Union to challenge Winmar axing

Nick Winmar in action for Sandringham. He has been dumped by St Kilda with a year to run on his contract. Picture: Stuart Milligan. Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL Players' Association will push the league to close the loophole that allowed St Kilda to dump Nick Winmar with a year to run on his contract.

Winmar was told by the Saints on Friday that he would be delisted ahead of the pre-season draft despite being midway through a two-year deal.

The AFLPA is uneasy about the 21-year-old's contract not being honoured and the fact the cut was made so late, ruling him out of last week's national draft.

Winmar's manager, Paul Connors, is also furious at the treatment of his client, saying he was stunned to learn of the axing on Friday night.

Winmar will be paid out, but loses the opportunity to earn match payments next season and faces an uncertain future with spots on rival lists now so tight.

AFLPA general manager of player relations, Ian Prendergast, is likely to front the AFL on the issue of broken contracts and the timing of the call.

"We believe that if a club contracts a player for two years then they should honour that contract, unless they have grounds to terminate, which is not the case here," Prendergast said.

"We are particularly concerned about the timing of the club's decision, being after the national draft and the adverse impact this will have on Nick furthering his career - especially given the compromised rookie draft due to rookie list positions being reduced by two spots for next season."

Connors said Winmar had returned to pre-season training two weeks early and had been given no warning.

"Late last week we advised Nick and his manager that we would be releasing him from the final year of his contract," St Kilda's head of football Chris Pelchen said.

"This was a difficult decision, however, we feel it is the right one for both Nick and the club.

"Nick has been a respected member of the Saints over the past three years and we wish him every success for the future."

Winmar was drafted by the Saints at pick 32 in the 2009 draft and played two games.

The Saints said they were yet to determine whether to use the additional selection at next month's pre-season or rookie draft but are tipped to pick up former West Coast midfielder Adam Cockie.

Cockie is training with StKilda and was a member of WAFL side Subiaco when Scott Watters coached the side.

Prendergast said Winmar, believed to be deeply upset by his sudden exit, would be financially compensated.

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