THE DEBATE to lift the draft age to 19 remains alive, with figures revealing clubs are evenly split on making such a significant change to the talent pathway.
After surveying almost 170 people, approximately 46 per cent of club representatives said they agreed either "strongly" or "very strongly" that the draft age should rise to 19. But almost equally, 44 per cent disagreed, with nine per cent keeping neutral.
The AFL unveiled the results of its long-running review into the talent area on Tuesday at a forum of club staff – recruiters, list managers and football managers – and staff from state bodies around the country.
The discussion around the possibility of such a change was continued in the forum, with attendees sharing their views on why and why not it should be changed, with more siding with the status quo.
Some feel that lifting the draft age would help potential draftees concentrate on their studies in year 12 before focusing more permanently on football in their 19th year and making them more prepared for the leap to the AFL (82 per cent of AFL clubs thought the gap between the AFL and elite underage football is growing).
That would also work in line with another idea, to expand underage leagues to be under-19 competitions around the country.
But opponents to the draft-age change spoke of an immediate fear that instead of starting their tertiary studies, some players would simply take a gap year and wait for the draft.
The point was also raised that, in northern markets fighting to attract players to the AFL, an older draft age could see prospects who are talented in other sports look elsewhere for sooner elite opportunities in different fields.
One of many focuses of the event was the options available for post draft-age development, and for players who don't get drafted during their under-18 year.
An idea to stage a mini state championships for under-21 players, to be hosted at the same time and location as the under-18 carnival, gained traction with the clubs (77 per cent in support), with many hoping for as many as three games to assess the best players around the country.
Clubs and state bodies are in agreement that second-tier competitions do not have the "resources and expertise" to get players drafted after their under-18 year, which is considered an issue when thinking about changing the draft age eligibility.
Most believe state academy programs can be extended through to 21-year-olds for players aiming to break through to the top level.
AFL operations boss Mark Evans chaired the all-day forum at Etihad Stadium, with special projects manager Tristan Salter presenting to clubs after his months-long review into the talent pathways.
Former Australian Test cricket captain Greg Chappell, now the national talent manager at Cricket Australia, was a guest speaker at the conference.
Club representatives were split into separate groups and workshopped ideas, with sub-committees to be formed as the season goes on before recommendations are made on a range of issues.
