The Go Home Factor

[spirit of norm smith 16,441]

The Go Home Factor. That little piece of the recruitment decision that surely must be considered when making a choice on draft picks. There is no denying it is demonstrated how risky it can be to recruit players from interstate.  There was previously some discussion that it was riskier for interstate (non Victorian clubs) teams.  I actually think it is now shown as more difficult for Victorian clubs trying to retain their interstate recruits especially from WA and SA.  Or is it simply the lure of $$$s.  Not necessarily in my view.  

For the Demons, we look back.  

Early days … 

Once the Crows came in, Todd Viney and Steven Stretch were on their radar.  Both were loyal Demons and committed the club resisting offers. Earl Spalding left in strange circumstances    He wanted to go home to the Eagles. The club said ok go. His manager then shopped interest and the Tigers and Blues were making offers. He went to the Blues and won a premiership.  Andrew Obst went back to Port Adelaide after they came in.  

Scott Thompson.  Went back to Adelaide after 4 years at MFC (40 games). Traded to the Crows as he wanted to go back for family reasons.    Played 269 games over 13 years at the crows, including two time B&F winner.  

We know the others 

Jeff Farmer 😭

Jesse Hogan 😭

Luke Jackson 😭

Now … Alex Neal-Bullen 😭

Yes it does work both ways. We got Lever, Langdon & Jeff White as come back to Victoria players. Though Melbourne probably has had the least players brought back for this reason (famously missing out on Chris Judd due to $$ and brown paper bag ambassador roles). 

So we worry about Kozzzy, Riv, JVR, Petty, Sparrow, McVee, Tholstrup.  Will they decide the lure of family or the surf will call them back home. 

Do we look ahead and look to prefer Victorian youngsters. This year most of the top 25 draft picks are Victorian. Probably 21 of the 25.  So no shortage of talent.  Is it a factor? The discussion continues… 

[Demonstone 22,486]

17 minutes ago, spirit of norm smith said:

Andrew Obst went back to Port Adelaide after they came in.  

 He went back to Port Adelaide in the SANFL after he retired from the AFL, not Port Power.

Your thread raises a good point, however.  Given the choice of two draftees who couldn't be separated by talent and attitude, you'd always take the one from your home state.  It's definitely a factor.

[whatwhat say what 22,742]

best talent, always

[rjay 24,917]

You get a great player and great trade value if they want to go home.

[BDA 22,743]

There's also the come home factor.

Step forward Harley Reid.

And would be great to see Mac Andrew in the red and blue seeing as the AFL dudded us there.

[Redleg 40,895]

4 hours ago, spirit of norm smith said:

 

Scott Thompson.  Went back to Adelaide after 4 years at MFC (40 games). Traded to the Crows as he wanted to go back for family reasons.    Played 269 games over 13 years at the crows, including two time B&F winner.  

 

Jeff Farmer 😭

 

Thompson went back because Daniher wouldn't play him.

The Wizard left and regretted it immediately and to this very day.

[Redleg 40,895]

15 minutes ago, BDA said:

There's also the come home factor.

Step forward Harley Reid.

And would be great to see Mac Andrew in the red and blue seeing as the AFL dudded us there.

The Sudanese are very close and Mac must be really missing his family. 

[Engorged Onion 10,215]

3 minutes ago, Redleg said:

The Sudanese are very close and Mac must be really missing his family. 

But not legitimate enough for some if you have a surname called Jackson...

Edited August 31 by Engorged Onion

[Fritta and Turner 4,403]

1 hour ago, Redleg said:

The Wizard left and regretted it immediately and to this very day.

Didnt seem to regret it when he played against us