Opinion - An AFL pathway for South Africans?

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Opinion - An AFL pathway for South Africans?

Authored by: Brett Northey
on Sunday, June 08 2008 @ 02:30 pm ACST

I agree with the general gist that development pathways are crucial, and it's similar to a call earlier in the year by Mark Harvey in Smooth the way for South Africans: Harvey), but I don't think there is anything to worry about for South Africa. They are already the best supported country other than Australia in terms of resources, and the player numbers have only just begun being scaled up dramatically in the last 2 years - the programs required to get the full benefit of that are being progressively rolled out.

Your snapshot of the South African pathway is in fact an impressive tribute to all involved. You left off the International Scholarship Lists, which is where the kids will most likely get picked up - remember those rules were only loosened this year, so we haven't yet seen how the AFL clubs will react. Really it's all nicely on track. If they can bring in junior championships either in 2008 or 09, and perhaps an AFL academy in 09 or 10, then it will be pretty much perfect. At that stage then yes, the next step would be to get a pathway like PNG, such as through the WA junior systems.

Even if these things weren't put in place, I wouldn't say it was wasted effort. Personally I think the 10 year aim should be:

1. giving thousands of kids access to organised sport
2. developing local leagues so footy becomes a part of the culture
3. developing AFL draftees

If only the first two are achieved, it's not a waste. But even number 3 is well on its way. The real issue is to get similar levels of support to other nations.

---
Brett Northey - Co-founder and Chief Editor of WFN

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