Demons' Brown chase not illegal: Demetriou
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Jonathan Brown has yet to announce his playing intentions for next season (Getty Images: Paul Kane, file photo)
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou says no trading rules have been broken in the pursuit of Brisbane Lions forward Jonathan Brown.
The Brisbane captain, who is one of the most sought-after talents in the game, comes off contract at the end of this season and has yet to announce his intentions.
Outgoing Melbourne chief executive Paul McNamee revealed the club contacted Brown's management in an attempt to attract the star forward to the Demons, but Demetriou says that is within the rules.
"It's not unusual for clubs to be talking to managers about out-of-contract players, particularly as we lead up to the trade period," he said.
"It's not unusual but I don't think any players have been approached directly, everyone knows the rules and we're very stringent about reaching agreements with players before trade periods and the draft."
Lions coach Leigh Matthews says he is unfazed by other clubs showing an interest in Brown, saying it is simply part of the modern game.
"In the profession ... it's their livelihoods, then they've got to try and negotiate their best deal and see what they're worth in the market," he said.
"If you're uncontracted, other clubs will take some interest.
"These days you tend to have player managers who are the conduit between players and coaches, in a sense.
"The player manager talks to the club, and that's the way contract negotiations are essentially done."
