If I recall correctly the names of Stack and Pickett were identified as potential recruitment targets by the likes of Snoop Dog and Knightmare long before they were drafted. They came with a few queries attached and like 17 other clubs we decided to overlook both.
Richmond though were prepared to give them a chance with Hardwick even going the extra mile by hosting Stack at his home like he had previously done with Rioli. He should be congratulated on this.
We don't have to like Richmond but to their credit I think we can learn a thing or two about fostering indigenous talent as our history is rather embarrassing in this area with Davis our only real success story when it comes to developing from within.
Personally I like the idea of creating a position within the club that is focused on the welfare and development of indigenous talent and those from other minority groups.
By all reports Varcoe and Wells are already seen within our ranks as great mentors to our young players so extending their abilities to this role would seem a natural progression for one of them.
Take this step though then I feel we need to take an affirmative action approach with recruitment.
Now that doesn't mean we overlook a far more talented footballer in favour of someone simply because they're indigenous or other minority but if it's a close call or it involves the use of a speculative selection like a 4th round or rookie pick then I'd like to see us weight more decisions in favour of them across the decade.
My thinking here with indigenous recruitment in particular is somewhat in line with the philosophy that Brisbane have taken in recent seasons where they've looked to take players in a draft that have some form of connection whether that be because they played junior football against each other or come from country regions.
Recruiting one indigenous kid then following that up spasmodically is not the way to improve our ability to nurture the talent available within this community IMO. We need to take multiple indigenous players in the one draft and/or across successive years as it's not unreasonable to suggest that young players settle and thrive in a new environment easier when confronted with more people they can easily identify with.
While I don't believe we have any racist intent in our drafting I don't feel we're as prepared as some clubs to take on as many players who might come with added baggage attached because of a disadvantaged background.
While my viewpoint might be controversial to some after 120 years of existence for the Collingwood Football Club don't you wish we had more examples of success to show when it comes to developing indigenous footballers?
I do and it's time to make a concerted effort to improve in this area.
Richmond though were prepared to give them a chance with Hardwick even going the extra mile by hosting Stack at his home like he had previously done with Rioli. He should be congratulated on this.
We don't have to like Richmond but to their credit I think we can learn a thing or two about fostering indigenous talent as our history is rather embarrassing in this area with Davis our only real success story when it comes to developing from within.
Personally I like the idea of creating a position within the club that is focused on the welfare and development of indigenous talent and those from other minority groups.
By all reports Varcoe and Wells are already seen within our ranks as great mentors to our young players so extending their abilities to this role would seem a natural progression for one of them.
Take this step though then I feel we need to take an affirmative action approach with recruitment.
Now that doesn't mean we overlook a far more talented footballer in favour of someone simply because they're indigenous or other minority but if it's a close call or it involves the use of a speculative selection like a 4th round or rookie pick then I'd like to see us weight more decisions in favour of them across the decade.
My thinking here with indigenous recruitment in particular is somewhat in line with the philosophy that Brisbane have taken in recent seasons where they've looked to take players in a draft that have some form of connection whether that be because they played junior football against each other or come from country regions.
Recruiting one indigenous kid then following that up spasmodically is not the way to improve our ability to nurture the talent available within this community IMO. We need to take multiple indigenous players in the one draft and/or across successive years as it's not unreasonable to suggest that young players settle and thrive in a new environment easier when confronted with more people they can easily identify with.
While I don't believe we have any racist intent in our drafting I don't feel we're as prepared as some clubs to take on as many players who might come with added baggage attached because of a disadvantaged background.
While my viewpoint might be controversial to some after 120 years of existence for the Collingwood Football Club don't you wish we had more examples of success to show when it comes to developing indigenous footballers?
I do and it's time to make a concerted effort to improve in this area.
