Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan believes first-round draft picks should be able to sign initial contracts up to four years in length, and says the current restrictions are "borderline ridiculous".
Fagan spoke on the issue as it relates to forward Josh Schache, who is already out of contract at season's end after just two years in the system.
The number two selection in the 2015 National Draft is being hunted by Victorian teams, and a move down south seems to be a genuine option for the Lions forward.
"I particularly think for first-round draft picks, it should be three to four years at least before they can consider moving somewhere else, unless there's some extenuating circumstances," Fagan said on Friday.
"Clubs invest a lot in those first-round picks, and if you've got the opportunity to keep them for longer, guaranteed, from a club perspective, that would be fantastic.
"To be thinking about your future two years into a start at a new place and whether you want to go somewhere else is borderline ridiculous."
Richmond is reportedly at the top of the list for Schache, while Collingwood and Carlton are also keeping tabs on the youngster.
Schache has been dropped for Saturday night's clash against Adelaide at the Gabba, with his form taking a hit over the early stages of the season.
Fagan says his unsure if Schache's future is weighing on his mind, but says he'll be there for the young gun if he needs him.
"As coach I just coach him, and don't go into those areas with him unless he wants to raise it with me, and he hasn't.
"As a 19-year-old boy, if they are the things he's thinking about, that must be tough.
"What I do know is in Josh's time at the club he's been coached well, managed well off the field in terms of welfare, and I think the club's done everything they can to make this a good place for him to be, and that is the only bit we can control."
