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.
Michael C
Guest
Yeah - Pyke is far from a success and was completely outplayed by Darren Jolly on Saturday night - - unfortunately, as I'm a fan of him (Pyke) doing well. Poaching players - - - well, it's poaching what which has been going on with respect to Gaelic footy for 25 years now. I think it's the current 'trend' (if 2 makes a trend) of getting NRL guys over. I'm not quite sure 'poaching' is the operative term though......but I'll ignore that. At any rate - - the AFL is becoming a far more 'richer tapestry' of players from varied backgrounds. That's not a bad thing. Folau and Hunt may not add hugely as individual talents (or they may; remains to be seen) - however, for the time being they have already added to the 'game' in a broader sense. If the experiment fails - - what does it tell us?? That NRL is a vastly different proposition to AFL. If they succeed - - what does it tell us?? That AFL 'conversion' coaching techniques are pretty good.
Redb
Roar Guru
Against Coburg at Craigieburn. Good modern Australian football facility too.
Redb
Roar Guru
Good article. I watched Hunt's debut live at Coburg and he has a long way to go. He will need a lot of game time to get up to speed both in terms of skill execution, game play understadiningand fitness conditioning for AFL. The so called 'project' players take a long time in development, 2-3 years at least to be passable even if the most gifted athlete. This is where Hunt in particular due to his French rugby season is behind the eight ball. I'm encouraged that Folau has dismissed a similar option as he will need at least two years to have a chance and even then will require adept coaching and positioning to play a specific role rather than rely on his ball finding instincts. I note Mike Pyke is developing reasonable tap ruckman skills, no doubt honed from his basketball days, but in general play is next to useless.