Rookies expected to benefit from list update
BROADBEACH senior men’s coach Beau Zorko says the changes to the NEAFL list rules will strengthen QAFL clubs who he believes will have greater access to academy talent.
Zorko said the ability for AFL clubs in the NEAFL to list an additional two mature-age players for the 2020 season will mean they are less reliant on academy players who will have more of a chance to play for their QAFL clubs between underage representative duties.
“The extension of the rookie list means some of our young talent will be seen back through the QAFL across the board, which is exciting for the competition,” Zorko said.
“It wasn’t through anyone’s fault but that aspect of the competition (has a) flow-on effect to the NEAFL and then academy boys who are used.
“We are looking forward to seeing more of our young talent back among our senior ranks, which adds some spark and X-factor at times to the dynamic of your team make-up.”
When it comes to deciding what competition was best for a young player’s development,
Zorko said both leagues had advantages and disadvantages.
“There are pros and cons that come with both,” Zorko said.
“In the NEAFL you are emersed in an AFL environment but they can tend to put their focus on to their primary listed players.
“Those AFL clubs work hard on the integration of young talent to create a sense of culture but the pro of coming back to the QAFL is the ability to come back to your home club in a lot of cases.
“It isn’t NEAFL standard but because it is a little slower then that may enable them to transition to the higher level better as they learn their craft.
“From our perspective, we know the way they have been taught to play and can fit seamlessly into our program.”