http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-07-08/draft-age-to-stay-at-18

The interest in lifting the draft age seems to be about better preparing players for life after AFL, which is admirable and paramount given that most draftees do not make it.

What about going the other way and lowering the draft age to 17 with the following provisions:

- Create a new national Under 20's competition which all drafted 17 year olds play in, the teams will be made up of both AFL listed drafted players and "top up" players, basically a combination of the under 18's competition with additional players.

- The draft contract is lifted to 4 years for all 17 years, 3 years for all 18 years

- The AFL runs a structured 3-year program for all 17 and 18 year old draftees which involves them completing VCE equivalent studies over the course of 2 years, followed by the start of an apprenticeship r higher education during the third year.

This would give clubs the opportunity to develop the best kids against the best kids, yet still put them into the AFL when ready. Kid's who aren't ready at age 18 will get a couple of years in the elite systems to develop. And the structured program will ensure that all kids involved are ready to move on in life if they don't make it to the AFL. More kids will get professional development in the system.

I reckon instead of the priority pick clubs should be able to recruit a 17 year old like we did with Hogan and develop them for 12 months in addition to their pick, with free agency compo and priority picks its all a mess

Raise the draft age to 20/21 should be something worth considering IMO for a few reasons

AFL have a lot less responsibility in looking out for players after football as they would come in at a decent age with some solid life experience

Should be close to finishing a university course and or Trade

A lot more mature and able to deal with moves away from home

A lot more physically mature and able to deal with the demands of AFL football in terms of full time training and being able to cope with size of opponents

Reduce speculative drafting in terms of providing the draftees with 3-4 years at WAFL/SANFL/VFL/NEAFL etc level which should provide clubs with plenty of time to have identified the players qualities and weaknesses

Some food for thought