It’s a mouthful to say and harder still to understand. But instead of “GWS Incentive Rule Selections (17 year old access)”, think “AFL talent gold mine”.
Two years after after Gold Coast used this obscure recruiting concession to sign Jaeger O’Meara, he is the runaway favourite to win the Rising Star award.
While the Suns had to wait a year before O’Meara was old enough to make his AFL debut, it also meant they gained a ready-made senior player at the start of this season.
He played every game, averaging 21 disposals and making a massive impression with his pace and raw talent.
Another young gun certain to feature prominently in Wednesday’s Rising Star awards ceremony is Adelaide onballer Brad Crouch.
Again, the Crows used the GWS incentive rule to secure Crouch two years ago, one pick after O’Meara.
The only reason Crouch is not vying with O’Meara for the overall Rising Star award is he made a slow start to the season.
After struggling with form and injury, Crouch returned in round 14 and immediately earnt a weekly Rising Star nomination.
He has not missed a game since, showing he is every bit as talented as O’Meara.
The unusual path that O’Meara and Crouch took into the AFL emphasise the risks and complexity involved in recruiting.
For every instant hit like Ollie Wines – a top-10 national draft selection last November who has played every game for Port Adelaide this season – there’s a slow-burner like Daniel Talia.
The Crows recruited Talia with their first pick in the 2009 draft, but had to wait two seasons before he blossomed.
The key defender was one game away from being ineligible for last year’s Rising Star, which he won.
The only problem with O’Meara and Crouch was their date of birth.
They were born in early 1994, meaning under AFL rules they were too young to play last season.
But they were clearly stars in the making, so the Suns and Crows got in early.
Gold Coast also used a Giants incentive pick last year to secure Jack Martin and Melbourne did the same to “warehouse” Jesse Hogan.
When betting opens for next year’s Rising Star, it’s a no-brainer who will attract the early money.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Not often you see Marcus Bontempelli miss a chance like this!
Blues fans were adamant Zac Williams should have received a free kick - but Jason Dunstall and David King weren't impressed with his effort!
Blues fans certainly seemed to be copping a rough run from the umps against Geelong!
"They're not getting a lot of love from the umpires at the moment, the Blues!"
Kicked it like a backman!
The umpires played on when it was "clearly a point" as Mitchell Hinge was rammed into the post with the ball. Ultimately, North ended…
