King says that the AFL’s top players are holding the clubs to ransom.
Former North Melbourne player David King has slammed the concept of free agency in the sport, calling it a “disaster”.
The 241-game player said that it was making the competition lopsided as top players could demand inflated contracts at a struggling club, or take a shorter deal for less money at a club fighting for the premiership.
“This is killing us free agency, it is a disaster,” King said on AFL 360.
“No one knows where it is going to end all we know is there’s silent killers like this, and it’s not Bryce’s fault but there is no way two or three years ago he gets a five-year contract.”
King pointed to Bryce Gibbs’ recent five-year deal at Carlton, saying that of free agency hadn’t existed the contract have neither been so lengthy or lucrative.
“Whether Carlton like it or not they are one of the bottom clubs and they’ve got no play but to hang onto this gun player because that’s what is going to drive them the next few years,” King said.
“The top clubs don’t have to pay that price, so again the bottom clubs get smashed, it’s not right.”
“On the other hand, a soon-to-be free agent who might move, let’s say David Mundy, will never go to one of the bottom clubs unless they pay him way over market value, which they can’t do of course because they have no money.
“Mundy’s not going to come over here and play for St Kilda.
“If you’ve got the lure of a flag you can pay a little bit less and get a shorter contract.”
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