Multiple interstate clubs have privately confirmed that potential top-10 draftee Archie Perkins has told them he doesn’t want to be drafted out of Victoria.
Big-bodied midfielder forward Perkins, a product of Brighton Grammar and the Sandringham Dragons, is set to be a first-round selection on Wednesday night, having attracted interest from Hawthorn, Essendon and North Melbourne.
He told SEN on Wednesday that he had informed non-Victorian clubs of his preference not to be drafted by them.
“Yes, I have. I hope they take that on board,” Perkins said.
“I get that they’re doing what’s in the best interests of their footy club, but I just think personally that I’m not ready for that in this stage of my life.
“I feel like it would impact me too much and I don’t think it would be in their best interests as a footy club to have me there because I wouldn’t be 100 per cent with it, and couldn’t really commit myself 100 per cent as opposed to staying here.
Archie Perkins has told AFL clubs he wishes to stay in Victoria.Credit: Getty Images
“I would be ready to go and fully committed. I just don’t think I’m ready for that and I wanted to be honest about it.”
Recruiting sources have confirmed Perkins has left non-Victorian clubs clearly of the impression that he does not want to head interstate.
Sources have indicated that Perkins has opted against engaging with some non-Victorian clubs and even hinted to one that he would not join them if drafted by that club.
The AFL, which has anti-tampering rules, has been contacted for official comment.