NORTH Melbourne is not threatened by the introduction of free agency and doesn't expect to lose any required players under the new rule.
Kangaroos coach Brad Scott said he expected clubs would be able to keep their star players even though free agency now offered them an easier passage to change clubs.
"I've been on record before saying I'm not concerned about free agency in any way shape or form," Scott said at Aegis Park on Wednesday.
"I think it's a fantastic initiative for players. I think it's primarily going to be used for players in the twilight of their careers, who are on the fringe of senior selection, to extend their career."
Scott conceded clubs would use free agency to try to land opposition stars as Fremantle have reportedly done with Travis Cloke, but said their chances of success were slim.
"In the Travis Cloke example, I think clubs will make plays for players who can improve their list," Scott said.
"(But) I still don't think free agency is going to have a significant impact on the top 10 per cent of your list. I'd be very surprised if … those top 10 players on your list leave under the free agency rule.
"Clubs generally keep the players they're desperate to keep."
Cloke is one of 2012's 19 restricted free agents - players who have given eight years' service to their club and are in its top 25 per cent of salary earners.
Others include Cloke's Collingwood teammate Heath Shaw, St Kilda's Brendon Goddard and Sam Fisher, Essendon's Brent Stanton, Richmond's Brett Deledio, Hawthorn's Brad Sewell and Sydney Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh.
As restricted free agents, these players can move to an opposition club at the end of this season unless their club matches that suitor's financial offer.
However, this season there are also 62 unrestricted free agents - players who have given eight years' service and are outside their club's top 25 per cent of salary earners, and players who have given at least 10 years' service.
These players can change clubs regardless of whether their club matches their suitor's offer.
The list includes St Kilda's Lenny Hayes and Leigh Montagna, West Coast captain Darren Glass and teammate Daniel Kerr, Brisbane Lions captain Jonathan Brown, Geelong's Paul Chapman, Corey Enright and Matthew Scarlett, Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge, and Melbourne ruckman Mark Jamar.
Nick Bowen is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @AFL_Nick
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