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We are also slightly vulnerable because of our financial position. While all clubs have to abide by the salary cap we know that the cap varies for some clubs (eg Sydney-based due to the dubious rationale of the higher cost of living). So while we only have to match whatever offer a Sydney club makes in theory they have more room to make a high offer than we do.
Even if we do have salary cap space, if we think it is over the odds (i.e. more than he is worth) then we might still say our club's budget cannot afford that sort of misspent money and therefore decline to match the offer.
On the compensation issue:
If the AFL was going to eliminate compo for free agent movement then it would seem logical to start with RFAs because under restricted free agency the club has the opportunity to retain the player by matching any rival offers. That is, they have some ability to control the outcome. By contrast, clubs do not have any opportunity to counter-bid when an unrestricted free agent wants to leave, hence there might be more of a case for compensation.
In any case I wouldn't expect any changes to the rules this late in the season.
Even if we do have salary cap space, if we think it is over the odds (i.e. more than he is worth) then we might still say our club's budget cannot afford that sort of misspent money and therefore decline to match the offer.
On the compensation issue:
If the AFL was going to eliminate compo for free agent movement then it would seem logical to start with RFAs because under restricted free agency the club has the opportunity to retain the player by matching any rival offers. That is, they have some ability to control the outcome. By contrast, clubs do not have any opportunity to counter-bid when an unrestricted free agent wants to leave, hence there might be more of a case for compensation.
In any case I wouldn't expect any changes to the rules this late in the season.

