FANS gained a snap shot last Sunday at the MCG of some of the State’s exciting young talent when Vic Country and Vic Metro went head-to-head in their opening match to the AFL Under 18 National Championships.
More than 40 of Victoria’s most promising young footballers showcased their ability in a match that further highlighted the prosperous health of football in the State.
The Championships, which return to Victoria at Visy Park on June 25 and Etihad Stadium on June 30, are an important link in Victoria’s talented football pathway.
One of things that accompany the Championships is great expectation. History tells us that many aspiring players can plot an instant path on to an AFL club list with their performance in the Championships.
Perform well on such a national stage, scrutinised by every AFL talent scout, and it only enhances a player’s prospects to be selected at the AFL National Draft.
Conversely, if a player doesn’t play well or misses making the Vic Country or Vic Metro squad and consequently doesn’t gain selection in the AFL National Draft this is where the VFL provides a second opportunity.
Only a small percentage of players make the quantum leap from to AFL in their first season out of the TAC. Many exiting players, who still haven’t reached their physical maturity, need time to reach their full potential.
While some players understandably return to community football, whether it’s in the country or metropolitan areas, the VFL offers young players a competition where they can continue their development.
With the readily identified link between TAC and VFL clubs it makes the transition easier for players when they enter senior ranks.
And, that’s one of the beauties of the VFL. Not only has the standard of the competition been on an upward spiral in recent years, but also the VFL Reserves.
The VFL Reserves has developed into a quality competition that offers a very good standard and can give players the grounding that compliments their game.
While every player would love to be playing seniors, such is the talent in the VFL Reserves that it helps rather than hinders a player’s development.
It’s evident by the fact that AFL clubs regularly use the VFL Reserves as a starting point for many players, including some high profile players –Nathan Foley, Jordan McMahon and Levi Greenwood are just some of the AFL ‘name’ players to play VFL Reserves.
Playing against such experienced players only serves to help the development and shape the career of young players.
It’s a critical part of a well defined pathway that will become more attractive with two AFL expansions scheduled to enter the AFL over the next few years.
Last Modified on 15/06/2010 11:43