The AFL Players Association has hit out at the league's confusing eligibility rules after the governing body blocked transgender player Hannah Mouncey from joining this year's AFLW competition.

MORE: Adelaide demand Dayne Zorko if Lions want Charlie Cameron | Hannah Mouncey's AFLW draft application rejected

Mouncey's draft nomination was rejected on the grounds that her physical disparity would give her an unfair advantage.

"The AFL has made a decision that the physical disparity between Hannah and other AFLW players is significant, in that it would have an effect on the AFLW competition and give rise to an unreasonable advantage," an AFL statement read.

"The subcommittee’s decision took into account the stage of maturity of the AFLW competition, its current player cohort and Ms Mouncey’s individual circumstances.''

Mouncey is still able to nominate for future AFLW drafts, however the ALFPA have slammed the lack of transparency from the unclear system.

"Whilst Hannah was provided with the opportunity to discuss her application with the AFL, the AFLPA believes there should have been clear guidelines available for transgender players wishing to enter the AFLW draft this year," the PA's Brett Murphy said.

"No athlete should face such confusion around their eligibility for an elite competition just days out from a draft."

Mouncey’s local coach Chris Rourke was shocked at the AFL's call and revealed she is no standout star that would unfairly dominate the competition.

''One of the things I’m surprised about is I don’t know how many of these people have seen her play,” he told SEN.

“She certainly didn’t tear the competition apart. I watched her a couple of times, yes she is very big and strong, but she didn’t bash anybody up or crash into anybody. When I first saw her run out, I thought jeez, she’s big, but the opposition wasn’t frightened of her.

“She went about her business and nobody seemed too afraid of her. She’s not Daisy Pearce by any stretch of the imagination. She is big and strong, sometimes she can read the ball well and can catch it. She is an ok kick, so she has a bit of talent for sure.

“If she is allowed to play women’s footy up here, I don’t see her not being allowed to play in a better competition.”

At 190cm and 100kg, Mouncey was formerly part of the Australian men's handball team before switching from male to female in 2015.

Mouncey's testosterone levels fall between those required by the International Olympic Committee, the same guidelines followed by the AFL.