Yep, but as I understand the free agency rules, interested clubs still need to outbid the lions to gain his services...right? Just wondering if you have an inkling if North plan on doing that with a longer contract or more money - ie how's the state of North's salary cap? I ask because it could possibly have a bearing on the compensation the Lions receive, assuming the clubs don't choose the trade option.
Here are the rules:
The Guidelines as released by the AFL:
A player who has served seven seasons or less at one AFL club and is now out of contract is not eligible for free agency if his club wishes to retain him. He may only move clubs via a trade or the Draft. If he delists himself, he is subject to the draft and may be selected by any club.
A player has served seven seasons or less at one AFL club and has been delisted:
- The player is a Free Agent and is eligible to field offers from all rival AFL clubs.
- The player must decide on the best offer of his choice from one rival club.
- The player can move AUTOMATICALLY to the new club of his choice.
- The original club which chose to delist him does not receive any compensation draft pick.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENT
A player who has served eight or more seasons at one AFL club, is one of the top 25% highest-paid players at his club, and now out of contract for the first time since March 1 in his eighth season.
- The player is eligible to field offers from all rival AFL clubs.
- If he wishes to change clubs, the player must decide on the best offer of his choice from one rival club.
- His club has the right to match the presented offer.
- If the club matches the offer, he may choose to remain with his original club, seek a trade or enter the Draft.
- If the club does not or can not match the offer, the player can move to the new club of his choice.
- His original club will receive a compensation pick for the loss of the player based on the above explained formula.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
A player who has served eight or more seasons at one AFL club, is not in the top 25% of the club's highest players and is now out of contract for the first time in eight seasons OR has served ten or more seasons at one AFL club, has come out of contract once during that period after March 1 in his eighth season and is now out of contract.
- The player is eligible to field offers from all rival AFL clubs.
- If he wishes to change clubs, the player must decide on the best offer of his choice from one rival club.
- His club does NOT have the right to match the presented offer, and the player can move AUTOMATICALLY to the new club of his choice.
- His original club will receive a compensation pick for the loss of the player, based on the aforementioned formula.
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In terms on our salary, I believe we are at 94.2% atm. It'll be lengthwise.