2021 AFL National Draft prospects: The next batch

[Whispering_Jack 30,019]

I’ve had a long, hard look at Twomey’s Top 30 and I wonder where Cal Twomey gets his intel from?

Two weeks ago, he published his Draft Team of the Year in which he placed Mac Andrew on the interchange bench. He’s pick #9 here. The rationale must be that he doesn’t make the best 18 because he’s there because of his long term potential and the suggestion is that he’s been told by  at least one club recruiter (I suspect more than one) that he’s in their sights. Otherwise, this doesn’t make sense to me.

There were a couple of other NGA’s in Twomey’s DTOY. They were Collingwood’s Youseph Dib and St Kilda’s Michito Owens but neither of them are in his top 30 a fortnight later. Strange.

Full back Zak Becker, winger Isaac Birt and interchange also missed his top 30. 

Josh Rachele who was surprisingly left out of Twomey’s team is back in favour at number 8.

All this suggests that we can expect plenty of surprises and changes in lists of this type before the final decisions are made. 

[RedLegs23 932]

It would be a damn shame to lose out on Mac.

The upside here is endless!

[deelusions from afar 1,810]

2 hours ago, Whispering_Jack said:

I’ve had a long, hard look at Twomey’s Top 30 and I wonder where Cal Twomey gets his intel from?

Two weeks ago, he published his Draft Team of the Year in which he placed Mac Andrew on the interchange bench. He’s pick #9 here. The rationale must be that he doesn’t make the best 18 because he’s there because of his long term potential and the suggestion is that he’s been told by  at least one club recruiter (I suspect more than one) that he’s in their sights. Otherwise, this doesn’t make sense to me.

There were a couple of other NGA’s in Twomey’s DTOY. They were Collingwood’s Youseph Dib and St Kilda’s Michito Owens but neither of them are in his top 30 a fortnight later. Strange.

Full back Zak Becker, winger Isaac Birt and interchange also missed his top 30. 

Josh Rachele who was surprisingly left out of Twomey’s team is back in favour at number 8.

All this suggests that we can expect plenty of surprises and changes in lists of this type before the final decisions are made. 

Yeah I feel like Covid is again causing problems with people such as Cal getting to see enough of the players in contention.

I'm confused about Mac as people have said there's great vision of him which is getting people excited.  I watched the match where he was stuck forward in a losing side and was then swung into the ruck in the last quarter.  He did some good things - but I hope the footage that people are talking about is something different as I wouldn't want to be picking someone in the top 10 off that.

Does anyone have any other footage?  Admittedly he went at 3 in a non covid year, but there was so much footage of Jackson in his draft year doing amazing things... I don't understand the hype around Mac (other than he was in our academy and has loads of POTENTIAL).

[dee-tox 4,835]

46 minutes ago, deelusions from afar said:

.. I don't understand the hype around Mac (other than he was in our academy and has loads of POTENTIAL).

This is how I see him. A 200-cm ruckman/utility with incredible athleticism and pretty decent skills already. His ability to run all day at speed might be Jim Stynes-like. His leap might be Luke Jackson-like. His ruck craft might be Max-like. Put all these together and most recruiters are drooling at the possibilities.

Two or three years in a full-time professional environment and we might be looking at a new type of ruckman. 

I think the hype could even be a touch understated at this stage.

 

[dazzledavey36 54,861]

6 hours ago, dee-tox said:

This is how I see him. A 200-cm ruckman/utility with incredible athleticism and pretty decent skills already. His ability to run all day at speed might be Jim Stynes-like. His leap might be Luke Jackson-like. His ruck craft might be Max-like. Put all these together and most recruiters are drooling at the possibilities.

Two or three years in a full-time professional environment and we might be looking at a new type of ruckman. 

I think the hype could even be a touch understated at this stage.

 

This.

I've explained this time and time again about this on Mac Andrew.

Clubs see a premium on ruckman more then they have ever before. This message has been filtered down by recruiters to the NAB league clubs ( where I do some development work ). We saw in the mid season draft where ruckman were the first priority. They still are.

Clubs are looking at ruckman because they've seen the influence of what Gawn has made over the years and now the rapid development. We see Clubs like Western Bulldogs who had to go out and recruit Stefan Martin because they didn't see fit to have Tim English as a their number 1 ruckman. They now using a makeshift ruckman in Lewis Young. Right now if they had a pick inside the top 10 Andrew would be their first choice.

