THE AFL has rejected Port Adelaide’s request to replace the Court of Arbitration for Sport-banned Angus Monfries and Paddy Ryder in the 2016 season with players from outside of its existing list.
News of the decision came through on Friday afternoon.
The AFL based its decision around an assumed risk with the recruitment of players from other clubs.
It argued factors at play prior to a player joining his new club may result in his suspension under the AFL’s rules.
That includes in circumstances such as those related to the recruitment of Angus Monfries in 2012, where information related to Essendon’s anti-doping offences was then unknown.
While the Power will only be eligible to play with a combined list of 42 players, it remains able to nominate two rookies to automatically replace the suspended Monfries and Ryder.
Port Adelaide released this statement on Friday afternoon:
"The Port Adelaide Football Club is disappointed its request for top-up players to replace the suspended Angus Monfries and Patrick Ryder has today been rejected by the AFL.
Monfries and Ryder, along with 32 other past and present Essendon players, were found guilty in January by the Court of Arbitration for Sport for committing an anti-doping rule violation and consequently suspended for twelve months.
Port Adelaide chairman David Koch said despite the club’s disappointment, it will accept the AFL’s decision.
“Obviously we’re disappointed because clearly we are an innocent victim in this saga and we thought we put together a compelling argument to the AFL,” Mr Koch said.
“However, the AFL saw it differently and we will now abide by their decision and get on with the task at hand.
“Today’s outcome will not define our season and win, lose or draw it will not serve as an excuse as to how we perform on-field.”'
Angus Monfries [Pic: AFL Media]
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