AFL on Pavlich

[Dale61]

AFL warns on Pavlich auction
29 May 2002 Herald Sun
By DARYL TIMMS

THE AFL has warned clubs they face serious draft breaches if they bid in an auction for young Fremantle star Matthew Pavlich.

His management has given clubs from rounds 14 and 17 to present their offers.

AFL football operations manager Andrew Demetriou last night described the unique move as "tacky."

He said clubs found guilty of conduct prejudicial to the draft could be fined up to $100,000 and lose draft selections. A player can also be barred from the draft.

Demetriou warned he was investigating whether the actions of Pavlich,the clubs and his manager Max Stevens were conduct prejudicial to the draft.

Demetriou said he would receive more advice today, but planned to write to Pavlich and clubs outlining his disapproval.

"It's something we do not want to see in our sport," Demetriou told the Herald Sun. "We are not naive that things like this don't happen, but when it comes into the public domain and a time limit is put on, that's not something we want to see.

"I'm still awaiting advice to see whether that's conduct prejudicial to the draft."

Pavlich, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is Australia's most sought-after player.

Demetriou said he had spoken to Stevens many weeks ago, "when the so-called auction" was first revealed.

"I don't want our competition degenerating into what happens in other codes where players are reaching agreements or potential agreements during a season," he said on 3AW last night.

"We do have rules in place. Certainly conduct prejudicial to the draft is one rule which has got very, very severe sanctions."

Demetriou said the particular scheme for Pavlich was unpalatable.

He also said agents had to follow a code of conduct and suggested Stevens check the rules.

Stevens, who last night said he believed Pavlich would stay with the Dockers for less than he could get if he switched clubs, queried AFL rules.

He said player contracts expired on October 31, but the trade period this year would probably be held between October 20-25.

"How do you talk to your player and then to other clubs and then involve the player when his contract doesn't finish until October 31," Stevens said.

"Are we breaking the law then? Are we breaking the law if we do it now?"

Stevens said agents were employed by players and their families and not the AFL, although they tried to work with the league.

"We are not hawking him (Pavlich)," he said.

"We are saying to clubs if you want to put a proposal, not a financial offer, about him working in with your club in the future, here is your opportunity -- rounds 14 to 17. And let's have a listen to what you've got to say."


"Racetracks are for racing, roads are for getting there."

[MarkT]

The AFL may think it is a bad idea and it may well be, but they have serious legal issues with preventing a player taking offers. I am not sure they can do anything about it unless they are prepared to risk a legal challange. I am sure John Elliot will make a strong bid and will not stand for AFL interferance. I hope we make a strong bid as well.