Israel Folau signing another win for the AFL

 
Michael DiFabrizio Columnist

By , 1 Jun 2010 Michael DiFabrizio is a Roar Expert

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Israel Folau set for a switch to the AFL.

Israel Folau set for a switch to the AFL. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

It has been announced that Israel Folau will be joining the AFL’s new Greater Western Sydney club. The move will delight some and infuriate others, but it sets up another intriguing code-switch experiment that is sure to capture plenty of interest.

All three Monday night AFL programs, as well as newspapers in both Sydney and Melbourne, reported last night that an announcement was imminent and the deal was confirmed in a press conference today at the franchise’s Blacktown base.

It is a four-year deal, reportedly worth $6 million.

“Money was not the end factor in my decision, it was the opportunity that came up,” Folau said at today’s announcement.

Following the lead of Karmichael Hunt at Gold Coast, Folau will become the second Brisbane Broncos player in as many years to join with an AFL expansion club.

While the AFL will be excited by coming out of a three-code war on top, the news won’t impress everyone, even many within the code.

After whispers of a potential Folau signing first emerged, Leigh Matthews and Jason Akermanis both attacked the AFL on the amount of money it was prepared to give league converts. Both believed it was unfair on those who have been playing the game their entire careers, and it’s a view they aren’t alone on.

Drawing from his time on the AFLPA executive, Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss was livid yesterday: “What we thought we were investing in though was Auskick, under-10s and under-21s. What we didn’t think we were investing in were two players, who would be the highest paid players in the AFL. That would seem ridiculous that we would do that.”

Outside the code, the news means rugby league are set to lose another of its stars, as are the Broncos.

Broncos fans would have to be disappointed, especially considering Folau moved up north and joined the team – on big dollars, too – for family reasons. That he is now so willing to move elsewhere would be a cruel blow.

Fans of the NRL and rugby league in general would be disappointed to lose another star of the game, particularly in a year when the salary cap has been such a big talking point.

But back on the AFL side of things, one can’t deny the benefits to the AFL this signing will bring.

Publicity-wise, he’ll have paid back the AFL’s investment by the end of the week. GWS will be the focus of news bulletins and front pages ad nauseam over the next few days – the value of which is truly significant for a young club still finding its feet and searching for traction in the competitive Sydney media market.

And the cries of some will be subdued by the fact we can assume he’ll be signed under the non-registered rookie provision, which means his salary will avoid the salary cap, at least initially, and he won’t be taking up one of the likely 48 senior list positions the club will have in its first AFL season.

The question that will inevitably be asked from here is whether Folau can make it.

He’s 21, so age is well and truly on his side. He’s noted for his big hands and big leap, attributes that certainly won’t hold him back.

At 195 cm and 102 kg, he possesses a frame that generally takes longer to adapt to the AFL level, but also opens up a few options. A look through the AFL Prospectus suggests players of that size – particularly players who weigh north of 95 kg – are generally ruckmen.

Folau, though, has hinted full forward is his position. It’s ambitious, but then again, what isn’t ambitious about this whole thing?

We are entering unknown territory with these signings. They may work out, they may not.

The fun with Folau, just as with Hunt, will be in watching it all unfold and finding out.

Follow Michael on twitter @mdifabrizio
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