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AFL considers adding second trade period

3 minute read

The AFL is giving serious consideration to adding a second trade period to the league's calendar.

AFL General Manager Football Operations STEVE HOCKING
AFL General Manager Football Operations STEVE HOCKING Picture: Scott Barbour/AFL Media/Getty Images

A second AFL trade period could be held on the eve of the 2020 season if a bold plan to boost player movement being considered at league headquarters is given the green light.

The AFL and the AFL Players' Association are keen to free up player movement further, but clubs have baulked at a mooted mid-season trade period.

However, it is understood a compromise option of a second trade period to be held after the pre-season competition finishes and the start of the 2020 home-and-away season could satisfy all parties.

"The AFL is prepared to look at everything," AFL talent guru Kevin Sheehan told reporters on Friday.

"Everything is on the table if it can be better for the players and the game.

"Sometimes creating more opportunities like that can be beneficial to clubs and players, so I'm not against a debate on anything like that.

"Some (players) can get an opportunity that they didn't think was going to be there at the start of the year because others are way ahead of them but another club might need a player of your type.

"I think it's a reasonable thing to consider."

Details like which types of players are able to be traded and those who would be exempt - like rookies or first or second-year players - and rules around the trading of future draft picks still need to be thrashed out.

The league is understood to be keen to finalise any potential changes before the trade period kicks off on Monday morning.

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