There's a big chance Gold Coast or West Coast could go early with Andrew because their huge need for a ruckman. Gold Coast will have Witts return next year. So to have Andrew developing under the likes of Naitanui or Witts would be valuable experience for him.

Clubs aren't fussed that he hasn't played much live footy. Clubs are really flexible now with the amount of vision they have. They have vision from his australia game early on and also the practise game he played for Vic Country where he was close to BOG. Max Holmes from Geelong is a perfect example. He played 1 NAB league game the year before and a bunch of school but yet was still selected in the first round selection.

It's all about scope of improvement for the years to come and that's why Max is a certainty to go too 15. We're seeing this with our own eyes with Luke Jackson who's becoming the player Jason Taylor and Tim Lamb knew well before any Melbourne supporter when we selected him with pick 3.

[BAMF 4,349]

Cal has a road to the draft podcast that I listened to awhile ago which had the Freo recruiter as a guest. He alluded that Mac had shot up into top 10 calculations.

[Whispering_Jack 30,019]

10 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

This.

I've explained this time and time again about this on Mac Andrew.

Clubs see a premium on ruckman more then they have ever before. This message has been filtered down by recruiters to the NAB league clubs ( where I do some development work ). We saw in the mid season draft where ruckman were the first priority. They still are.

Clubs are looking at ruckman because they've seen the influence of what Gawn has made over the years and now the rapid development. We see Clubs like Western Bulldogs who had to go out and recruit Stefan Martin because they didn't see fit to have Tim English as a their number 1 ruckman. They now using a makeshift ruckman in Lewis Young. Right now if they had a pick inside the top 10 Andrew would be their first choice.

There's a big chance Gold Coast or West Coast could go early with Andrew because their huge need for a ruckman. Gold Coast will have Witts return next year. So to have Andrew developing under the likes of Naitanui or Witts would be valuable experience for him.

Clubs aren't fussed that he hasn't played much live footy. Clubs are really flexible now with the amount of vision they have. They have vision from his australia game early on and also the practise game he played for Vic Country where he was close to BOG. Max Holmes from Geelong is a perfect example. He played 1 NAB league game the year before and a bunch of school but yet was still selected in the first round selection.

It's all about scope of improvement for the years to come and that's why Max is a certainty to go too 15. We're seeing this with our own eyes with Luke Jackson who's becoming the player Jason Taylor and Tim Lamb knew well before any Melbourne supporter when we selected him with pick 3.

I’m all aboard the idea that a player’s “scope of improvement” is really important but I remain highly skeptical as to what it is that makes the scouts believe that he has this enormous potential attributed to him given the very small body of work we’ve seen from him, the limited number of times he’s been named in the best players etc. or produced outstanding statistics and his tackle numbers are very low.

The advantages of having a dominant ruckman or pair of ruckmen is well known and not novel. However, if you look at the ones picked up early in drafts in the past, Andrew doesn’t meet the comparison test. Luke Jackson had been recognised in junior ranks from a much younger age and represented East Fremantle Sharks and Western Australia at the AFL Under 18 Championships for two seasons, where he ended up winning under-18 All Australian selection in his draft year. Grundy had been a star in state junior ranks and dominated a SANFL Under 18 Grand Final in the ruck.

Andrew has played just six NAB Boys League games (he lasted five minutes in one of them) and only really stood out in his first two back in April. He played just one decent quarter in the Academy game v Geelong and didn’t impress as a ruckman v Vic Metro Under 19s. 

As it stands, I have yet to see sufficient scope for improvement in him to warrant top 10 or even top 20 selection so I wish him and the recruiter who takes him with pick 9 the best of luck as his career unfolds. 

Twomey has a KPP in Jacob Van Rooyen at #27 yet on what I’ve seen of him, he’s a player who appears to me more likely to have that improvement in him. I wouldn’t lose any sleep if we found a way to draft him at that number and missed out on Andrew. Likewise with a bevy of others. 

[Dee-licious 1,949]

I find it really interesting on Mac this year. 1) serious lack of exposed form. He wasn’t in the system and he hasn’t played a lot of footy in the two years he was. So yes he’s had a big impact in some games and quarters, but recruiters are putting a lot of faith in that. 
2) potential, potential, potential. High ceiling. Jackson-like. All of the conversation has been about his raw athletic talent and what he could be. We weren’t overly excited when Taylor was looking at a raw ruckman from WA. And the Dees followed him for years. It is a big call to spend a top 10 pick on a project player (see Lucas Cook). 
3) Jackson is the exception, not the rule. Grundy was talked up and dropped. English was talked up and dropped. Jackson was talked up - and went higher than expected. Who knows what camp Mac will fall in too. 
 

basically, who knows what is going to happen with this draft. Only Daicos and Horne-Francis have made every post a winner so far. After that, it will be a guessing game until the night. If last year threw up surprises (remember Twoomey got it very wrong), this year is going to be worse. 
 

fingers crossed he comes to us, but if we had a pick in the top 10 - would we be wanting Taylor to pick Mac? 

