AFL draft runs like a breeze
EACH SATURDAY The Chronicle team talks about the big issues in sport locally, nationally and internationally. Glen, Jason and Sean share some of their views in the hope it will generate some discussion among The Chronicle’s readership.
Tell us what you think about today’s topic by emailing jason.gibbs@thechronicle.com .au or send an SMS to 0437 875 203.
Today The Chronicle sport team talks about if they believe the NRL would benefit from a player draft.
JASON GIBBS: AFL draft night confuses me. In fact the whole AFL draft and trade period confuses.
It’s like a crazy game of musical chairs with all kinds of deals struck between multiple clubs and nothing appears to be off the table.
Veteran players are signed by clubs in exchange for current and future draft picks.
Draft picks are exchanged for other picks, and let’s not talk about the players who don’t find a club on draft night but still find a club later. But I digress.
Would a player draft work in the NRL? Yes and it would be fantastic for the game.
Will the NRL ever have a draft? No.
For some reason, the NRL considers itself different to the AFL.
In terms of player development, both competitions have “feeder leagues”, but I think leagues hold onto the belief that Queenslanders will and should go to Queensland clubs.
AFL is different though with players going where they are drafted.
That doesn’t always work out, but I think that’s more
about the individual and not the geographic location.
I think an NRL draft would a great way to expand the game and find better talent but it’s never going to happen.
GLEN McCULLOUGH: I have no idea of how the AFL draft works.
But it seems to operate well and in this part of the world at least we don’t hear too many people or clubs whining about it. As a matter of fact, most systems the AFL have in place seem to run smoothly.
I’ve never heard boo from anyone about the AFL salary cap. I didn’t even know they had one until I quizzed our sport editor.
I’ve heard the topic of a possible NRL player draft floated from time to time, only for it to be blasted out of the water before it even gets to a sensible debate stage.
Is the gulf, jealousy, or whatever between the two codes so wide they couldn’t share, or pinch successful ideas from each other?
Maybe it’s the comparing apples and oranges thing.
I presume the AFL draft is an attempt to help spread talent across all clubs to make for a more even competition.
If it is, is it effective?
The NRL salary cap is in place to provide a more even playing field for all clubs.
I’ll leave it to you to make up your own mind up about how successful it is. Maybe debate about a possible NRL draft is worth revisiting.
SEAN TEUMA: A draft would be a handy idea for the NRL to explore and to assess whether it is viable, however I highly doubt it will ever eventuate.
In terms of wanting to play in desired locations, it is a lot more suitable than the AFL, with teams based only on the east coast of Australia and in New Zealand.
There’s certainly enough young talent in the game to come through and make an impact for a club, and it would be a benefit for clubs that have a poor season to be able to add a bright young prospect to their books for the next season.
However, I think the systems in place now are fine enough for the moment.
Yes some clubs like to try and sign every young player under the sun, and at times they won’t even get the chance to get out of second grade.
But for the most part we’re seeing the best players make the top grade.
Now if we want to talk about introducing trades to the NRL, that’s a whole other discussion.