The AFL's new football operations boss, Greg Swann, has reportedly proposed significant changes to the league's father-son and academy rules, with some clubs preparing for a new bidding system as early as the 2026 draft.
Channel 7's Caroline Wilson reported on Agenda Setters that the new proposal would prevent clubs from using a first-round pick on their own father-son or academy prospects.
While clubs like St Kilda and Fremantle have long lobbied for changes to the system, others—most notably Carlton and Port Adelaide —will strongly oppose the proposal.
"Most footy bosses ... believe there will be no Father/Son or Academy picks for the whole first round of the draft."
— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 26, 2025
🗣️ Caroline Wilson on changes to next year's AFL Draft pic.twitter.com/yEuXzBFA5w
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For the 2026 draft, highly touted and potential top five pick Cody Walker, the son of former Blues veteran Andrew Walker, has already nominated Carlton as his club of choice.
While Port Adelaide is in the process of adding Dougie Cochrane, another strong contender for a top five pick in the 2026 draft, to its Next Generation Academy.
This change would be particularly impactful for the Power, who have a recent history of trading out first-round selections to acquire top-tier talent.
Port Adelaide’s only first-round pick in the last three seasons was Joe Berry at pick 15 in the 2024 draft, and this trend is set to continue in 2025 as the club does not hold a first-round pick from the Dan Houston and Jack Lukosius trade.
The real issues for Port Adelaide will arise over the next three drafts if the proposed changes are implemented.
Looking to the 2027 draft, Port Adelaide also has two highly-touted prospects in its sights: Zemes Pilot (Next Generation Academy) and Louis Salopek (father-son), both being touted as first-round selections.
These prospects become even more difficult to secure if the proposed rule changes come into effect, as the 2027 draft is already set to be one of the most compromised of the century.
With Tasmania entering the competition in 2028, the AFL's current proposal would hand the new club picks 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13 in their first draft, making a grab for any top-tier talent extremely difficult.