The AFL is expected to introduce the concept on Tuesday, allowing players a greater chance to switch teams after eight seasons with a club.
But Roughead said any new rules were unlikely to affect the Hawks.
“I don’t have much to do with it, I’m only six years [with the Hawks] and I think they’re trying to go for eight years," Roughead said.
"I’ll only be 25 then and I don’t think it is going to be any concern.
“We’re so young that I don’t think we’d have anyone up for free agency for five years.”
Fellow forward Lance Franklin has been touted as a possible recruit for the new Gold Coast team but Roughead said the introduction of free agency was unlikely to see him depart the Hawks.
“I still think Buddy is about seven years here, so I don’t think he is anywhere near a chance to be in free agency so I don’t think that is an issue,” Roughead said.
Hawthorn takes on the Western Bulldogs this Friday night in round two of the NAB Cup where recruit Josh Gibson is likely to make his Hawthorn debut.
Gibson missed the round one clash with Richmond because of hamstring soreness but will play this week in his first game since crossing from North Melbourne.
The match also gives Roughead the chance to share the ground with his younger cousin, Bulldogs ruckman Jordan Roughead, although he has not been preoccupied with any potential family rivalry.
“I might have a run around against him," Roughead said. "I’ve never played against him in any sport so it should be a bit of fun on Saturday night and good for my dad and uncle as well.
“It’s only NAB Cup two. If it happens in round three I might claim bragging rights.”
Rhan Hooper, Chance Bateman and Shaun Burgoyne are expected to wait at least another week before kicking off their 2010 campaigns while Cyril Rioli was restricted to indoors work as the team did its main training session on Tuesday morning.
