Ablett move raises eyebrows in draft system

THE free-agency compensation system that paved the way for Gary Ablett’s trade remains a source of confusion for leading AFL figures.

Ablett will link with Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood in a star-studded Cats midfield, with the transaction smoothed by the departure of Geelong free agent Steven Motlop to Port Adelaide.

It was initially expected the Cats would receive a late second-round draft pick as compensation after declining to match the Power’s bid.

But they were instead handed a selection at the end of the first round which ended up being pick No.19. Geelong sent that pick to Gold Coast as part of the Ablett deal, receiving pick No.24 in exchange and also swapping future pick selections.

The AFL have refused to disclose the exact formula used to determine free agency compensation beyond the fact that it involves the age of the player and the length and value of their new contract.

That has led to frustration for a number of clubs since free agency was introduced at the end of the 2012 season.

Critics have noted that the AFL-owned Suns receiving a first-round draft pick and the marquee return of Ablett to the Geelong club are both favourable outcomes for the league.

Richmond football boss Neil Balme said there was no doubt Geelong’s compensation for Motlop had helped them secure the Ablett deal.

“I don’t want to seem critical of the system but ... why the hell don’t we know what the formula is?” he told SEN radio.