And then lose them within 5 years.
There has always been a Brisbane academy. The difference is that its initial function was to take highly-rated interstate draftees, develop them through the initial teething years and then lose them to heartland clubs for cents on the dollar. You are welcome...
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...