AFL 2026

[wenchbarwer]

Speaking with people involved in the SANFL underage programs it feels like it has become all about showcasing the talents of those involved in the academies at the detriment of true development of all players in the squad. Watching the level of the players that come back into local footy that have been in these systems it is hard to argue with that.

Hit nail on head, selection each week is mostly determined by how many phone calls clubs get about players, so naturally the clubs feel they need to give them their best opportunity to showcase their talent.

How do you think the state U18 team is picked?

[am Bays]

Speaking with people involved in the SANFL underage programs it feels like it has become all about showcasing the talents of those involved in the academies at the detriment of true development of all players in the squad. Watching the level of the players that come back into local footy that have been in these systems it is hard to argue with that.

Hit nail on head, selection each week is mostly determined by how many phone calls clubs get about players, so naturally the clubs feel they need to give them their best opportunity to showcase their talent.

How do you think the state U18 team is picked?

Got Toby Pink on a list at the end of 2016. Strong interest from AFL clubs got him selected in the Bays 18s when others wanted him dropped.

TBH though and this may sound harsh, those that drop out of the SANFL/WAFL/VFL system probably don't have the necessary mental* capacities to make it to the AFL level anyway.

*Based on the four key parameters of athlete development TTPM: Tactical (game knowledge) Technical (skills), Physical (fitness - speed, strength, stamina) and Mental (desire/resilience etc)

Rule number one of elite sport: It aint fair but if you do the work you will always find your true level

[wenchbarwer]

Speaking with people involved in the SANFL underage programs it feels like it has become all about showcasing the talents of those involved in the academies at the detriment of true development of all players in the squad. Watching the level of the players that come back into local footy that have been in these systems it is hard to argue with that.

Hit nail on head, selection each week is mostly determined by how many phone calls clubs get about players, so naturally the clubs feel they need to give them their best opportunity to showcase their talent.

How do you think the state U18 team is picked?

Got Toby Pink on a list at the end of 2016. Strong interest from AFL clubs got him selected in the Bays 18s when others wanted him dropped.

TBH though and this may sound harsh, those that drop out of the SANFL/WAFL/VFL system probably don't have the necessary mental* capacities to make it to the AFL level anyway.

*Based on the four key parameters of athlete development TTPM: Tactical (game knowledge) Technical (skills), Physical (fitness - speed, strength, stamina) and Mental (desire/resilience etc)

Rule number one of elite sport: It aint fair but if you do the work you will always find your true level

Not sure SANFL U18 could be considered "elite". Sure, it's developmental pathway to the elite level, but the shenanigans that go on with team selection are far from elite.

[gadj1976]

Not sure SANFL U18 could be considered "elite". Sure, it's developmental pathway to the elite level, but the shenanigans that go on with team selection are far from elite.

You mean with college, or something else?

[wenchbarwer]

Not just talking college

[gadj1976]

Yeh gotcha. We've had many kids drop out of the system who could easily make it at 18's and possibly the next level. It's like anything, you have to be 1000% dedicated and if you're not, or you are but are unable to get to each training, you fall by the way side.

[DOC]

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