The AFL Commission today determined there would be no Priority Picks awarded to any club following the conclusion of the 2013 Toyota AFL Home and Away Season, under the Special Assistance Rule.

In early 2012, the AFL Commission approved a much stricter criteria for priority picks, and under the process, had accepted a recommendation from the AFL General Manager Football Operations Mark Evans that no priority picks be awarded. The AFL had received a request for formal consideration from the Melbourne Football Club for an extra selection at this year’s NAB AFL Draft.

“The Commission has determined, after a recommendation from the AFL Executive, that no Club will recieve a priority draft selection under the Special Assistance Rule in 2013,” Mr Evans said.

“In coming to a decision, the AFL Commission considered a range of factors including the Melbourne Football Club’s recent performances, but also the opportunity the club has to make improvements in its operations - including its coaching, recruiting, administrative, cultural and welfare programs, as well as significant upside in young talent that is currently on the club’s list.”

The AFL Commission today advised the clubs at their meeting in Melbourne that the Melbourne FC would receive one-off funding of $1.45 million. 

Of that $1.45m amount, $1 million is a grant and $450,000 is subject to the club raising an equal amount of money. The club also has the ability to borrow an additional $500,000 on its facility, which the AFL has guaranteed.