Werribee coach and former AFLPA best first-year player winner Michael Barlow says he’s “very bullish” about the talent level among second-tier players as state league clubs face the prospect of being raided.
The AFL is reportedly considering a contingency plan that would allow clubs to recruit “top-up” players from state leagues to offset the impact of a possible Covid-19 outbreak.
While drawing on their own state league side or affiliate club would be the most straightforward option, The Age reported clubs have been told to canvass all top-up options — and, subsequently, train-on options — in case they’d be unable to field a full 22 this year.
If AFL clubs ultimately had to lean on second-tier players for help during the season, Barlow said they’d be up for the challenge.
“I am very bullish about the talent in the state league,” Barlow told the Herald Sun.
“I don’t know exactly how it would happen, but I do know the talent is there.”
“In the world that we live in, giving a player a lick of the ice-cream (for a potential 10-day call-up) would be tough,” he said.
“(But) if you are given a 10-day contract, you go in with eyes wide open knowing there is the possibility that 10 days later the recruiters might forget your name.
“It might be the only shot at it you might get at it.”
Several state league players are currently training at AFL clubs in the hope they might earn a rookie spot via the pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP).
St Kilda is on the verge of signing Woodville-West Torrens utility Jack Hayes — one of the SANFL’s most exciting and versatile players at 192cm.
Nathan Freeman is training with the Gold Coast Suns after averaging 38 disposals for Frankston at VFL level in 2021. He’s vying with Magarey Medal winner James Tsitas for the final position on the Suns’ rookie list.
Hawthorn recently invited Box Hill player Vincent Adducci to train with the club in the hope of winning a spot on its list. An energetic player that can change the momentum of a game promptly, Adducci produced a career-best season in 2021 and averaged 1.6 score assists per match – the fifth-most among VFL small forwards.
West Coast is looking at WAFL ruckman Luke Strnadica, who spent two years on Fremantle’s list without making his senior debut but has put together an impressive three years at East Fremantle.
On top of those five, here are eight more state league players that could step up to AFL level with aplomb if called upon.
Bailey Rogers (Claremont – WAFL)
Position: Midfielder (185cm, 85kg)
A move from the half-back line to the midfield in 2021 paid enormous dividends for Rogers, who won’t stop pursuing his AFL dreams until “someone says no”. The Claremont on-baller claimed this year’s Sandover Medal – the WAFL’s highest individual honour – after kicking 29 goals and averaging 28 disposals from his 18 home and away games. The West Australian reported this week the Dockers are eyeing Rogers as a possible train-on player in the wake of Luke Valente’s shock retirement last week.
The key-position player didn’t play a game in two seasons on Geelong’s list. But Schlensog linked up with South Fremantle for the 2021 WAFL season and was a constant threat for the Bulldogs at both ends of the field. He played as a key defender in his first 11 games and averaged 18 disposals, 7.3 intercept possessions and 3.5 intercept marks. Schlensog then went forward for eight games and averaged 13 disposals, 2.9 contested marks and 2.0 goals, before heading back into defence late in the year. He attracted interest from Geelong, Richmond, Collingwood and Gold Coast prior to last year’s drafts, but now the Dockers are considering handing him a train-on invite.
Noah Pegoraro (West Perth – WAFL)
Position: Key defender (194cm, 90kg)
A late bloomer at the age of 24, Pegoraro went to a new level in 2021. Among the players to play at least 10 WAFL league matches this season, he led the competition for intercept possessions per match as he impressed with his natural speed, agility and composure with ball in hand. He then turned heads at the WA-based draft combine post-season, recording a standing vertical jump of 75cm – ranked equal-second among all draft prospects – as well as a 20m sprint time of 2.926 seconds and a running vertical jump of 92cm – both ranked fifth nationally. Missed out in the national draft, but looms as a possible top-up candidate.
Mitch Cox (Frankston – VFL)
Position: Utility (190cm, 81kg)
A ready-made player that gained interest from AFL clubs after a breakout 2021 VFL campaign. Cox had a great start to the year in defence, averaging 21 disposals and five intercept possessions from his first five matches. He was then switched forward and, from Round 6 onwards, played as a mid-forward where he averaged 23 disposals, four clearances, eight score involvements and two goals per match. His ability to play various roles would appeal to AFL clubs.
Position: General defender (182cm, 80kg)
The son of triple premiership Lions legend – and new Carlton coach – Michael Voss, the shrewd Voss showed excellent progression in every area as a general defender this year and claimed Sturt’s best and fairest award. He was the third-highest ranked general defender in the SANFL, while he also ranked second for his position for intercept marks and fourth for intercept possessions.
Bailey Lambert (Frankston – VFL)
Position: General forward (184cm, 82kg)
Was one of the hottest mature-age prospects in the land midway through 2021 before injury – and the pandemic – slowed his momentum. Lambert, the son of former Richmond and Brisbane star Craig Lambert, started the season on fire, booting 11 goals and averaging 14 disposals from his first three matches. He’s a terrific overhead mark for his size, yet is just as dangerous at ground level, while his defensive pressure is outstanding.
Jacob Dawson (Southport – VFL)
Position: Midfielder (182cm, 80kg)
There was no JJ Liston medal awarded last year to the VFL’s best and fairest player. But if the votes were tallied from the games that were played, Dawson would likely be on top of the leaderboard after starring in a campaign where Southport lost just one game. After being delisted late last year following nine games in three seasons for the Gold Coast Suns, Dawson had a brilliant VFL season for the Sharks, averaging a whopping 34.7 disposals per game.
Eamon Wilkinson (South Adelaide – SANFL)
Position: Small forward (179cm, 75kg)
Wilkinson was a consistent performer for South Adelaide at SANFL level, kicking a goal in 13 of his 18 matches last year. Just as noteworthy was his ability to apply defensive pressure, ranking third among small forwards for forward 50 tackles. Blessed with speed and great goal nous, Wilkinson was in the mid-season draft mix midway through last year.
