Drafting ... The SANFL experiment

[CrowHop]

In the last 2 drafts, we’ve seen Jason Porplyzia (PSD), Nick Gill (64) and Bryce Campbell (80) picked up by the AFC with late picks. Whilst Gill and Campbell have not debuted as yet they seem likely, physically mature types, that at the very least should add significant depth to the list. They also bring with them, numerous seasons worth of SANFL experience playing against more mature bodies.

Looking at West Coast, they have reaped handsome dividends from drafting Sandover medallist Priddis, Brisbane took Joel Patfull who slipped straight in and Matthew Stokes (too small for AFL!) has played some good solid footy for Geelong. All these players were taken late in their respective drafts, after developing in their local leagues. They weren’t -youngsters- in AFL terms, but still have enough footy in them to contribute for a long time yet.

I also noted last year when we were talking about trading Skipworth to North, North supporters wanted to take a chance on pick 53 in the draft as opposed to trading, an attitude that many Victorian teams seem to be adopting. We all know that, historically speaking, kids taken in the fourth round have a low strike rate in becoming quality players. A team full of kids can also leave clubs vulnerable when injuries strike and the depth of the club is exposed.

]My question – Are many non-victorian clubs starting to realise the value (at least with later picks) of picking more physically mature guys in their early 20’s from the local leagues (SANFL, WAFL or whatever), knowing they have experience at playing against men and can slot straight in to the 22 if required?

What does everyone else think ?

 

[- PC -]

David Rodan Board

With the way lists are being better managed I think with 4-5 picks you can cover most bases...even with a complete rebuild.

Pick 1 should always be the best available talent..whether that be KPP or midfield.

Pick 2 should be long term needs based

Pick 3 should also be long term needs based

Pick 4 can be a project player or if its your last pick an experienced ready to go player.

There are many reasons why players move on from their clubs , some players are plain shit and others dont respond to the coach or the environment

 

[Southerntakeover]

Porpy isnt a great example, as he was on our list previously, before being picked back up last year.

 

[Macca19]

Yes I think tey are starting to realise the value kind of. Its the whole idea behind the rookie list. I think its silly that players are generally considered finished by the age of 21-22 if they either havent been drafted or didnt make an impact.

 

[Kickin_Goals]

If some mystical prophet of immense ability just happened to become eligible and was over 22 years old i think you would give him a shot
Picking the best possible player seems to make sense cause hell you get to do it again the next year.

 

[Southerntakeover]

If some mystical prophet of immense ability just happened to become eligible and was over 22 years old i think you would give him a shot
Picking the best possible player seems to make sense cause hell you get to do it again the next year.

But we've already drafted van Berlo... and hes only 21....

 

[Schiall]

If some mystical prophet of immense ability just happened to become eligible and was over 22 years old i think you would give him a shot
Picking the best possible player seems to make sense cause hell you get to do it again the next year.

A good example of this is Jake King who was picked up by Richmond and is a mature aged player. Jake is 23 and played in the Diamond Valley league (i think) for North Heidleburg. For you Adelaide lot, that is well below VFL standard and very far off recruiters radars. However he impressed by winning the League Best and fairest and eventually clawed his way onto the Coburg Tigers list. Where this is relevant though is that
a) though clubs are tentative to pick mature age players, the benefits are definately there
b) victorian clubs do offer something in terms of mature age talent, and King is a prime example of this as he has blossomed and impressed so far at AFL level.

Though Victorian clubs are looking at players from the SANFL and WAFL as players are put up against mature aged bodies, they should be looking closer to home as there still is talent there.