AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou says the AFL Commission will consider giving Essendon players the option of leaving the club as de-listed free agents.
The AFL Players’ Association (AFLPA) has written to the league requesting that any player who wants to terminate his contract with the Bombers be allowed to sign with the club of his choice. AFLPA has spoken to a number of Essendon players who have expressed an interest in the idea.
The question to bear in mind is that Essendon players are still under ASADA investigation, and if proven that they had taken illegal substances they could be banned from the sport from between six months to two years – AFL clubs may be a little reluctant to take the risk in picking a former Essendon player just yet, until ASADA closes its books on the matter.
Demetriou says the request was received from the Players Association a week ago and if approved, will further impact the Bombers 2014 season considering the hefty penalties already handed out to Essendon by the AFL.
Demetriou, who sits on the commission, says it is difficult for him to comment except to say that the request has been received and the AFL commission will make a decision after considering the application.