[dazzledavey36 54,861]

51 minutes ago, Whispering_Jack said:

I’m all aboard the idea that a player’s “scope of improvement” is really important but I remain highly skeptical as to what it is that makes the scouts believe that he has this enormous potential attributed to him given the very small body of work we’ve seen from him, the limited number of times he’s been named in the best players etc. or produced outstanding statistics and his tackle numbers are very low.

The advantages of having a dominant ruckman or pair of ruckmen is well known and not novel. However, if you look at the ones picked up early in drafts in the past, Andrew doesn’t meet the comparison test. Luke Jackson had been recognised in junior ranks from a much younger age and represented East Fremantle Sharks and Western Australia at the AFL Under 18 Championships for two seasons, where he ended up winning under-18 All Australian selection in his draft year. Grundy had been a star in state junior ranks and dominated a SANFL Under 18 Grand Final in the ruck.

Andrew has played just six NAB Boys League games (he lasted five minutes in one of them) and only really stood out in his first two back in April. He played just one decent quarter in the Academy game v Geelong and didn’t impress as a ruckman v Vic Metro Under 19s. 

As it stands, I have yet to see sufficient scope for improvement in him to warrant top 10 or even top 20 selection so I wish him and the recruiter who takes him with pick 9 the best of luck as his career unfolds. 

Twomey has a KPP in Jacob Van Rooyen at #27 yet on what I’ve seen of him, he’s a player who appears to me more likely to have that improvement in him. I wouldn’t lose any sleep if we found a way to draft him at that number and missed out on Andrew. Likewise with a bevy of others. 

Well are I think you are losing sleep WJ considering you're the only only who continues to posts ongoing weekly updates Mac Andrew from draft ratings each time.

Your comparison to Jackson is rather odd. Jackson came to footy late. He only started to take it serious when he made the decision at 16 years of age and that's when he was included in the WA state squad as an underage prospect. He didn't really do much for WA in 2018, but like Andrew clubs saw enough in him due to raw potential to include him in the Australian squad.  Mac Andrew came through Dandenong junior programs from 14 years of age onwards. He'd been part of footy development programs a lot longer then Jackson. Andrews underage year was completely wiped out due to Covid. It's unfair to make comparisons on both when Andrew didn't get to show off his potential as an underage player. So realistically his 1 year of NAB league earnt him a late invitation into the Australian squad and also Vic Country state squad.

Did you actually watch those NAB league games though? because you would have also seen he was BOG in his last game against Easten Rangers. 

I also find your Vic Country comment even more bizarre. He didn't impress who? You? According to track watcher like Chris Dorre and Callum Twomey they have the complete opposite view to you. 

This is what Chris wrote about Mac Andrew Vic Country performance. 

Melbourne Next Generation Academy ruckman Mac Andrew put forward a commanding performance for Vic Country in their challenge match against Vic Metro on the weekend.

It was such a commanding performance that the Demons should not expect to be able to match bids for Andrew, as this year any bid inside the top 20 for NGA prospects cannot be matched.

With similar capabilities to Paddy Ryder, the athletic Andrew managed 15 disposals, seven marks (a game-high four contested), nine contested possessions and one goal in the clash at Windy Hill.

What was impressive from Andrew was the mix of what he provided. From taking strong contested marks forward of centre -- often outreaching opponents in better position -- taking intercept marks when stationed in defence, to cleanly taking the ball off the bounce and using his skills cleanly, it's apparent Andrew is one of this draft's most talented talls.

Cal Twomey who is a highly respected within his knowledge of the draft had this in his Phantom form guide. This is what he wrote about his Vic Country performance. 

Again, this is why I find your comment that " didn't impress against Vic metro" rather strange. 

