- Mar 7, 2006
- 3,840
- 4,641
- AFL Club
- Collingwood
If you really want to know why I think pick 3 doesn’t make you better next year then fine I’ll give you some points.
To explain why picking a player at pick 3 in the AFL draft may not immediately make a team better the following year, I’ll break it down into a few key points for you.
1 - Development Time for Young Players
Most players selected early in the draft, especially in positions like pick 3, are still in the early stages of their careers. While they have potential, they usually need significant development in terms of skills, fitness, and game awareness before they can make a major impact at the senior level. This means that while the player might show flashes of brilliance, it’s unlikely they’ll be consistently contributing at the level needed to transform the team in just one year.
2 - The Pace of AFL
The AFL is a fast-paced, physically demanding competition, and it can take time for young players to adjust to the speed and intensity of the senior game. Even top draft picks often experience a "settling-in" period, where they may struggle with the rigors of the league or need time to fully adapt to the team's playing style.
3 - Team Needs vs. Individual Talent
While a player at pick 3 may be highly talented, their individual contribution may not be enough to immediately fix a team's structural or tactical issues. AFL teams often have broader needs that go beyond a single player, such as improving team chemistry, addressing weaknesses in key positions, or developing a better game plan. A single draft pick, no matter how good, can't address all of these factors.
4 - The Impact of Experience
Teams with mature players, veterans, or strong leadership structures tend to be more successful in the short term. If a team is rebuilding and relies heavily on younger players or a new draft pick, their overall improvement might take longer as these younger players gain experience and grow into their roles.
5 - Uncertainty of Young Talent
Draft picks are not guaranteed successes. Even high picks like number 3 overall don't always pan out as expected. Injuries, form slumps, or issues adapting to AFL can mean a top draft pick doesn't make the expected impact in their first year, or even in their second.
In short, while a top 3 pick can be an exciting prospect, the immediate improvement of the team isn’t guaranteed. Player development, adjustment to the AFL, and overall team dynamics are all factors that can limit the immediate impact of any single draft selection.
Hope this is enough for you Jeremias
Unless I’ve missed something from all the talent scout and media reporting on it, I don’t think this year has the next Leigh Matthews, Gary Ablett or Nick Daicos, but hey I’m happy to be wrong.
