AFLW draft: National draft not likely to make clubs pick interstate players

For the first time in AFLW history, the league is set for a national draft. But most clubs are unlikely to pluck youngsters from too far afield, according to Eliza Reilly.

It’s set to be a national draft for the first time in AFLW history but clubs are still expected to shop local.

The AFL announced in June that the draft would evolve to a fully national mode in 2024, meaning nominees will be able to be selected by all 18 clubs, coinciding with a 20% increase in remuneration for draftees under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Last year operating with an ‘opt-in’ model, almost 70 per cent of nominees entered the national pool. Previously the draft has been state-based.

While clubs now have access to every nominee in this year’s pool, recruiters have indicated that they’ll likely favour their own backyard later in the draft. Clubs are set to pick the best available talent early before looking local late.

The AFLW national draft is set to allow clubs to take from any state for the first time. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos.

While last year’s AFLW draft was slightly more complicated due to relistings and the option of still nominating a state, 14 of the last 20 picks remained in their home state. By comparison, 11 of the first 20 picks in 2023 were local draftees and nine were interstate.

It’s understood that various factors will contribute to clubs’ buy local approach with one being the relocation fee for interstate draftees believed to be in the vicinity of $17,000.

Clubs have also indicated that it’s easier for local draftees to adapt to life as an AFLW player and the challenges of being a full-time athlete.

It’s not a new phenomenon. In this year’s AFL draft, 15 of the last 20 picks got to remain in their home state compared to 13 of the first 20.

Gippsland Power product Ash Centra is widely expected to be this year’s No. 1 pick and head to Collingwood while South Fremantle midfielder Molly O’Hehir has been linked to Melbourne and GWS at picks 2 and 3. A bid for Gold Coast Academy star Havana Harris is expected to come early as well.

Originally published as AFLW draft: National draft not likely to make clubs pick interstate players