8. Mac Andrew

Ruckman
200cm/70kg
12/4/03
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country

The headline act in the Vic Metro v Vic Country 'Challenge' game was Nick Daicos. But Andrew's performance was not far behind, with the talented tall producing a stack of eyecatching moments that came together for a terrific game. He booted the first goal from the pocket and slotted a tight set shot before then going into the ruck, winning the tap and following up with the clearance at ground level. It was excitement plus. Andrew, who plays in a similarly versatile manner to Essendon's Nik Cox without perhaps the wingman attributes, is eligible to join Melbourne as a Next Generation Academy pick but only if a bid comes outside the top-20 which you can all but rule out. 

 

Edited September 1, 2021 by dazzledavey36

[Wilson7 2,668]

46 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Well are I think you are losing sleep WJ considering you're the only only who continues to posts ongoing weekly updates Mac Andrew from draft ratings each time.

Your comparison to Jackson is rather odd. Jackson came to footy late. He only started to take it serious when he made the decision at 16 years of age and that's when he was included in the WA state squad as an underage prospect. He didn't really do much for WA in 2018, but like Andrew clubs saw enough in him due to raw potential to include him in the Australian squad.  Mac Andrew came through Dandenong junior programs from 14 years of age onwards. He'd been part of footy development programs a lot longer then Jackson. Andrews underage year was completely wiped out due to Covid. It's unfair to make comparisons on both when Andrew didn't get to show off his potential as an underage player. So realistically his 1 year of NAB league earnt him a late invitation into the Australian squad and also Vic Country state squad.

Did you actually watch those NAB league games though? because you would have also seen he was BOG in his last game against Easten Rangers. 

I also find your Vic Country comment even more bizarre. He didn't impress who? You? According to track watcher like Chris Dorre and Callum Twomey they have the complete opposite view to you.

Why does WJ's updates and opinion on Mac bother you so much Dazzle ?, he's an excellent poster, i like to read his thoughts regarding Mac

Edited September 1, 2021 by DavidNeitz9

[dazzledavey36 54,861]

15 minutes ago, DavidNeitz9 said:

Why does WJ's updates and opinion on Mac bother you so much Dazzle ?, he's an excellent poster, i like to read his thoughts regarding Mac

Point out where I said it bothers me please?

We're having a pretty good honest discussion in my opinion. 

Edited September 1, 2021 by dazzledavey36

[dpositive 1,665]

14 minutes ago, DavidNeitz9 said:

Why does WJ's updates and opinion on Mac bother you so much Dazzle ?, he's an excellent poster, i like to read his thoughts regarding Mac

Me too. We are lucky that we have quite a few really knowledgable observers of the next generation.

They don't always agree but it's great to see their dedication and passion.

You can disagree but don't denigrate their efforts.

[dazzledavey36 54,861]

2 minutes ago, dpositive said:

Me too. We are lucky that we have quite a few really knowledgable observers of the next generation.

They don't always agree but it's great to see their dedication and passion.

You can disagree but don't denigrate their efforts.

Maybe I was a tad harsh towards WJ but certainly wasn't my intention. 

Edited September 1, 2021 by dazzledavey36

[Whispering_Jack 30,019]

1 hour ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Well are I think you are losing sleep WJ considering you're the only only who continues to posts ongoing weekly updates Mac Andrew from draft ratings each time.

Your comparison to Jackson is rather odd. Jackson came to footy late. He only started to take it serious when he made the decision at 16 years of age and that's when he was included in the WA state squad as an underage prospect. He didn't really do much for WA in 2018, but like Andrew clubs saw enough in him due to raw potential to include him in the Australian squad.  Mac Andrew came through Dandenong junior programs from 14 years of age onwards. He'd been part of footy development programs a lot longer then Jackson. Andrews underage year was completely wiped out due to Covid. It's unfair to make comparisons on both when Andrew didn't get to show off his potential as an underage player. So realistically his 1 year of NAB league earnt him a late invitation into the Australian squad and also Vic Country state squad.

Did you actually watch those NAB league games though? because you would have also seen he was BOG in his last game against Easten Rangers. 

I also find your Vic Country comment even more bizarre. He didn't impress who? You? According to track watcher like Chris Dorre and Callum Twomey they have the complete opposite view to you. 

This is what Chris wrote about Mac Andrew Vic Country performance. 

Melbourne Next Generation Academy ruckman Mac Andrew put forward a commanding performance for Vic Country in their challenge match against Vic Metro on the weekend.

It was such a commanding performance that the Demons should not expect to be able to match bids for Andrew, as this year any bid inside the top 20 for NGA prospects cannot be matched.

