The AFL‘s free-agency compensation method is dealing with contemporary scrutiny after West Coast acquired decide two for the departure of Oscar Allen, who on Wednesday signed with Brisbane.
Allen was capable of be a part of the reigning premiers when West Coast opted towards matching Brisbane’s provide 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 range in subsequent month’s draft as excessive as decide two.
“I feel the largest query is, is he value decide two? Has the AFL bought this proper, that you just’re handing over decide two for a man that hasn’t performed nice footy for a couple of years?” Healy mentioned.
“I assumed he was the perfect up-and-coming younger ahead within the competitors … and he, for my part, was going to turn out 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 also known as “the herbs and spices method”, however what is thought is the league produces a factors ranking for gamers based mostly on the brand new contract of the free agent and their age.
West Coast acquired the very best band of compensation attainable 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 objectives 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 doubtlessly safe a good stronger draft hand.
“Do you assume from West Coast’s viewpoint, 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, possibly a Bombers, for 4 and 5, for instance, after which go into the draft with two, 4, 5 and 12?’ and actually construct their checklist, just like what Richmond did?” Johnson mentioned on Fox Footy.
“Richmond have performed an ideal 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 achieve an appropriate settlement”.
“We perceive the panorama of free company and the gamers’ proper to discover, and we’ve determined to not match Brisbane’s provide introduced to Oscar,” Worsfold mentioned.
“Because of this, we’ve acquired free-agency compensation at choice No.2 total, which can permit us so as to add extra elite younger expertise through the draft in keeping with our checklist 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 companion Lorna and I are extremely excited to affix the Brisbane Lions soccer membership, and it is going to be an thrilling journey for us shifting ahead,” Allen mentioned.
“We have already acquired a tremendous quantity of assist from the membership, and we can’t wait to get to know the gamers and employees.”
