James Hird criticises ‘grossly inequitable’ AFL draft alteration poised to impact Blues, Bombers, and Power adversely

Essendon legend James Hird has heavily criticised the AFL’s decision to modify the father-son and academy draft bidding policies midway through the 2026 season.

Following significant advantages gained by clubs such as Brisbane, Gold Coast, Collingwood, and the Western Bulldogs during the 2020s, the league has decided to create more hurdles for teams hoping to match bids for their father-son and academy talents.

This change comes at an inopportune moment for Carlton and Port Adelaide, who were looking to reap the benefits this year, as well as for Essendon, which boasts a top prospect in 2027.

In the previous system, Brisbane successfully drafted father-son talent Will Ashcroft at pick two by relinquishing picks 34, 35, 38, 40, and 41. Since then, he has clinched two Norm Smith Medals and contributed to the last two premierships.

The Lions have also secured elite father-son picks like Levi Ashcroft and Jasper Fletcher, alongside a top academy prospect in Daniel Annable during the 2025 draft.

Meanwhile, Gold Coast has amassed nine first-round selections in the past three drafts thanks to their academy system, all achieved at a favourable price.

Carlton now faces the challenge of matching a bid for projected top-five pick Cody Walker, the son of club legend Andrew Walker, but can only do so with two picks. The cost of matching bids has soared since the Ashcroft drafts.

Should the Blues finish in the bottom five this season, they will probably need to utilise their pick along with Sydney’s first-round selection from the Charlie Curnow trade to secure Walker.

Given the success of Queensland clubs, along with the likes of Nick Daicos at Collingwood and Sam Darcy at the Western Bulldogs, Hird believes the changes are particularly “unjust” for Carlton.

“How can this be considered fair?” Hird questioned on Nine’s Footy Classified.

“Brisbane managed to secure Will Ashcroft using picks in the 30s and 40s, while Carlton will have to surrender a top-five pick and potentially more to acquire Cody Walker.

“How is that a fair deal for Carlton? This was only four years ago.

“Brisbane has built two premierships through this rule, potentially three. For Carlton… I think this is entirely unjust.”

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AFL journalist Cal Twomey, who brought the news to light, believes the AFL’s decision is rooted in the observation that the previous costs for the Ashcroft brothers were excessively low.

“The reasoning is that the value now is fairer. The earlier value for Will Ashcroft was deemed not equitable,” Twomey responded to Hird.

“Clubs were made aware of this last July; they received some notice. The prices are now adjusted for fairness, which is unfortunate for Port Adelaide and Carlton.”

Former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire opined that the AFL should have postponed these rule amendments until Tasmania’s entry into the league in 2028, partly to provide some relief to the struggling Carlton and Essendon.

“I reckon holding off until Tasmania joins would have been the right move,” McGuire suggested.

“It’s a tough situation. Carlton has taken enough hits over the years. I don’t think this decision is justified.”

Port Adelaide also has a potential No. 1 pick in this year’s draft linked to their academy, Dougie Cochrane, while Essendon boasts a similarly ranked talent in the 2027 draft with father-son player Koby Bewick.

While it’s likely these players will end up at their respective clubs, they will do so at a substantially higher expense compared to what Gold Coast and Brisbane have invested during the 2020s.