The AFL has rejected requests from the Carlton Blues and the Gold Coast Suns to receive priority picks in the upcoming 2018 AFL draft, but will introduce other measures to aid the struggling clubs.
The Blues and Suns will be given access to recruit mature state-league players outside the draft, and will have the option of either recruiting these players to their own lists, or trading the right to recruit them to other clubs.
Carlton and Gold Coast will have the opportunity to sign or trade the rights to at least one mature state-league player in this year’s draft, although the Suns were hoping to have access to as many as three, and the AFL has yet to confirm an upper limit.
The news brings to a close a saga that Carlton, in particular, are going to look to forget fairly quickly as it’s been something of a rollercoaster for them.
The Blues emphatically declared in May this year that they had no interest in asking for a priority pick, as Carlton CEO Cain Liddle said he wouldn’t be comfortable asking for a handout.
“We feel we’re in a good place and on the right track, so a priority pick is something we’re not considering or interested in.
“Putting our hand out is something I’m not comfortable with.
“We’ve got a plan and when you’ve made savage list cuts like we have in the past few years, you’ve just got to expect what we are going through now.
“What we didn’t plan for was the array of injuries we’ve managed to receive this year, which has just increased the instability on the field.
“We’re really confident in the plan and the kids we’ve brought in, but it just takes time for the kids to develop.”
Evidently something changed. To renege on this proud stance and ask the AFL for a priority pick was one thing, but to then have that request denied is quite another.
It’s good news overall for the other AFL clubs who will surely feel that any awarding of priority picks was more likely to penalise them than it was to aid the Blues or Suns.
Instead giving struggling clubs access to mature state league stars means they’ll be able to recruit players who are arguably more likely to make an immediate impact at AFL level.
And, the provision for this access to be on-traded to other clubs means those clubs who wished to target mature players in the draft will still have the opportunity to recruit them if they can make a deal.
VFL forward Josh Corbett, former Docker Sam Collins and WAFL star Marlion Pickett are among those who will be in contention to be signed by the Carlton, Gold Coast, or whoever they may trade the access to.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
I heard today, I think from Terry Wallace, that Carlton will definitely try and use these picks to deal their way back into the draft - but at least the clubs involved choose to do that and it's not affecting anyone else's pick.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
I can't remember where, might have been Gerard Whately on SEN, but they went through the reasoning for the decision and it actually made good sense. Carlton and the Suns have the most first round picks in their respective squads (except maybe with the exception of the Giants, although it would be a very close run thing). They looked at that, their age profile, depth of young talent, etc. I think it was 18 and 15 respectively - they are pretty high numbers. I think the reasoning is sound. Haven't they been given access to mature age picks from the state leagues?
Badgunter
Roar Rookie
Totally agree it is laughable when you make selection decisions to bottom out and then seek compensation. It seems that early compensation picks are a thing of the past since the Melb debacle. Not sure how they are going to get the McGovern deal done now.
olrac
Guest
The reason guys like Kelly and Barlow before them have done well is that they walked into well established sides that could account for the reasons they were not drafted in the first place. Put these guys in a Carlton or GCS and they will take the spot of a kid with talent and not really provide much of anything. This looks like assistance but unless the clubs can get good trade value for these guys (Mid Second rounders) then it is just clogging thin lists to look like you have done something. It is ironic that the the majority of the last few premiers have received priority picks that have assisted their rise. Now they are up the top priority picks are taboo.
Sammy
Guest
But what if you did trade pick 1 for mcgovern pick 7 with some later pick swaps and you ended up drafting cam rozee or hately (highly rated big bodied mid). Both are ready to go next year and both are highly talented + mcgovern slots straight in to your forward line and makes it better aswell
stephen kane
Guest
pumping dougie the draft is already compromised, free agency has done that,and are you forgetting brisbane received priority pick two seasons ago, and what about all those draft picks given to suns and giants
PeteB
Guest
I hope you’re right. The number 1 pick should not be traded. Especially on McGovern who is not worthy of any pick in single digits.
PeteB
Guest
Agree. They need to announce that they are doing away with priority picks altogether. To award them to some clubs sometimes in some years but then not to award them to other clubs in other years is just so inconsistent and as you say smacks of just making things up on the run. It’s just too arbitrary the current system and should be done away with. Or they have clearly defined rules and formula on when a priority pick is granted.
Jack
Guest
Blues desperately need Sam Walsh so I am guessing that means no McGovern. If we trade pick one for him and a later pick will be remembered as the worst piece of trade in afl hiatory
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
No surprise that I think this is a good move. They're still getting assistance, but in a way, that's more in tune with their predicament (being having very young teams impacted their competitiveness so access to older talent will help in the shorter term as their young talent matures). Having the flexibility to trade the rights for picks is handy for them too. Carlton could potentially throw that into the dealings for McGovern for example.
TomC
Roar Guru
It's fine if the AFL wants to investigate alternative means of equalisation other than priority picks. But this feels like changing plans on the run, rather than a considered decision to move to a new strategy. My suspicion is that the pushback against PPs from other clubs was stronger than the AFL expected. I hope the AFL moves to a more defined, transparent system of equalisation, because it's dangerous to have these measures dependent on the political influence of rival clubs.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
I'm glad the AFL retained the integrity in the draft and didnt intervene in the fair rights of other clubs. Carlton to be fair, have only embarked on 'the right path' for about 2 or 3 years now, so let's give them a chance to see if they can recover themselves within the system like other teams have. Gold Coast need significant help. Talk of Lynch, May, Martin and others wanting out is a disaster. The AFL need to give significant assistance off-field to make it a more attractive club.
PeteB
Guest
So does this mean that priority picks are dead and buried ?? Another arbitrary decision by the afl which has no consistency with previous decisions. Please explain ??
Cracka
Roar Rookie
It was always on the cards to be rejected - Well done AFL, but I do wonder Carlton and Gold Coast on the bottom again next year and maybe the following year, not sure this was the right direction in helping out these clubs. Not sure what they should or can do and keep everyone happy.
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
So I am assuming they also rejected Brisbane’s application as well.
Mic
Guest
Wayne kerr indeed
Wayne Kerr
Guest
We have made far too many mistakes. Off loading Gibbs was a total disaster. Unfortunately the only way forward for us now is to be relocated to Tasmania, and be taken over by the AFL. We could become the Clarence Football Club. We would retain the navy blue jersey with the white C.F.C monogram. We would be the Clarence Blues. The second viable option is to merge with the Gold Coast Suns, and become the Gold Coast Blues. We would have a navy jersey with a white G.C.F.C monogram. The C.F.C would look the same, yet it would be surrounded by a G, not unlike the Greensborough Football Club logo. On the upper back would be small letters C.F.C/G.C.S.F.C, which would pay homage to the two merged clubs.
Will Cuckson
Roar Rookie
The fact that both Carlton and Gold Coast's bids for priority picks have been rejected is farcical, especially considering the inevitable Lynch to Richmond move. If the AFL aren't going to give priority picks to struggling teams, something has to be done about the fairness and evenness of the competition.
Alex
Guest
The AFL led this big circus and then backed down on it. A very poor demonstration of leadership to say the least. The Blues only applied when the AFL made this sound like it was worth it. Pathetic.
Ditto
Roar Rookie
Don't worry Blues fans, you're sure to get one next year.