Matthew Lloyd says this year’s draft is the most compromised in history, with at least 10 top-level players already linked to clubs through either father-son selections or Next Generation Academies.
Western Bulldogs’ Next Gen Academy prospect Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is expected to be this year’s number one pick, with Collingwood, Essendon and Hawthorn all set to benefit with top picks out of their respective academies.
Lloyd said with so many top-line draftees already tied to clubs, it was a “tough year” to be a developing team looking to unearth elite talent at the draft.
“It is the most compromised draft in the history of the game,” Lloyd said on Footy Classified.
“10 (of the draftees) are already linked to another side through academies or father-son selections.
“It’s a tough year to go to the draft.”
Former Fremantle and St Kilda coach Ross Lyon said the integrity of the 2020 draft was in question with many of the best players not available to every team.
“We talk about integrity in the competition – based on (next year’s draft) it’s lost its integrity,” he said.
“There’s something wrong and my view is to get rid of the father-son rule.”