Chairman Tony Kelly says the free agency agreement will keep the AFL at the top of the sporting tree.
"The AFL system we belong to is the premier sporting league in this country and this free agency agreement is part of maintaining that industry leadership and stability that we require for rights evaluations with media broadcasters and other key assets.
"Having a strong but balanced collective bargaining agreement is obviously critical to the ongoing success of our AFL system.
"These negotiations also reinforce the importance of having an independent AFL Commission approve the final agreement.
"While various clubs will have a variety of opinions, the AFL Commission is in the best impartial position to make the best decision for the overall good of our code.
"So all these factors combined with the AFL Commission's approval, lead us to accept this free agency agreement as part of upholding the best sporting competition in Australia - especially in Queensland where the football codes remain engaged in a fierce battle for market share and the hearts and minds of the fans."
ESSENDON
Chairman David Evans endorsed the AFL's decision on free agency while cautiously looking ahead to the compensation model.
"We believe the AFL has tried to find a balance that underpins the salary cap and draft while providing more choice for the players.
"We endorse the AFL's collaborative process with the clubs and the negotiation process with the AFLPA and while there are some areas around the margin that could be up for debate - such as the compensation model - we are supportive of today's announcement.
"While Essendon is supportive of this announcement, it is important for our fans to know we remain totally committed to making sure Essendon retains and builds the best playing list it possibly can as we strive for another premiership."
GEELONG
Chief executive Brian Cook said the Cats had no fears of the introduction of free agency.
"Having now seen the model that has been agreed, we feel that the AFL and the AFLPA have developed a model that will work for everyone concerned. If free agency was to be introduced then this is the ideal way.
"It recognises the importance that supporters place on players staying at one club through their careers by allowing clubs to match the offers for the top 25 per cent of players, and it also should open up the ability of players that have been delisted or feel they will have greater opportunity at another club.
"We should not be afraid of this system as it should work for everyone."
HAWTHORN
President Jeff Kennett says the introduction of free agency will increase the divide between the richer and poorer clubs.
"The stronger clubs will survive these changes, I suspect they will grow stronger, but I fear for those clubs in the bottom half of the ladder from 2012.
"The competition will end up with a two-tiered structure, and in particular a second tier with reducing membership and less commercial success.
"Sadly this aspect of the arrangements will elevate the position of the player manager to one never envisaged, and one that could lead to all sorts of conflicts.
"These arrangements are going to lead to manipulation of players and clubs all year every year, as managers, some players and clubs start pursuing players. Names will be mentioned in the press. Players’ concentration will not be with the club with whom they are employed."
RICHMOND
Chief executive Brendon Gale said the Tigers looked forward to capitalising on its opportunities within the new framework.
"This is a positive and fair outcome for the industry. The agreement strikes a balance between recognising the right of players to have more control over the direction of their football careers, while also recognising the AFL’s legitimate interest in maintaining high levels of competitive balance. Both the AFL and AFLPA should be commended on this win/win deal.
"Many would be aware that in my previous role as CEO of the AFL Players’ Association, I was a strong advocate for free agency. When I departed the AFLPA to take over as Richmond’s CEO in September 2009, there already was a meeting of minds between the AFL and AFLPA on the broader principles underpinning free agency. Therefore, it was my understanding that it would only be a matter of months before the arrangements were finally negotiated and settled.
"When my move back to Tigerland took place, my thoughts immediately turned to ensuring the club was well placed to not only deal with the advent of free agency, but to flourish under the system."
SYDNEY SWANS
General manager of football Dean Moore said the free agency agreement seemed to strike the right balance between being fair to clubs and being fair to players.
"We feel the AFL and AFLPA have found a good balance and that the free agency framework is fair to clubs and players.
"We believe the process of negotiation and collaboration between the AFL, AFLPA and the clubs was thorough.
"We are satisfied that the outcome has protected the best interests of the clubs and works for the players."
WEST COAST
Coach John Worsfold thinks it is possible free agency will help his club attract WA players back to their home state, but he says the ‘go home factor’ will work both ways and balance out.
"I think the amount of work that’s been put into it by all parties means it’s going to be a good thing.
"I don’t think it’s going to have any stronger implications for a team based out of Victoria or in Victoria. I don’t think there’s going to be any major issues there.
"We’re actually going to meet today (Wednesday) as a footy department and talk through what it all means, because it’s obviously hot off the press. We’ll have a good discussion about what it means for us.
"We’ll put things in place now to make it work and use it to our advantage as much as possible."
WESTERN BULLDOGS
General manager of football James Fantasia says his club is satisfied with the overall outcome.
"The Western Bulldogs always believed that free agency was inevitable and as a result we think the AFL has done a good job in protecting the clubs, while keeping the players' interests in mind."
