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Collingwood young gun Jarryd Blair believes a player needs to complete a “fair service” at a club before he becomes eligible for free agency.

On this week’s PieCast on Magpie Radio, Blair and ruckman Darren Jolly discussed the merits of the AFL’s free agency scheme, as highlighted in Jason Akermanis’ article in Tuesday’s Herald Sun.


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Akermanis, the former Bulldog and Lion, presented eight points he thought needed to be enacted by the AFL in order for the game to grow.  Point four outlined that free agency is a vital cog in the development of the game.

“I can't believe the AFL is trying to bargain this one. This is one of the most restrictive jobs in Australia, to move from one employer to another,” Akermanis wrote in the Melbourne paper.

“This system is only good for clubs because they sook when a player leaves and they get nothing.

“Well, too bad. It is the player's life that is affected most and he needs to be looked after first.”

Blair believed both arguments (AFL and Akermanis) had valid points but the 20-year-old said it was necessary for a player to serve a substantial amount of time before he could entertain offers from rival clubs.

“It’s a good thing as a player,” Blair told PieCast on Magpie Radio during the week.

“But I reckon it should be a fair service you need to give to a club before you can become a free agent.”

While Blair thinks a player should be allowed some movement later in his career, the developing midfielder was clear he is to remain a Magpie for life.

“I would never want to go anywhere else.”

Jolly, who is now at his third club (Melbourne, Sydney), also thought free agency was extremely important to the well being of a modern-day footballer.

“Absolutely, I think it is good.

“I am not going anywhere anymore.

“I don’t agree with players negotiating to other clubs before the season is up.  I think once the season is finished, and a player is not contracted, he should be allowed to go.”