Call to raise draft age

CALLS to raise the AFL draft age are growing louder, with current and former coaches, players and agents supporting the idea.

Players can be drafted and debut at 17, so long as they turn 18 in their first year on an AFL list.

Premiership-winning coach Paul Roos ( pictured) says football comes at the cost of education, while Blues boss Brendon Bolton believes “life experience” before entering the AFL is pivotal.

Recently retired legends Brent Harvey and Matthew Pavlich — now embarking on their first careers outside of footy — see the benefits.

And player agent Adam Ramanauskas has a model that he thinks could benefit players, the AFL and state leagues.

Roos said coaches didn’t want players to have to com- promise their education.

“Last year only one coach was strong on the draft age staying,” Roos said.

“If it was up to senior coaches the draft age would be older — it’s just ridiculous we’re asking kids to play school football, under-18 national championships, TAC Cup and do Year 12 (in one year).”

Bolton didn’t lend complete support to the age being raised but said he saw benefits.

“If players are drafted (older), being able to give more life experiences as well as being a professional footballer is important,” he said. “It just gives more perspective and that value of gratitude. I like the idea of (having) life experiences not just being a professional footballer emerging.”