In recent years, some factors of the AFL’s national draft have caused unrest among clubs, particularly within the realm of draft concessions, academies and the father-son ruling.
With their introduction to the AFL, the four clubs north of Victoria - the Brisbane, Gold Coast Suns, GWS Giants and Sydney Swans - were each permitted the use of local junior academies to attract young players within their respective codes and further the development of football within Queensland and New South Wales.
Whilst contributing to record attendance numbers within the sport across the two states, these clubs have introduced a wave of talented young guns which have played a prominent role in driving their respective clubs up the table.
The Lions and Swans in particular have both featured in Grand Finals since 2022, and the Giants look likely to make a similar run in 2024.
A selection of Victorian clubs have displayed frustration regarding the AFL’s assistance for teams up north, specifically spawning from St Kilda president Andrew Bassat, who has reportedly led the charge behind the scenes against draft concessions and the current father-son rules.
Caroline Wilson had coarse words towards the Victorian clubs, with Kane Cornes and Matthew Lloyd also debating on the strength of the academy programs on Channel 9's Footy Classified on Monday night.
Wilson: “I think they (Victorian clubs) are (carrying on too much).
“I mentioned Andrew Bassat last week, who has been leading the charge (against the academies), there are other clubs as well.
“They deny that there is a cartel, but I think that some of the smaller clubs are having a lot more to say.
“I think Andrew Bassat definitely thinks that father-sons have been too unfair and too beneficial to clubs like Geelong and Collingwood.”
Cornes: “How would you not think that?
“What a depressing situation for the Saints to be in.”
The most recent induction at the Gold Coast Suns includes the likes of breakout youngsters Jed Walter, Ethan Read, Will Graham and now rising star nominee Jake Rogers, all of whom have made a statement in the Suns' best 22.
While the Suns are yet to experience any AFL success, their next generation look poised to propel the club up the AFL ladder in the coming years.
Cornes: “Another (talent) comes in, Rogers comes in and lights it up. Look at him! He looks like Gryan Miers, that’s the way he’s playing already.”
Wilson: “(Gold Coast) came into the competition 12 years ago, they haven’t made a final, and a Victorian club (St Kilda), who also has been pretty woeful for a long time, have made some shocking mistakes at the draft, and in the trade periods, even in the last 10 years, certainly the last five.”
Lloyd: “Isn’t the academy the least of (Victorian clubs) problems?
“North have had a million picks, but how has it helped them?”
Wilson: “You are so right.
“It is just embarrassing. Yes, okay, you’ve got to dilute the picks, but we want to promote the game in Queensland.
“St Kilda’s choices… how many recruiting people have St Kilda gone through?
Cornes: “Be careful what you wish for.
“When that (Gold Coast) team is playing on Grand Final day in Melbourne versus GWS and that’s the Grand Finals we are going to get, it is frightening how good this team is going to be.”
The Giants also host a plethora of academy players in their first 22, including Tom Green, Kieren Briggs, Isaac Cumming, Harry Perryman and Harry Himmelberg.
While the debate continues over the bidding process for academy players, it is evident that the programs introduced by the AFL has worked, with the game's growth over the last decade breaking numerous records and an influx of top-end stars spawning from the northern states.
"Andrew Bassat definitely thinks that father-sons have been too unfair and too beneficial to clubs like Geelong and Collingwood."
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) April 29, 2024
Caroline Wilson on the growing unrest from St Kilda and other clubs over draft concessions.#9FootyClassified | Live on 9Now 🖥️ pic.twitter.com/7UOneTFpNv