I would say they will go after McLennan types. Early to mid 20's, nearing the peak of their football, guys who have a legitimate opportunity to be drafted to the AFL and see the AFL reserves clubs as a step closer.
whufc wrote:I would say they will go after McLennan types. Early to mid 20's, nearing the peak of their football, guys who have a legitimate opportunity to be drafted to the AFL and see the AFL reserves clubs as a step closer.
The pessimist in me sees this differently.
They go after the McLennan types to prey on their hopes that they'll get re-drafted, but it's purely an exercise in strengthening their SANFL team without having them clog up AFL list space. Draftees then have a chance to play in a competitive team, rather than being smacked around each week with a bunch of amateur league top ups along side them.
Hosie or Bell would strengthen the Crows or Port reserves, chasing Allen as well.
outside of the top ups, the Port and Crows SANFL sides have the majority of their squads with full time AFL contracts playing against guys working / studying full time, and training 3 x a week and yet they got concessions.
Minimum contract would be about $80k (rookie) at an AFL club, plus facilities, plus coaching and yet they still had a whinge....FFS
Another 40+ players to be drafted in a couple of years with Tassie coming in, pretty easy sell for them to say "this opportunity will provide you with the best opportunity to potentially get drafted"... not sure what highest paid SANFL contract would be, but getting $80k minimum in a couple years is if drafted is pretty enticing for a 21/25 year old
whufc wrote:I would say they will go after McLennan types. Early to mid 20's, nearing the peak of their football, guys who have a legitimate opportunity to be drafted to the AFL and see the AFL reserves clubs as a step closer.
The pessimist in me sees this differently.
They go after the McLennan types to prey on their hopes that they'll get re-drafted, but it's purely an exercise in strengthening their SANFL team without having them clog up AFL list space. Draftees then have a chance to play in a competitive team, rather than being smacked around each week with a bunch of amateur league top ups along side them.
No doubt there is some 'preying of their hopes' but there is also some genuine perks that come along with the gig.
We had Jackson Lee who was a top up player for the Magpies for a couple of years and he loved every minute of it. Often would get to train with the AFL lads especially when Hinkley wanted to do some match simulation and use the magpies lads as opposition. Getting to run around against Willie Rioli was pretty cool apparently.
They would also get to sit in with the AFL lads at times when they did post game film analysis etc.
Nevermind the unlimited access to the Power training facilities including gym, game day tickets etc was another massive perk.
whufc wrote:I would say they will go after McLennan types. Early to mid 20's, nearing the peak of their football, guys who have a legitimate opportunity to be drafted to the AFL and see the AFL reserves clubs as a step closer.
The pessimist in me sees this differently.
They go after the McLennan types to prey on their hopes that they'll get re-drafted, but it's purely an exercise in strengthening their SANFL team without having them clog up AFL list space. Draftees then have a chance to play in a competitive team, rather than being smacked around each week with a bunch of amateur league top ups along side them.
No doubt there is some 'preying of their hopes' but there is also some genuine perks that come along with the gig.
We had Jackson Lee who was a top up player for the Magpies for a couple of years and he loved every minute of it. Often would get to train with the AFL lads especially when Hinkley wanted to do some match simulation and use the magpies lads as opposition. Getting to run around against Willie Rioli was pretty cool apparently.
They would also get to sit in with the AFL lads at times when they did post game film analysis etc.
Nevermind the unlimited access to the Power training facilities including gym, game day tickets etc was another massive perk.
Yeah, no doubts there's perks, there's been a few SFL guys that have run around with the Crows at times. But these guys are never going to get close to an AFL list, and it's a different situation to the possible McLennan one. These guys have been passed over in terms of a regular SANFL league gig.
Also heard a bit how the top ups can get stuffed around, depending on last minute call-ups.
Yeah the top ups can get messed around a bit but they didnt seem to mind.
In the case of Jez i think, if there was a tie breaker at the draft between him and another player not from Port thats where it would make a difference. The club getting know his true personality, his true workrate etc would be an advantage.
Agree the chances are slim but they are 1% higher than if he was at Centrals..................sadly.
