AFL Considers NHL-Style Expansion Draft for Tasmanian Team

A new AFL team is on the horizon in Tasmania, and the league is considering a unique approach to ensure its success: an expansion draft similar to the NHL's. This strategy would allow the new team to quickly acquire talent from established clubs. "The NHL style expansion draft is the only way I see them potentially playing finals year one," says one ESPN analyst in a recent video. However, the process involves complex rules, such as protecting key players from being selected. The debate is on whether this approach balances immediate competitiveness with the long-term stability of the league. The success of this strategy will depend on the specifics of the rules and the willingness of established teams to cooperate.