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AFL \u2018SPLIT\u2019 OVER BUTTERS SIDE DEAL<\/p>\n
The AFL is reportedly \u201csplit down the middle\u201d regarding the mooted Todd Marshall side deal that could unlock Zak Butters\u2019 move to the Western Bulldogs. <\/p>\n
AFL journalist Tom Morris reports that Port utility Marshall could be involved in a separate deal centred around two Bulldogs first-round picks<\/a> \u2014 Pick 13 and a future first-rounder \u2014 going back to Alberton.<\/p>\n It would effectively be part of a bigger package of three first-rounders for Butters if Port didn\u2019t match the superstar\u2019s free agency offer and received Pick 5 as compensation.<\/p>\n Marshall is contracted at the Power until 2029 but played only 15 games this season.<\/p>\n Ralphy breaks down Butters $19.8M deal | 01:33<\/p>\n Speaking on SEN radio on Tuesday morning, reporter Sam Edmund said the proposal had drawn a mixed response from league headquarters.<\/p>\n \u201cThe AFL were already aware of this proposed deal before it became public. I\u2019m told they\u2019re largely split down the middle as to how they\u2019re receiving it,\u201d Edmund said.<\/p>\n \u201cAFL CEO Andrew Dillon in the past has told clubs he hates this sort of stuff, he\u2019s picked up the phone before.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re OK with a salary dump trade, and that\u2019s what the Todd Marshall exchange would be. <\/p>\n \u201cWhat they don\u2019t like is when the free agency window or any free agency deal is manipulated and when they are linked (with a trade).\u201d<\/p>\n The AFL sends an annual memo to clubs to remind them it will scrutinise every trade and free agency deal.<\/p>\n And league footy boss Greg Swann has warned teams they\u2019ll police possible side deals that manipulate free agency compensation.<\/p>\n \u201cWe contacted all clubs a couple of weeks ago, and we will contact them again ahead of the free agency and trade period to reinforce that separate deals have to stand up on merit,\u201d Swann told The Age<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t be trading a player who hasn\u2019t played a game all year or for two years for multiple first-round picks or something.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is still a balance; we have to be mindful of the fact some of the time you think a deal looks a bit off at the time, and it turns out to be a decent trade a year or so later.<\/p>\n \u201cClubs know that and we are onto it. We will be in contact with them and they know deals have to stand up on merit or they won\u2019t be approved.\u201d<\/p>\n GIANTS OPEN TO OFFERS FOR STAR DUO<\/p>\n GWS has \u201cquietly indicated\u201d it\u2019s open to trade offers for Lachie Whitfield and Harry Himmelberg as part of a list regeneration.<\/p>\n