WEST Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett has lashed out at the AFL after receiving only a second-round draft pick as compensation for losing restricted free agent Scott Selwood to Geelong.
The Eagles opted not to match Geelong's offer to Selwood and allowed the midfielder to return home to play with his brother Joel.
Eagle Selwood becomes a Cat via free agency
Earlier on Monday, West Coast football manager Craig Vozzo told NAB AFL Trade Radio the club would be satisfied with an end-of-first round compensation selection.
But the AFL advised that the Eagles would be in line to receive a second-round draft pick, currently No.37, sparking a furious response from Nisbett.
"Why have restricted free agency and free agency compensation if you are to be treated with such disrespect?" Nisbett said.
"The West Coast Eagles has been the home of Scott Selwood for eight years and he is approaching the prime of his career at 25 years of age.
"He was our vice-captain, he has been trained up by the club and we need to replace him.
"Geelong has spoken about the leadership qualities Scott brings and we know that.
"We think we acted in a totally professional manner in allowing Scott to go to Geelong, the club of his choice, for a number of compelling reasons and his value has only been judged on how much money he gets paid.
"The AFL will say that we had the right to match the offer, and yes we did, but it was not in the interests of the player or the club. The level of compensation for losing our vice-captain is totally inadequate.
"We are now of an even stronger view that all free agency should be reviewed and not purely based on a player's salary.
"I believe that Andrew Dillon (AFL Legal Counsel) and Ken Wood (TPP Manager) have got this totally wrong and we are extremely disappointed."
Meanwhile, the Eagles remain in talks with the Sydney Swans as they seek to acquire Lewis Jetta, having already secured Lions midfielder Jack Redden late on Monday.
Vozzo said the Swans had shown significant interest in Eagles ruckman Callum Sinclair, but West Coast was keen to retain him and not include him in any deal for Jetta.
