Sydney would not be allowed to bring in a player on above-average pay, even if they traded their highest-paid stars such as Lance Franklin, Kurt Tippett or Dan Hannebery, in the forthcoming post-season.

As a result of the phasing out of the Sydney cost of living allowance, the AFL has decided that, in 2015, the Swans are permitted to only acquire players who are on the club's average salary, of close to $300,000.

Star: Even trading Lance Franklin would not help the Swans. Credit:Getty Images

And the AFL has confirmed to Fairfax Media that the Swans, as a result of the ruling, cannot trade for a highly paid player, even if they offload an expensive one who is paid significantly more than the one they bring in.

For example, if Tippett, who is paid an estimated average salary of $800,000 on his long-term deal, was to be traded to another club, the Swans would not be able to recruit a less expensive player on even $400,000, despite shedding a significant amount of player payments.