THE SANFL and the WA Football Commission are upset with the AFL's introduction of a mid-season rookie draft next year, believing it will create uncertainty and confusion for their clubs and players.
The AFL announced on Thursday that clubs will be able to add one player via a mid-season rookie draft in 2019 to add more flexibility to their lists, and fill holes left by injuries or retirements.
The timing of the mid-season rookie draft has yet to be finalised.
SANFL chief executive Jake Parkinson said his organisation wrote to the AFL earlier this year to express its concern about the impact a mid-season draft would have on the SANFL league competition.
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"We have been on record as saying we are strongly opposed to any move by the AFL which causes disruption to SANFL teams and players – and subsequently uncertainty for their supporters – midway through the season," Parkinson said.
"While we naturally want to encourage players to aspire to the highest level, we do not believe that should come at the expense of clubs who are trying to win a SANFL premiership only to have their best players cherry-picked midway through the season.
"There is a significant level of investment in terms of resource, time and energy by volunteers, members, players, coaches and administrators that goes into building a SANFL team in pursuit of the ultimate success.
"Additionally, the mid-season draft asks players to make huge sacrifices and take a leap into the unknown, potentially interstate, with no guarantees about the outcome on their future prospects."
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In a statement to AFL.com.au, WAFC chief executive Gavin Taylor held similar concerns.
"This decision obviously creates significant anxiety for our WAFL clubs in a period where they are beginning to build their playing lists for the 2019 season," Taylor said.
"We will be meeting with the WAFL clubs as soon as possible to discuss the impact this may have and consolidate our feedback for the AFL.
"Our current concerns include the impact of losing key players in the lead-up to the season and during the middle of the season, what compensation will be provided to WAFL clubs, and ensuring there is adequate support for players who are drafted.
"We must also consider how this will impact on the quality of the competition for the thousands of WAFL fans and members that attend games or tune in each week on Channel 7.
"We are seeking further information as soon as possible from the AFL so we can fully understand the implications and provide feedback that will best serve the WAFL competition, clubs and players."
Parkinson said the SANFL had written to the AFL executive asking for answers to a range of questions in terms of protecting the welfare of the players and the interests of SANFL clubs and the competition.
"We await their response and further clarity on how the mid-season draft will work for everyone involved," he said.
