AFL mid-season draft dangerous to young players health says Eagles SANFL coach Michael Godden

WOODVILLE-West Torrens coach Michael Godden strongly believes the introduction of an AFL mid-season draft will be on no benefit to the game.

Eagles Michael Godden does not back a mid-season AFL draft. Picture: Matt Loxton

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WOODVILLE-West Torrens coach Michael Godden is worried a mid-season draft could add to the toll of young players emotionally damaged after being “spat out” of the AFL system.

Godden said among the most difficult challenges faced by SANFL clubs was working with players scarred from being released by AFL programs, and a mid-season draft had the potential to spark further problems.

An AFL mid-season draft has again become a hot topic and could be introduced this year.

The state leagues fear the impact such a draft would have on their competitions and Godden said the suffering it would create down the football chain needed to be considered.

He is adamant such a draft would be of benefit to no one.

“We have to be very responsible when it comes to our players, they are not a piece of meat,” Godden said. “At SANFL level, we have got a true understanding of how hard it is on these kids when they get spat out the back of the AFL.

“They say they manage them, but on a daily basis one of our biggest and most difficult challenges is dealing with kids that are emotionally wrecked because of their experience at that level.

“This could heighten that, you take a kid half way through the year and spit him out in October. Some kids don’t handle it very well, in fact most don’t.

“Some really struggle and it is a significant issue.”

Godden said he was all for every player getting an opportunity at the highest level, but that path was provided at the national draft each year.

He said injuries happened every year which was unfortunately bad luck. And when told there was the potential of having a leading player in his side one week who would become an opponent the next, he responded: “I hate the thought, that would stink.

“I’ve read some punters saying ‘get over it, you are the SANFL and second tier so deal with it’.

“If you love the AFL, get rid of us and you don’t have an AFL.”

James Battersby looks to go forward for Sturt in last year’s grand final. Picture Sarah Reed

THRUST INTO THE SPOTLIGHT

The SANFL clubs will be extremely nervous come mid-season if the AFL introduces a window for drafting.

But just which players from the state league would suddenly be thrust into the spotlight?

If the target was a forward, Glenelg will be hoping the potential and impressive qualities of Josh Scott slip under the radar.

Scott is extremely competitive, fearless and strong at the contest, has a tremendous leap and often pulls down the powerful pack mark. He is coming off a lacklustre season, but AFL clubs could do a lot worse than take a punt on him.

AFL clubs seeking a midfielder would no doubt have Sturt’s James Battersby high on the list of candidates. He is only 21, but has already proved himself in big games and importantly, he has had experience on an AFL list after a stint with Adelaide.

The return of Keegan Brooksby to South Adelaide after three years on Gold Coast’s list would provide a terrific ruck option for an AFL club in need. He made 14 appearances for the Suns and that exposure gives clubs a valuable insight into what they would be getting.

What if an AFL club needed a defender? Woodville-West Torrens co-captain Luke Thompson would no doubt have his name mentioned.

He has the experience of having had time with Adelaide, and he is rarely beaten week-in, week-out.

Keegan Brooksby has returned to South Adelaide after three years with the Gold Coast Suns.

PLAYERS CLUBS WOULD NOT WANT TO LOSE

Central District

Darcy Fort (ruckman)

Glenelg

Jesse White (forward)

North Adelaide

Keenan Ramsey (forward)

Norwood

Matthew Panos (midfielder)

South Adelaide

Keegan Brooksby (ruckman)

Sturt

Zane Kirkwood (midfield)

West Adelaide

Tom Keough (defender)

Woodville-West Torrens

Luke Thompson (defender)