When Karmichael Hunt made his Australian Rules debut for Gold Coast’s VFL side, no one expected him to dazzle and, frankly, he didn’t.
A shot on goal missed early, a goal handed to him in the square and a strong tackle amongst the small handful of possessions for Hunt’s first game of Aussie Rules were accompanied by a cramp in the third which left him on the sidelines for the remainder of the game.
Clearly Hunt is a long way off playing professional football. That was to be expected when the Brisbane Broncos star opted to switch codes and sign with new team Gold Coast which will join the AFL next year.
He will need to live, breathe, eat, sleep (and every other cliché) football everyday if he is to have any hope of making a successful transfer from rugby league to AFL. Hunt is not alone in this latest exercise by the AFL, however, with former-Bronco team mate Israel Folau also switching codes and signing a four-year contract with other AFL newcomers Greater Western Sydney.
It’s not been disputed that at least part of why these two have been recruited by Gold Coast and GWS is because of the publicity it gains which is as good as any marketing campaign either team could provide.
But this latest trend of poaching players from other codes is now being considered by teams already in the AFL, a move that has the potential for success, but a greater potential for failure.
Putting more focus into those already playing professionally in another code can detriment current clubs looking to poach from rival codes.
It is tempting to get carried away with the poaching of rival code players, and its success is possible as seen with Sydney ruckman Mike Pyke, but it is a wiser move focus on those already playing Aussie Rules or kids playing sport at grass roots level.
The time taken in teaching converted players the rules, basic and finer skills, and conditioning them to take on the game both physically and psychologically could be better invested in those who already know and want to play the game.
Rival code poaching is all well and good for new comers seeking to establish themselves in their respective areas, but when it comes to the broader competition, let’s stick to those who know, love, and most importantly want to play AFL.
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