Request for AFL assistance in 2026

[Ants]

@jonovdp

I continue seeing people complaining that we should be asking for AFL support package.

I think we need to unpack this more. As It’s obvious that people are just frustrated and just want handouts from the AFL, without any method.

First point is, we simply wont get support. That is the fact of the matter. You need to 3 years in the bottom 3-4 before the AFL will even consider it.

The next point is, If we end up trading Merrett and possibly Ridley (plus a bonus end of 1st round pick for NGAs)….. that should be plenty of draft capital available for this season.

The next point is, you get one shot at asking the AFL to step in and help. They ain’t gonna be impressed if we’re asking for help each year….. and what sort of support are you asking for? They wont be giving us picks, if we have 4 first rounders already. So what do you actually want?

The final point is; if you’re going to be asking for help, you should be timing it strategically. The perfect time to be asking for support is next year, when Tasmania come in and dilute the draft. That’s when you ask to have a 25% discount on Bewick, and allow us to use multiple picks to match a bid. Plus a few extra perks added, like extra list spots.

There is simply zero chance we’ll get it this season…. And asking would be detrimental for getting it in the future.

Moving to the dedicated thread.