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The development of Aussie Rules is coming a long way in Queensland (and New South Wales) with these academies, with a lot more success than the previous development programs. These clubs are incentivised by having access to these players, to reduce the "go home" factor by increasing the proportion of home grown players on their list. If you're going to take away that incentive, then the AFL can take over the funding and running of these academies (as they are with the NGAs).

Just taking an example from the Brisbane academy, Jack Payne represented Australia in discus throwing and also played rugby union growing up. He was scouted at age 13 and was invited to come and join the Lions academy, and about eight years later he was running out in a preliminary final.

Brisbane came very close to poaching Kalyn Ponga from the grasps of the NRL. He was involved with the Lions academy from age 15, and was about to sign a four year contract with Brisbane before Newcastle came along with a big bag of money. 10 years ago, I suspect playing in the AFL wouldn't have even registered on his radar.