About a "no-@@@@head" policy and where it's coming from

[Zlatorog]

A very interesting reading in the Australian about the so called "no-@@@@head" policy and who originated it. Apparently no one at the Swans.

Here's the article by Matt Price:

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19192626-39778,00.html

It looks to me that the policy is becoming an urban legend.

[anniswan]

Boy life in Canberra must be quiet for Matt.

[NMWBloods]

Good - so RWO can let this rest now rather than assume all our recruiting is done on this basis!

[ugg]

I'm sure it was Ricky Barham who used the word @@@@head but its been misquoted. I believe he said something along the lines of "you won't find a @@@@head on our list" rather than "we won't recruit any @@@@heads".

Edit: found the article

http://www.smh.com.au/news/afl/one-for-all-all-for-one/2005/09/22/1126982179230.html

[goswannie14]

Originally posted by ugg
I'm sure it was Ricky Barham who used the word @@@@head but its been misquoted. I believe he said something along the lines of "you won't find a @@@@head on our list" rather than "we won't recruit any @@@@heads".

Edit: found the article
http://www.smh.com.au/news/afl/one-f...982179230.html

That to me sounds like a no @@@@heads recruiting policy.

But "no @@@@heads" is also recruiting policy. Many times, says Barham, potential recruits with superior skill have been overlooked in the draft because they have not had the right character.

[Sanecow]

So I guess NMWBloods can just lump it.

[NMWBloods]

I think RWO's interpretation of the policy and the club's are not really the same...

[goswannie14]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
I think RWO's interpretation of the policy and the club's are not really the same...

How do you mean?

[NMWBloods]

Originally posted by goswannie14
How do you mean?

I think some RWOers base their entire views of recruiting on the dhead factor first and foremost, and most of this is based on whether they like the player or not, whereas I think the club looks at a lot more, and the dhead policy is just one thing, and it's not as straight forward as 'is he a dhead or not'.

[swansrock4eva]

Agreed NMW.

One thing that I've heard brought up in the past is a situation where there is one spot on a list, and 2 players. Player A has superb ability and is a great, down-to-earth kinda guy who clearly is willing and ready to apply himself to the art of being a footballer. Player B has superb ability also, but has a history of poor commitment, lack of focus and fickleness. Player A wins these days because he seems to be a better long-term investment - he's shown already he's most likely not going to up and leave, or just not be bothered - he's going to be a contributor to the club and to his own development, whereas player B, although he could be great on the field, may not add anything to the club as a whole, and is no guarantee of success. But in situations where a player clearly has an amazing playing ability, depending on the club's needs at the time, the @@@@head factor may sometimes be ignored, or at least downplayed, but it has to be a truly outstanding talent.

[goswannie14]

It's too easy to say " I don't like him so he's a @@@@head".

[giant]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
I think some RWOers base their entire views of recruiting on the dhead factor first and foremost.

Makes a nice change from the previous RWO recruiting policy which seemed to be based on "I think he'll really like the mild Sydney winters".

But seriously other than the very occasional complete ratbag, who knows whether a 17 yo is a @@@@head or not?

[swansrock4eva]

Cage em up at a camp for a week and see how they go! Veeery quickly sorts them out!

[Old Royboy]

The clubs look at lots of things. If Dad turns out to be an unemployed beer guzzling Norm, there?s a weeks dishwashing piled up in the sink and the school reports are rubbish etc then a kid will be tagged a potential Richard Cranium and ranked accordingly in the clubs draft wish list. But I suspect our club may dig deeper and place more emphasis on the potential Richard Cranium ranking than others.

As well as attitude to footy and the team, our recruiters have to face the fact that nearly all our draftees are dragged away from Mum and the girlfriend, so it?s natural that the Swan?s would look for strong character. After being burned by Rocca, Grant & Co of course we would be more careful.

All clubs are wary of it. I remember that Fevola was drafted way below where the pundits ranked him because it was obvious even then that he was a @@@@head.

[goswannie14]

Just a thought, and it may be way off the mark, but could the no @@@@heads policy have anything to do with how the Sydney public view the team? Trying to make AFL players look better than their NRL counterparts. After all in a historically non AFL city there would be the wish that the code is shown in it's best light.