AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan has confirmed that the league is considering introducing a mid-season trade period as early as next year.
"I think it’s got some merit," McLachlan told Fox Footy on Thursday.
“It’s real enough that discussions are being had with clubs. If it happens I think it’ll probably come in next year but it’s one of many ideas being looked at.
“It’s really in the end not any different from trading at the end of the year but in-season probably feels different.
"There’s a lot to be worked out and it might not fly but the theory is that ultimately you don’t want an injury to cruel a club’s season."
But GWS veteran Steve Johnson has savaged the proposal, labeling it "ridiculous".
mid season trade - ridiculous idea. A solid list management strategy is one of the only competitive advantages a club can get these days!
— steve johnson (@Steviejohnson20) June 23, 2016
Not to mention how many integrity issues would pop up & the intellectual property a club would be forfeiting mid year!
— steve johnson (@Steviejohnson20) June 23, 2016
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l agree with Stevie J. This would be a great team disabler, promote selfishness,and harm team cohesion at club level. Why are we always tinkering with the laws of the game. You should only do so if it promotes equality. if such a rule was brought in it would have to guarantee equality and show how this is to be done.l do not believe this is possible.