He makes mention that with somewhat of a precedent set on mature age recruits in the AFL this year, his point that the SANFL can expect to be "pilfered" of talent is both a worrying one and reasonably accurate one would suggest. It was certainly an interesting article and he made some very valid points.
The likes of Fremantle's Michael Barlow and Alex Silvagni and of course the big 'Pods', James Podsiadly at Geelong proving players do not have to be under 20 years of age to make it at AFL level these days, I guess is something that we as SANFL fans have to consider the possible effect it will have on our competiton.
With the Gold Coast coming into the AFL next year, having already taken the likes of Michael Coad and Roland AhChee for their debut season in the VFL this year, then of course Greater Western Sydney entering the national comp in 2012, are we going to see more mid to late 20's players gone from the SANFL?
He collates a list with about 20 players (see below) that, in his opinion (and no doubt the opinions of many others, including some of us) are capable of making it on an AFL list despite not being teenagers and in some instances, have already had a shot on an AFL list with either rookie listings or training opportunites.
Here is that list of players he mentioned that should be on the radar of AFL clubs as well as a couple of comments he has on each them:
Mark Ricciuto in the Advertiser wrote:
ON THE RADAR:
Kerian McGuinness: 26 (Norwood) - The former Western Bulldog is one of the best tall, rebounding defenders in the SANFL. At 26, could play a valuable back half role.
Paul Puopolo: 22 (Norwood) – A bit like Crow Graham Johncock. Quick, can run from defence and good one-on-one.
Daniel Caire: 22 (West Adelaide) – Lightning-quick small backmen/midfielder who is composed and has good skills.
Jonathon Beech: 19 (West Adelaide) - Riverland boy is a ball manet and possesses a great work ethic.
Roury Kirkby: 24 (Glenelg) – Former Hawks/ Tiger rookie is one of the SANFL’s best lead-up forwards and set shots for goal.
Kane Tenace: 24 (Glenelg) - Geelong’s No. 7 2003 draft pick has enough talent to make it at another club.
Brayden O’Hara: 22 (Central District) – Wingman reminds me of Stuart Dew and a read-made AFL player.
Andrew Hayes: 24 (Central District) – Super athlete who can play anywhere in defence.
Ian Callinan: 27 (Central District) – Nippy midfielder/small forward who has a great eye for goal.
Tristian Gum: 26 (Sturt) – Highly-skilled half-forward/on baller who is good overhead and knows where the goals are.
Charlie Sharples: 21 (Sturt) – Offers brilliant goalkicking and strong defensive pressure inside-50.
Adam Cockshell: 23 (South) Former Power rookie ruckman.forward has improved considerably and deserves another shot.
OTHERS: Andrew Horne (South), Nick Duigan (Norwood), Scott Bricknell (West), Steve Summerton (Port), Terry Milera (Port), Leigh Treeby (WWT), Stuart Hill (WWT) and former basketballer Peter Hoban (WWT).
Very interesting times ahead for the SANFL and hopefully if it does eventuate that our great competition does have some of these star players recruited to the new clubs or into the AFL in general, I, for one, hope that the standard doesn't drop because the clubs at SANFL level still have talent coming through.