With similar capabilities to Paddy Ryder, the athletic Andrew managed 15 disposals, seven marks (a game-high four contested), nine contested possessions and one goal in the clash at Windy Hill.

What was impressive from Andrew was the mix of what he provided. From taking strong contested marks forward of centre -- often outreaching opponents in better position -- taking intercept marks when stationed in defence, to cleanly taking the ball off the bounce and using his skills cleanly, it's apparent Andrew is one of this draft's most talented talls.

Cal Twomey who is a highly respected within his knowledge of the draft had this in his Phantom form guide. This is what he wrote about his Vic Country performance. 

Again, this is why I find your comment that " didn't impress against Vic metro" rather strange. 

8. Mac Andrew

Ruckman
200cm/70kg
12/4/03
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country

The headline act in the Vic Metro v Vic Country 'Challenge' game was Nick Daicos. But Andrew's performance was not far behind, with the talented tall producing a stack of eyecatching moments that came together for a terrific game. He booted the first goal from the pocket and slotted a tight set shot before then going into the ruck, winning the tap and following up with the clearance at ground level. It was excitement plus. Andrew, who plays in a similarly versatile manner to Essendon's Nik Cox without perhaps the wingman attributes, is eligible to join Melbourne as a Next Generation Academy pick but only if a bid comes outside the top-20 which you can all but rule out. 

 

Wrong on a number of counts. I post updates on this thread which covers all prospective recruits. I update more on Andrew because he’s our NGA. Luke Jackson didn’t come to football late, he was talented at both football and basketball and made the choice of sport after excelling at both. He was in the WA Under 16 squad and academy in 2017 and played for WA Under 18s for two years in a row. That’s my point - the people who make recruiting decisions had plenty of opportunity to gauge his potential. My point is that this has not been the case with Andrew. Moreover, your claim that it’s unfair to draw comparisons with Jackson begs the question. My point is that he hasn’t shown enough to warrant a #9 selection on any basis.

Was he BOG in his last game for the Stingrays vs Eastern Ranges? Scroll back a few pages to my post from August 4 where I referred to the NAB Boys League games played in the previous weekend based on a Herald Sun report - he wasn’t in the best five players (in fact he was way out of it based on reports I received).

The state game was streamed on the internet and I watched the game. Vic Country was overwhelmed by Vic Metro and, irrespective of the comments of Doerre (he must have been having a knightmare) or Twomey, Andrew was beaten in the ruck. He wasn’t “commanding” or anything near it in my view.

[dazzledavey36 54,861]

Just now, Whispering_Jack said:

Wrong on a number of counts. I post updates on this thread which covers all prospective recruits. I update more on Andrew because he’s our NGA. Luke Jackson didn’t come to football late, he was talented at both football and basketball and made the choice of sport after excelling at both. He was in the WA Under 16 squad and academy in 2017 and played for WA Under 18s for two years in a row. That’s my point - the people who make recruiting decisions had plenty of opportunity to gauge his potential. My point is that this has not been the case with Andrew. Moreover, your claim that it’s unfair to draw comparisons with Jackson begs the question. My point is that he hasn’t shown enough to warrant a #9 selection on any basis.

Was he BOG in his last game for the Stingrays vs Eastern Ranges. Scroll back a few pages to my post from August 4 where I referred to the NAB Boys League games played in the previous weekend based on a Herald Sun report - he wasn’t in the best five players (in fact he was way out of it based on reports I received).

The state game was streamed on the internet and I watched the game. Vic Country was overwhelmed by Vic Metro and, irrespective of the comments of Doerre (he must have been having a knightmare) or Twomey, Andrew was beaten in the ruck. He wasn’t “commanding” or anything near it in my view.

Let's agree to disagree with this one Jack.

After listening to Jason Taylor the feeling I had was he had pretty much conceded that Andrew was out of our reach.

I'm in the same boat with you though, I'm not really fussed if he gets picked up in the top 20 draft.

Still think our biggest need is midfield and half back depth alongside a tall key forward to develop away at Casey.

[adonski 12,058]

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera fits a need, tall & classy mid/wing/flanker

Projected late 1st-early 2nd round

[dazzledavey36 54,861]

Just now, adonski said:

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera fits a need, tall & classy mid/wing/flanker

Projected late 1st-early 2nd round

 

Isn't he a NGA to one of the Adelaide clubs?

[Whispering_Jack 30,019]

25 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Maybe I was a tad harsh towards WJ but certainly wasn't my intention. 

No worries Dazzle. We all are entitled to our opinions and in that context, this is what this forum is about.

