Reid\u2019s asking price, meanwhile, is nudging $2 million per year as agents realise clubs have room to move because the collective bargaining agreement will drive their salary cap up to $18,148,376 per club in 2026.<\/p>\n
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Sources at various clubs have become annoyed that the money offered to DeKoning and the figures being bandied around Reid have distorted the market for individual players, although they don\u2019t blame Wanganeen-Milera or any club chasing him for responding to the market.<\/p>\n
Ironically, the amount St Kilda has offered De Koning has contributed to the inflationary effect in negotiations with their own player Wanganeen-Milera.<\/p>\n
Wanganeen-Milera\u2019s form has exceeded Reid\u2019s in 2025 as the game continues to favour an inside-outside player with speed who can use the ball. It has also exceeded the expectations of most football watchers. He entered the season as a promising rebounding defender who had kicked six goals in 63 games, but has now kicked six goals in the past two matches to have 17 for the season as he has evolved into an explosive and damaging midfielder.<\/p>\n
Both Wanganeen-Milera and Reid are considered game-changers, who could help transform whatever club they play for in the next decade.<\/p>\n
Wanganeen-Milera\u2019s decision to concentrate on football rather than sign an extension with the Saints before the end of the season is paying off as the market for young talent becomes inflated and his price rises. He has shown no indication as to what he wants to do next season nor has it affected his performance in any way.<\/p>\n
Free agent compensation tweak could fast track rebuilds<\/p>\n
Carlton and West Coast could land a free agent in the upcoming trade period without affecting the compensation they receive for losing Tom DeKoning and Oscar Allen to other clubs, as is expected at season\u2019s end.<\/p>\n
The AFL has discussed ideas for better helping clubs at the lower end of the ladder in free agency transactions. One option would be to allow clubs down the ladder to bring in a free agent without it effecting the compensation they receive for losing a free agent of their own.<\/p>\n
It is uncertain if the changes to the compensation system are being considered for this year\u2019s trade period.<\/p>\n
Under the current rules, clubs are compensated based on their net losses and gains of free agents during the trading. It means clubs who lose a free agent are often reluctant to recruit a free agent in the same trade period in case it dilutes the compensation they stand to receive.<\/p>\n
For instance, North Melbourne did not want to recruit a free agent after finishing second bottom in 2023 because the compensation they received for losing Ben McKay to Essendon (pick three in the 2023 national draft) would be affected.<\/p>\n
If the new rule being considered was in place at that time the Kangaroos could have landed a free agent and still received pick three for losing McKay.<\/p>\n
Similarly, the Eagles could receive pick two for the loss of Allen this year and still be in the market to pick up a free agent.<\/p>\n
Under current rules, the Eagles\u2019 pursuit of a quality free agent such as West Australian-raised Lions\u2019 defender Brandon Starcevich, who remains out of contract, is complicated by the fact it may affect their compensation for Allen. The clubs might have to trade if that scenario arises.<\/p>\n
New football boss Greg Swann told Triple M on Tuesday morning the player movement and draft system had to support equalisation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you get a free agent and you lose a free agent, that nets off. So there might be scope for bottom clubs to grab a free agent and still get the full compensation if they lose a player,\u201d Swann said.<\/p>\n
SOS pursuit won\u2019t affect Howe<\/p>\n
Veteran defender Jeremy Howe won\u2019t be squeezed out at Collingwood by the possible arrival of Jack Silvagni as a free agent.<\/p>\n
Howe has received a contract offer from Collingwood of roughly $350,000 to play next year. Howe and the club are also discussing a possible coaching role for him after he finishes playing.<\/p>\n
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Howe\u2019s importance to Collingwood this year has been underlined by the fact in the four losses they have had this year Howe has often been missing. He did not play against Geelong or Fremantle when they were beaten and was subbed off injured in the defeat to Gold Coast.<\/p>\n
An organiser behind the ball, the 35-year-old is recognised as structurally important to the Magpies.<\/p>\n