'Sweeping changes' to Academy and Father/Son bidding system

[tara]

Firstly, the Father/Son and the academy draft processes may look similar, but are really quite different in substance. The FS selection requires no investment alternative for the club, so it's just the historical and emotional attachment to a given club, and can rightly be pegged at something close to fair value.

Whilst the FS doesn't require an investment clubs like Carlton do have their own Father Son academy's where the kids are kept a close eye on. I would hate to see the father son element scrapped from our game. Imagine watching for example a junior Paul Kelly, Mickey O or Goodsey running around for anyone other than the swans because of a decision to scrap it. For me it would be like watching one of SOS's three sons if their good enough running around for Collingwood or Essendon.

Do agree though that the picks should come at some cost which the now do. Also agree that the Swans should be encouraged not hindered with their academy. They continue to develop the game in NSW in a pretty impartial way unlike the cross town rivals and should be rewarded for their part in growing the game in a non AFL state.

[Conor_Dillon]

Great article on The Roar (that's not something you hear ever day)...

Another week, another swipe at the Swans | The Roar

Sums up what we've all been saying to a tee

[rojo]

It is such a relief to read some fair reporting based on a good, unbiased understanding of all the issues involved. Pity the mainstream footy media falls so short in these areas.

[troyjones2525]

Speaking of our Academy players, anyone know why Heeney and Mills are not in the Rams squad to play this weekend? Haven't noticed Heeney since the championships and hoping they aren't injured as I want to see them both playing against gippsland power next week!

[dimelb]

Great article on The Roar (that's not something you hear ever day)...

Another week, another swipe at the Swans | The Roar

Sums up what we've all been saying to a tee

Good article. Deserves a wide circulation.

[Doctor]

Tremendous piece. Well done Mick Ash.

[Flying South]

Speaking of our Academy players, anyone know why Heeney and Mills are not in the Rams squad to play this weekend? Haven't noticed Heeney since the championships and hoping they aren't injured as I want to see them both playing against gippsland power next week!

I'm with you troy. As a gippslander I have been really looking forward to this game and hoping they would both play. Would love to see up close what all the fuss is about.

[ShockOfHair]

Going back a few weeks, an impassioned blog post from Brisbane supporters' site. The Lions have been on the receiving end of Collingwood's draft 'disadvantage:

Meanwhile, on the other side of the equation, Eddie's black and white crew has every other advantage possible in this competition. It has so much money it barely blinked an eye at contributing to an AFL "poor tax". It has every off field resource imaginable. If it is worried about its list, it can woo young Victorians like Taylor Adams and Patrick Karnezis away from their NSW/Qld clubs using the "go home" factor. It has a team of recruiters the size of which would put Uncle Sam to shame.



Editorial: "Is Eddie kidding?" ? The Lion's Roar

[troyjones2525]

I'm with you troy. As a gippslander I have been really looking forward to this game and hoping they would both play. Would love to see up close what all the fuss is about.

The squad has been named on the NSW/ACT AFL site and you'll be happy to know South that all three of our prospects have been named! Can't wait to see them in action!

[Auntie.Gerald]

Brisbane: The AFL's Forgotten Frontier ? The Lion's Roar

[Auntie.Gerald]

AFL NSW/ACT: NSW/ACT Players in the AFL

current list of NSW ACT players in the AFL

[troyjones2525]

Heeney and Mills just tweeted me saying they are a chance to play for the Rams this week against gippsland power so really looking forward to the game! Looking forward to seeing young Dunks in action also!

[troyjones2525]

Heeney and Mills just tweeted me saying they are a chance to play for the Rams this week against gippsland power so really looking forward to the game! Looking forward to seeing young Dunks in action also!

Wow feel pretty good! Andrew Pridham favourited the tweet Mills sent me! Lol.

[Flying South]

Heeney and Mills just tweeted me saying they are a chance to play for the Rams this week against gippsland power so really looking forward to the game! Looking forward to seeing young Dunks in action also!

Thanks troyjones. I'm looking forward to seeing them in action. Tipping a win for the lads as well. Though with a top temp of 10 degrees forecast they better bring the long sleeves.

[troyjones2525]

Thanks troyjones. I'm looking forward to seeing them in action. Tipping a win for the lads as well. Though with a top temp of 10 degrees forecast they better bring the long sleeves.

We have showers forecast for later in the week so hopefully clear up for Sunday! The game is at 11 isn't it?