The AFLPA is steadfast against applying a "restrictive environment" when it comes to player contract negotiations, and in particular, the length.
Over the past couple of seasons, we have seen some of the game's superstars attempt to break their long-term deals.
Melbourne duo Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver found new homes at Gold Coast and GWS despite holding contracts until at least the end of 2029. Essendon's Zach Merrett attempted to join Hawthorn but was swiftly denied due to the unsuitable trade package.
However, on the flip side, Collingwood pair Adam Treloar and Brodie Grundy were pushed out of the club to free up salary cap space, despite their desire to remain at the AIA Centre.
Calls have been made to the league to restrict long-term deals, given that 10 players hold contracts until 2032 and beyond.
New AFLPA CEO James Gallagher, however, didn't see it this way.
"The short answer is no," he said on SEN.
"We have a restrictive environment. Long-term deals work well both ways. You don't have concerns from Collingwood about Nick Daicos, who is on a long one or North having Harry Sheezel.
"There are benefits to them. Occasionally, they don't work out, but that's not enough to bring in restrictions. Clubs need to have the ability to set up their lists in the right way. For some clubs, that's long-term deals, and others haven't gone there.
"Any restrictions we would be loath to dive into."
However, Gallagher did acknowledge that if contracted players attempted to break their "obligation" to the club, but were unable to find new homes, they must act professionally.
"If you can't get to where you want to and you're under contract, there's an obligation to front up,” he said.
"To buy in and move forward. This happens every year, players do this, they want out, and they struggle. Then they front up for pre-season."
