Essendon journeyman Andrew Phillips’ retirement on Tuesday – after 78 games for three clubs,across 13 seasons – could have serious ramifications for this year’s ruck merry-go-round.
Enraged rival recruiters are railing against North Melbourne’s wish to gain pre-draft access to outstanding prospect Ryley Sanders,with some clubs putting together submissions to try to prevent the move.
There’s another club that should be in the market for Harley Reid and which is eyeing off the possibility of landing the hot young talent:North Melbourne.
Mason Redman’s decision to resist the temptation of returning to South Australia and recommit at Essendon leaves fellow restricted free agent Darcy Parish as the Bombers’ top re-signing priority.
This is The Age’s top 25 prospects after the AFL under-18 championships,compiled after extensive discussions with club recruiters and player agents.
Reid is the hottest of favourites to be selected with the prized No.1 pick at this year’s national draft,already being dubbed “the next Dustin Martin”.
The conditioning of clubs in the build-up to the national draft has been taking place forever and a day. It’s just been happening more in recent times.
In this edition of Money Talks,Tom De Koning’s big call looms with Carlton relatively constrained by a tight salary cap;a free agent Demon is in demand;and the waiting game on an important Bomber.
North Melbourne’s prolonged struggles,including back-to-back wooden spoons,have prompted club powerbrokers to consider asking the AFL for special assistance again.
The annual Victoria Country-Metro clash will complete this year’s AFL under-18 championships on Sunday,and is a big draft predictor. The first eight picks in last year’s draft came from Metro or Country.
North Melbourne continue to explore options to gain access to young Tasmanian midfielder Ryley Sanders,in a move that could wipe one of this year’s best prospects from the pool. Plus:the Suns in limbo after coach’s exit,and the Allies team set to shape the draft.