Players want to be free to say ‘I’m out of here ... soon’

THE boss of the AFL Players’ Association says the game’s stars should have the freedom to reveal in-season they are moving clubs, without condemnation.

Chief executive Paul Marsh wants the AFL to adopt aspects of the NRL system and allow free agents such as Gold Coast’s Tom Lynch to speak more freely about swapping colours at season’s end.

It would be a major change for the game, as players are currently strictly urged to keep quiet about their plans for next year to help minimise the backlash.

It is one of the most divisive issues in the game, with Adelaide coach Don Pyke and Sydney and Melbourne coach Paul Roos admitting they would have trouble selecting any player who had already decided to leave that year.

Former Blue Lachie Henderson was publicly condemned and cleaned out his locker after he told Carlton he would join Geelong in 2015.

Marsh said the game should treat its departing stars with more maturity.

“I would love for us to get to the point where we are mature enough to accept that a player will make that decision and get on with it,” Marsh said.

“The thing I can say with 100 per cent confidence is that any player who made that decision, and then announced it, would not try any less hard for the team that he is currently with.

“They are professionals and there is no evidence of anyone trying any less hard.”

Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield last week revealed he decided to quit Adelaide before the start of his 2015 year, but still produced the best football of his career, winning the best and fairest that year.