Totally agree withCornes on this.
Far too many players taken that are not up to scratch.
And his mention of Tassie coming in makes it even more real.
I think there’s enough talent available, but there are massive issues with how the AFL system identifies ‘talent’.
In essence you need to be considered talented at 15-16 were academies and state programs commence and if your body hasn’t matured by 17 or 18 and you miss you draft year then AFL clubs don’t really look at you again.
AFL clubs are so data driven on 2km time trials, vertical leap, 20m sprint etc for draftees you wonder how much actually being a good footballer with footy IQ comes into consideration.
Allan, Murdoch and McCarthy great examples of mature age recruits at West Coast that got overlooked as youngsters but deserved an opportunity, Steele at Collingwod another.
Instead of picking 18 year olds on data and potential, its time the AFL looked harder at proven performers at State League in their early to mid 20s.
How many Matt Priddis’s are out there that never got their shot.
AFL goes by the notion from the 80’s term coined by Michael Douglas in Wall Street, Greed is Good. Those fuck sticks can’t see the forest for the trees.
Increase the draft age to 19 and you will have a much higher success rate by giving these kids 12 months in a second tier league playing against men instead of the pressures of being under the microscope as 17 year olds completing year 12 studies and most having to leave home at that age and move interstate.
Do these AFL flogs have University degrees? FMD. I believe the careers of Jaeger O’Meara, Harley Bennell and Brandon Matera were derailed by the incompetent decision by the AFL to allow Gold Coast and GWS to pick players a year before their draft eligibility. Won’t surprise if they give Tassie that same stupid advantage.
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I’d go further R&B, lift the draft age to 20 but allow each AFL club to take 2 x 18 or 19 year olds each year.
There’s always going to be your Harley Reids , Jason Horne-Francis that are ready to play AFL but most 18 and 19 year olds aren’t. The AFL has recognised this, increasing Top 20 draftees first contract from 2 to 3 year term.
With the majority of players being drafted at 20 that would give them the opportunity to get some life experience, get a good start on a uni degree or apprenticeship or have to work for base wage and give them some context to how fortunate they are to get paid very well to play a game they love.
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Careful TT - you are making complete sense
@Tiger_Tales I am like you, I have said for many years that the age should be 20. Gives the kids a chance to mature and grow into their bodies in the second tier competitions.
The only draw back to that would be that sooner or later someone say, that it is a restriction of trade.You are stopping my kid from playing.
The solution for me is keep the draft age at 18 but keep them in the state leagues in their home state, they get paid and developed but at home. There can be a bail clause if they do not meet expectations and reenter the draft if they want!
@Grump1 You and I know that the clubs would never allow that to happen.
Sounds good, but will never happen.
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Gone are the days when AFL clubs would sign someone and allow them to stay in their home state for a season or 2. David Hynes in early 90s the last one I can remember