News West Coast and Fremantle Lobby the AFL for WA Academies

[txbyhull]

Has come out from Cal Twomey this evening in the wake of proposed changes to the AFL Draft and Academy/NGA/FS bidding, as well as the continual decline of WA grass-roots football growth and draftee's.

 

[Colonial]

Good. The non vic sides dont get any where near the coin and advantages Vics do under the term "tradition". All non vic sides should have an academy

 

[Freomaniac]

Not gonna happen.

 

[txbyhull]

Good. The non vic sides dont get any where near the coin and advantages Vics do under the term "tradition". All non vic sides should have an academy

I would never pretend like WA as a state is not deeply entrenched in footballing history and culture in comparison to QLD and NSW sides, we definitely do not face the same degree of difficulties as they do.

However as mentioned in the video, WA footy at a grass-roots level is as close to declining as it could possibly be before something has to be done.

4.6% growth for 5-12yrs from 2022-2025:

15.4% behind SA (20%), 25.4% behind VIC (30%), 52.4% behind QLD (57%), and 68.4% behind NSW (73%).

 

[Colonial]

I would never pretend like WA as a state is not deeply entrenched in footballing history and culture in comparison to QLD and NSW sides, we definitely do not face the same degree of difficulties as they do.

However as mentioned in the video, WA footy at a grass-roots level is as close to declining as it could possibly be before something has to be done.

4.6% growth for 5-12yrs from 2022-2025:

15.4% behind SA (20%), 25.4% behind VIC (30%), 52.4% behind QLD (57%), and 68.4% behind NSW (73%).

I agree, but that growth is based off a very low base for northern states.

 

[txbyhull]

Not gonna happen.

I get the feeling that the WAFL will get in the way of this, but the numbers pose a threat to them as well, not just the AFL.

I am not sure what a more realistic solution. Perhaps bulk $$$ pumped into WA footy by the AFL, but I would not want to be giving the WAFC/WAFL any control over it. They have shown time and time again to be completely incapable given the state of the Colts and its talent production.

 

[txbyhull]

I agree, but that growth is based off a very low base for northern states.

Indeed, more so pointing out the stagnation in comparison to even the other traditional footy states in SA and VIC.

 

[Colonial]

Good. The non vic sides dont get any where near the coin and advantages Vics do under the term "tradition". All non vic sides should have an academy

a richmond fan laughing at this says it all.

 

[GeTrain]

Honestly this feels like a balanced and fair suggestion. They're no seeking priority access in the draft but instead are aiming to build brand loyalty.

edit: and most importantly would be paying fair price in trades

 

[txbyhull]

a richmond fan laughing at this says it all.

VicBias is an inevitable truth of the game that some choose not to accept. It's baked in unfortunately, and things do need to be done in terms of equalisation for non-Vic sides should the AFL choose not to simply move some teams out of Victoria.

 

[Colonial]

VicBias is an inevitable truth of the game that some choose not to accept. It's baked in unfortunately, and things do need to be done in terms of equalisation for non-Vic sides should the AFL choose not to simply move some teams out of Victoria.

fighting it always, national game and the comp wanted to be a national comp. No matter how many vics and their media try to project otherwise.

 

[Kennedy Parker]

Sounds like a great idea. With expansion on the way, any initiative to increase the talent pool in WA can only be a good thing.

 

[eastfreo75]

People don’t understand that WA is struggling both in kids playing and the number of a players being drafted.

West Coast and Fremantle will be uncompetitive in years to come as they won’t be able to recruit high quality players.

 

[eastfreo75]

In the last 5 drafts out of the top 10 players only 4 players have been drafted from WA and not one player in the top 5.

 

[Jezzitizle]

One thing not covered by Eddy is what the interaction actually is with the WAFL - I.e are players in EITHER a WAFL or AFL program, or BOTH at the same time? He has assumed either, but he may be wrong.

Either way better development should equal a stronger WAFL, as the kids who aren’t drafted are still at a higher level, and many would likely play WAFL if they don’t get drafted.

This is the model that should also apply to the northern states, no matter what happens elsewhere.

Another possibility is that it is a way of cutting the legs off the northern states arguing that they need draft concessions to bother developing players - if Freo and WC put their hand up to do it, whether it happens or not, how can they turn their toes up?

Good play by Freo and WC, good way to use the money in the bank too, especially WC can’t even spend what they have.

Edit: another possibility is that the clubs are trying to create leverage to get the AFL to focus on WA development. E.g. Vic clubs lose their minds, so the AFL finds a compromise solution to improve the WA pathway.

 

[Rich01]

This is a real indictment on the association that has been responsible for development in WA football over the last decade.

 

[Milanista28]

Seems a no brainer proposal, this benefits the whole competition?

 

[amazingjoshy]

Seems a no brainer proposal, this benefits the whole competition?

It does

Some will still find a way to complain and argue against it however

 

[Purple Suit]

This is a real indictment on the association that has been responsible for development in WA football over the last decade.

They have no money to develop kids to the same level without AFL funding or a different model with the WA clubs. Give WC & Freo 25m a year in distribution and the whole thing becomes easy.

Elite programs start serious around age 15 in WA yet I’m hearing 11 or 12 in every other state. Most of the coaches are volunteers too for WAFL clubs in the early days or on very little.

 

[Bunk Moreland]

It’s too compromised, I think we are moving toward inevitable state-based drafting, there’ll be a three or four round draft where each state’s clubs just pick players from that state.

After that a rookie draft where all players can go anywhere.

 

[Bunk Moreland]

They have no money to develop kids to the same level without AFL funding or a different model with the WA clubs. Give WC & Freo 25m a year in distribution and the whole thing becomes easy.

Elite programs start serious around age 15 in WA yet I’m hearing 11 or 12 in every other state. Most of the coaches are volunteers too for WAFL clubs in the early days or on very little.

The big issue is the WAFC / WAFL will not give up control of the pathways to an outside body that is focused on development and not club success.

They will never just be handed money without giving up control in return.

On the age thing, in terms of Victoria, there is no elite programs (NAB League) until 15, when they start to be picked up for the Under 16 squads. Prior to that there are league interleague squads etc, but they are not consistent and are not highly involved programs outside a few training sessions and games.

 

[Spirit Level]

Can't wait to see the mental gymnastics Northern club fans will go through to try explain why this shouldn't happen.

 

[amazingjoshy]

And on cue, Eddie and Jimmy finding something to whinge about

Sooktorians will.always find something

 

[koshjjennedy723]

More players means a bigger competition, Eddie looking for how this benefits the Eagles or Dockers is so telling of his mindset at Collingwood. These vicko media people can't understand why anyone would want to improve the competition as a whole instead of just boost their own backyard

 

[Elixuh]

I think this is an excellent idea and support it wholeheartedly.