AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has explained why the league handed the West Coast Eagles a controversial ‘assistance package’ at the end of this season.

Dillon was in Perth for an AFL Commission and executive meeting on Monday, and faced the media during a break to answer a variety of questions about West Coast’s package .... and, of course, Geelong star Bailey Smith.

“That was well thought through and delivered at the September commission meeting and I think West Coast has got a bit of work to do, but I think the only way is up for them now,” Dillon said of the rare assistance package that is sometimes used to help struggling clubs.

The assistance package featured an end-of-first-round draft pick and four additional rookie list spots for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 seasons.

But it has been top

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