The AFL has loosened the eligibility for Mid-Season Draft prospects, with clubs now able to access a wider range of state league players.

The league initially confirmed last month that players looking to nominate for the Mid-Season Draft were required to have nominated for last year's National Draft or have recently been delisted from an AFL club or retired longer than a year ago.

With the May 31 count now just a fortnight away, the AFL has decided to widen the net for clubs looking toward adding to their list through the mid-year intake, with a new category of players who didn't fall under the above eligibility requirements now able to be selected.

The league confirmed on Tuesday night that players who have played at least three matches in the SANFL, TSL, VFL or WAFL in 2023 will be eligible for the draft. All Mid-Season Draft hopefuls will be required to nominate by Wednesday, May 24.

AFL clubs wanting to participate in the Mid-Season Draft will be required to have at least one vacancy list spot, with clubs able to open list spots through injury or retirement to currently-listed players.

Players who have suffered long-term injuries can be placed on the inactive list and replaced by a Mid-Season Draft recruit for the remainder of the 2023 season.

Geelong, Essendon, Hawthorn, Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs all hold vacant list spots, while a club like Richmond is able to open a list spot following the retirement of premiership player Jason Castagna.

The order of the Mid-Season Draft will be the reverse ladder order at the conclusion of Round 11.

The AFL had also confirmed that state league players who are drafted through the Mid-Season Draft are subject to the following:

  • They will not be permitted to play against their original club unless otherwise agreed by all parties.
  • The player has the right to return to their original club to participate in finals if their service is no longer required at their AFL club.

The Mid-Season Draft will be held on Wednesday, May 31 remotely.