BOMBERS SEEK CLARITY ON AFL
Essendon has reportedly sought clarity from the AFL over a rule that could see the club lose Massimo D’Ambrosio for nothing.
D’Ambrosio wants to play for Hawthorn in 2024, but the Bombers initially knocked back a late pick offer from the Hawks.
Under the AFL’s rules, “A second-year Rookie not accepting a further Rookie contract will be considered a Delisted Free Agent, and therefore will be an Unrestricted Free Agent.”
D’Ambrosio was a mid-season rookie draft pick in 2022 and would then become a delisted/unrestricted free agent if he declines Essendon’s one-year deal for him to stay.
SEN reporter Tom Morris said on Wednesday the Bombers believed the rule should not apply because the classification of a mid-season draftee changed after D’Ambrosio requested a trade.