Hird in disbelief at priority pitch from AFL's 'wealthiest club'
West Coast is preparing to enter "uncharted territory" when it comes to an assistance package from the AFL.
Moderated by Tomas Kauer 
AFL great James Hird has teed off on the competition for potentially giving the West Coast Eagles an "easy out" after the club pitched an assistance package.
On Nine's Footy Classified, AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey revealed West Coast was seeking extra rookie list spots and an exemption to bring in a free agent that wouldn't dilute their free agency compensation pick for Oscar Allen's departure.
The expectation is that West Coast will receive pick two for Allen.
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"(This is) uncharted territory, never happened before, there's never been an exemption that's allowed this," Twomey said.
The Eagles are in the market for Brisbane's Brandon Starcevich, which would likely dilute pick two.
Hird was in disbelief the AFL would allow that, such are the riches at West Coast's disposal.
"I find it remarkable they're actually contemplating giving West Coast priority picks," he said.
"This is the wealthiest club in the AFL, who have put themselves in this hole really and had all the money in the world to go out and get the assets they need, assistant coaches, different coaching techniques to build these players up as quickly as possible.
"I understand they're at the lowest ebb at the moment, they've gone backwards since last year, but to give this club priority picks that is the wealthiest in the AFL, I think is the wrong message to clubs.
"(That message would be) that you can do whatever you want, if you get down the bottom long enough, we're going to help you out, which I just don't agree with."
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Hird went on to describe it as an "easy out" for clubs that aren't doing well, particularly given West Coast just won a premiership in 2018.
The Eagles haven't played finals since 2020.
"It's just not right, you're the best team in the competition seven years ago and now you're getting a priority pick through your own fault," Hird said.
