MELBOURNE, June 25 — Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has proposed a radical change to AFL list management, suggesting that clubs should be able to have any number of players on their list, as long as they can manage them, according to the record. The current AFL regulations allow clubs to have between 36 and 38 primary-listed players, between six and eight Category A rookie-listed, and up to two Category B rookies, resulting in most clubs listing a considerable number of players across all categories.
However, it’s understood that from 2028 onwards, when Tasmania enters the competition and a new collective bargaining agreement is due to begin, rookie lists will become a thing of the past, a significant shift in the league’s structure. A key factor in this change is the expectation that club CEOs are anticipating the elimination of rookie lists, with Tom Morris telling The Agenda Setters on Wednesday night that “rookie lists appear to be dead,” and the AFL is likely to move forward with one list and Category B rookies.
This development has sparked a discussion about the future of list management in the AFL. Sam Mitchell’s proposal takes this idea a step further, as he believes that there should be a minimum list size but no maximum, giving clubs the flexibility to manage their lists as they see fit. According to Mitchell, “you should have any number of players on your list that you think you can manage,” allowing clubs to make strategic decisions about their roster.
This approach would enable clubs to adapt to changing circumstances and make the most of their resources.
St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt sees this proposal as an opportunity for list managers to get creative and strategic, saying “if you’re a list manager, it’s Christmas, because it means it adds a layer of complexity and some discretion for clubs to be able to get a little bit more strategic.” Riewoldt’s comments suggest that this change could lead to a more dynamic and competitive league, as clubs would have more freedom to shape their rosters and make tactical decisions.
The potential impact of this change on the AFL is significant, as it would require clubs to reassess their approach to list management and make adjustments to their strategies. As the league prepares for the introduction of Tasmania and the new collective bargaining agreement, the proposal by Sam Mitchell and the expected elimination of rookie lists will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
The coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of the AFL, and it remains to be seen how these changes will play out and what effects they will have on the league. As the AFL continues to evolve, it’s clear that the traditional approach to list management is being reexamined, and the proposals put forward by Sam Mitchell and others will be carefully considered.
The key will be to find a balance between giving clubs the flexibility they need to compete and ensuring that the league remains competitive and exciting for fans. With the future of the AFL hanging in the balance, the decisions made in the coming months will have a lasting impact on the league.
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