[Turner 1,514]

3 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Isn't he a NGA to one of the Adelaide clubs?

FS to essendon and port 

3 hours ago, adonski said:

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera fits a need, tall & classy mid/wing/flanker

Projected late 1st-early 2nd round

 

sounds like the exact mold of a certain Taj Woewodin who will come a lot later in the piece but seems almost a certainty

[spirit of norm smith 16,441]

Isaac Birt looked like a good prospect in the SA team. I saw some parts of the game and he looked highly skilled and good run.  Had AFL quality imo and one player who could be a 30-45 draft pick option. 

[WERRIDEE 5,472]

4 hours ago, DavidNeitz9 said:

Why does WJ's updates and opinion on Mac bother you so much Dazzle ?, he's an excellent poster, i like to read his thoughts regarding Mac

Because he's a [censored], thinks Bowey should be dropped. That's how clueless he is the worst poster on here and not even a member of Melbourne his 2 cents aren't worth a pinch of [censored]. How anyone can have a go at Whispering is beyond me he's the best poster on here. 

[deelusions from afar 1,810]

4 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Let's agree to disagree with this one Jack.

After listening to Jason Taylor the feeling I had was he had pretty much conceded that Andrew was out of our reach.

I'm in the same boat with you though, I'm not really fussed if he gets picked up in the top 20 draft.

Still think our biggest need is midfield and half back depth alongside a tall key forward to develop away at Casey.

I got that impression too but also that he was also trying to talk him down eg saying he's come from a fair way back, really raw, hasn't been part of academy programs (outside of MFC) etc to try and pour some cold water on the hype - in his typical cagey way - perhaps in the hope that he will slide back out beyond 20.  I know it doesn't look like it 

[Pinball Wizard 313]

If you follow the current generation of Sudanese footballers, especially those who spent their early years in Africa, one of the things that’s clear, apart from their athleticism, is that our game isn’t first nature for them. Therefore, they are often at a huge disadvantage in their development years as they adapt to our sport. This might change in future years with the next generation but I believe that most Sudanese youngsters coming through the system need extra time to be able to reach their peak.  

Majak Daw has been in the AFL for 11 years. This is Aliir Aliir’s 8th year in the system and Mabior Chol just finished 6 with the Tigers. Daw never really made it. Aliir is now an All Australian but spent his first two seasons in the NEAFL and only started getting a regular game at the Swans late in his third and even after that he had a patchy career till he was traded. Chol is still not a regular at Richmond.

None of the above were top 20 picks but history shows that the development curve for these players is long and slow. 

[Elwood 3184 1,301]

1 hour ago, Pinball Wizard said:

If you follow the current generation of Sudanese footballers, especially those who spent their early years in Africa, one of the things that’s clear, apart from their athleticism, is that our game isn’t first nature for them. Therefore, they are often at a huge disadvantage in their development years as they adapt to our sport. This might change in future years with the next generation but I believe that most Sudanese youngsters coming through the system need extra time to be able to reach their peak.  

Majak Daw has been in the AFL for 11 years. This is Aliir Aliir’s 8th year in the system and Mabior Chol just finished 6 with the Tigers. Daw never really made it. Aliir is now an All Australian but spent his first two seasons in the NEAFL and only started getting a regular game at the Swans late in his third and even after that he had a patchy career till he was traded. Chol is still not a regular at Richmond.

None of the above were top 20 picks but history shows that the development curve for these players is long and slow. 

This is where NGA’s can come in and help with getting young kids from multicultural societies more attuned to the way our game is played. Jason Taylor is right when he says the AFL should have thought things out a bit more. From next year, clubs with NGA’s won’t be able to match bids up to 40. Why bother putting money, time and resources into such a program if you’re doing it for other clubs?

[BAMF 4,349]

 

17 minutes ago, Elwood 3184 said:

This is where NGA’s can come in and help with getting young kids from multicultural societies more attuned to the way our game is played. Jason Taylor is right when he says the AFL should have thought things out a bit more. From next year, clubs with NGA’s won’t be able to match bids up to 40. Why bother putting money, time and resources into such a program if you’re doing it for other clubs?

Exactly.

However the question I would really like answered is how much time and resources we have put into this already. 

I have a feeling that it isn't much.

It's frustrating that we miss out on Mac due to the rule change, however the JUH situation should never have occurred. If they applied the new rule after we got Mac I most likely wouldn't care.

Edited September 1, 2021 by BAMF