BAILEY Scott is the highly touted midfielder in the enviable situation of boasting links with three AFL clubs in his AFL draft year.
And the Broadbeach Cats player has set out his criteria on how he will decide between Geelong, North Melbourne and the Gold Coast Suns should all three want to list him.
“It will basically come down to whichever club nominates me, which one wants the best out of me and to develop me as a football player and a person,” Scott said.
“Whichever club is offering that, well that is ultimately where my decision will lie.”
Scott is a Suns academy member and has father-son connections at both the Cats and Kangaroos through his father Robert who played 132 and 111 games for the Melbourne clubs respectively.
Gold Coast Suns academy player Bailey Scott (middle) while training with the senior team during the preseason. Picture: Glenn Hampson.
Robert was part of North Melbourne’s 1996 premiership team.
Scott shares an affinity with all three clubs said he was open to going to any as he reserves his decision until the end of the year.
“I’m glad to be in this position,” Scott said.
“It’s such a great opportunity to have connections to three AFL clubs. I’m open to all the clubs, even if it’s a club outside of those three that is offering those things that I spoke about then I’m happy to be at that club because they want me and want the best out of me.”
The 17-year-old was born in Geelong and grew up supporting both the Cats and Roos while also attending father-son clinics with both clubs.
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Scott moved to the Gold Coast with his family at the age of nine and joined the Suns academy at 12 where he has since become one of the most regarded players in his age group.
He spent a week training with each club at the end of last year and said very little separated them.
“They are all very similar,” Scott said.
“The only thing that can set them apart is facilities but once one upgrades then there is always another just around the corner.
“That is what is happening right through the AFL and all the sports currently in Australia.”
Scott said his father shared his open mind and was ready to back him with whatever decision he makes.
“He has said he will be very supportive of the decision I make, whatever that would be,” Scott said.
“Dad gives me another point of view and it’s another set of eyes and ears when analysing the clubs.”
For now Scott said his focus was on developing his football in 2018 after returning from the US where he attended the IMG Academy in Florida and various other places with the AFL national academy.