AFL draft compensation mechanism set to debut in November 2026

The new AFL draft compensation mechanism will come into effect in November 2026. This system impacts clubs finishing in the bottom five, allowing them to receive a second-round compensation pick if their first-round pick is moved back due to a matched bid. Essendon, Richmond, and West Coast are among the teams that could benefit from this new rule, provided they fulfill specific criteria. These criteria include finishing in the bottom five, having their first-round pick moved back, and using that pick to select a player. The compensation picks will be finalized after the first night of the draft, with specific rules governing their use and potential trading.

• 7:00 PMAFL — EXPLAINER: How the new draft compensation mechanism works