International Scholarships, then there were two

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International Scholarships, then there were two

Authored by: Cam Homes
on Friday, January 22 2016 @ 03:17 pm ACDT

I guess we have to accept the reality that the AFL clubs aren't in the business of developing players especially from junior levels (which most international players equate to skills wise)(not taking their athleticism out of the equation). They are all very reluctant to spend time and money (Sydney & Mike Pike an exception??) when they can just draft ready made players out of the state leagues.
The AFL clubs do not have junior teams like the clubs at state and country league levels do.
Even the state leagues (SANFL) only have a token under 16's competition nowadays.( because of pressure from Victoria and the AFL I believe)

I believe IF the AFL( world ruling body) is serious about promoting Aussie Rules and developing international players they would be better off supporting and at least part funding "scholarships" at SANFL, WAFL and VFL etc. levels. They may not get a player good enough to play at AFL level for several years but at least the AFL(wrb) is demonstrating that it is making an effort to promote and develop the game internationally not just to take the most athletic sportsperson (seven feet etc. Brett :-)) they can find in a country and "hope" he makes it into the AFL in a short time.

Most interested in seeing how Josip Habljak fares at Sturt SANFL club this year. I understand that he is entirely self-funded. I reckon if he even only gets to play a couple of SANFL matches the exercise would be fully justified. Another dozen or so similar 'Scholarship" exercises over the next couple of years would do more for international footy than all the Combines held so far.

And they might just find a bloke or two good enough to draft.
Combine success stories so far = 2 or 3???? Jason Holmes and ??

International Scholarships, then there were two

Authored by: Harley Vague
on Friday, January 22 2016 @ 05:21 pm ACDT

IMO state leagues need resources to play a much greater not only in football in general but specifically with international recruiting and development. Not only are the second tier competitions the right "nursery" for international recruits but they are the appropriate vehicle to engage recent developments in the RSA, NZ and PNG. Isn't it much better (and decidedly cheaper) to organize interactions and pathways outside of the AFL rather than waiting forlornly for the first AFL "product" to appear?

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