Carlton’s hopes of a priority pick dashed by AFL Commission

CARLTON’S bid for a priority draft pick has been rejected by the AFL Commission but the Blues and Gold Coast are expected to get early access to state league talent.

CARLTON’S bid for a priority draft pick has been rejected by the AFL Commission.

The Blues were informed of the decision late Monday.

Gold Coast hopes for a priority pick were also dashed by the commission, but both clubs have been awarded access to two state league players, which they can either keep or on-trade.

ASK US: CLUBS TOLD TO APPLY FOR PRIORITY PICKS

BROWNLOW: WILL ANYONE UPSET TOM MITCHELL?

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said it was the commission’s belief the Blues and Suns had enough young talent.

“If you help (with draft picks) then you’re doing that at the expense of the competition generally,” McLachlan told SEN.

“There was an assessment that the clubs had a lot of young talent, I think Carlton have got 18 first-round picks and they’ll get the No.1 pick again this year.

After a season of woe, the gloom hasn’t lifted for the Blues. Picture: Michael Klein

“Gold Coast have got 15 first-round picks on their list and they’re going to get picks two and 15 this year (then) if Tom Lynch goes to another club, which is I think accepted, they’ll get pick three as well.”

The Suns are likely to use one of their special access pick on Werribee’s Josh Corbett as they search for a full forward to replace the departing Tom Lynch.

Corbett, 22, won the VFL’s Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal for the competition’s most promising player under 23 after the full forward kicked 22 goals in nine games, before an eye injury ended his season.

Carlton released a statement, saying: “As a club we’re appreciative of the assistance provided by the AFL and it is now incumbent to the club to facilitate list management outcomes in the best interests of the Carlton Football Club.”

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan confirmed Brisbane had also missed out on a priority pick.

“Thumbs down, I don’t think we got one,” Fagan said on 3AW.