My bad, I assumed you were replying to a different post where I actually addressed the full reason the academies were set up.
This one.
https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/swans-boss-says-rivals-should-pay-for-poaching-northern-academy-kids.1408636/post-91627453
Okay, we're going to give you a recruiting zone (in a non AFL region) and an associated academy. You will need to pay for most of it but be warned, we may also make you pay a premium for the players you develop, and let other clubs that had nothing to do with get them for less.
Deal?
If you...
Ahh, the classic "let's just sneak the father son rule into an academy discussion when no one is looking" card.
This is about the academies buddy. If you can't make the case on the academies alone, then don't expect to be taken seriously.
The northern clubs provide significant amounts funding for their own academies. This is just objective truth. It is a joint-funding arrangement.
I won't entertain you any more on this part of the discussion. You're just wrong.