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle.
“The Adelaide deal is six years at $850,000, the GWS deal is $650,000-$700,000 over six years, it’s their final offer and their best offer. They just can’t afford to pay millions of dollars to so many players.”
Perryman is behind both Lachie Whitfield and Lachie Ash in the pecking order and one lure of heading to South Australia would be more midfield time.
“He wants to stay, he’s desperate to stay, his partner plays GIANTS Super Netball with the club, I don’t think he has any idea what he wants to do, it’s challenging,” Ralph said.
Hawthorn are also in the race, but Ralph believes their offer is of a similar financial level to the Giants which makes them unlikely to secure his services.