I really think it is a good bet that the AFL will give Tassie a full Northern style academy as a part of their player retention push.
Tassie has been under performing in the development of their jrs for a while now, and as its a footy state, you could expect that with some decent development, and the attraction of a home team, Tassie should be able to double the amount of kids getting into the AFL system.
Player retention will be an issue for them. As Sicily said, alot of players won't want to stay there.
As such, I think it is imperative that they get as many local talent into their team. Not only does it help with retention but it could give the kids in Tassie local hero's to look up to.
I know as a kid when the Crows came into the AFL, what the local SA players like Modra, Ruccutio, Hart, Smart etc did to inspire kids to play AFL could not be over stated.
So, will they, and should they?
Tassie has been under performing in the development of their jrs for a while now, and as its a footy state, you could expect that with some decent development, and the attraction of a home team, Tassie should be able to double the amount of kids getting into the AFL system.
Player retention will be an issue for them. As Sicily said, alot of players won't want to stay there.
As such, I think it is imperative that they get as many local talent into their team. Not only does it help with retention but it could give the kids in Tassie local hero's to look up to.
I know as a kid when the Crows came into the AFL, what the local SA players like Modra, Ruccutio, Hart, Smart etc did to inspire kids to play AFL could not be over stated.
So, will they, and should they?