Draft looms as non-event after O'Keefe stays put
Jon Ralph | October 21, 2008
DECEMBER'S pre-season draft looms as a monumental anti-climax after Sydney forward Ryan O'Keefe yesterday agreed to a new four-year deal.
O'Keefe was the last high-profile out-of-contract player on the market, but was not prepared to run the gauntlet of the December 16 draft.
Any player uncontracted by October 31 can enter the national draft as well as the pre-season draft, which would maximise their chances of being selected.
Clubs could then take a recycled player with their last pick in the November 29 national draft, rather than waiting two weeks for the pre-season draft. Previously many uncontracted players only left their existing clubs in time for the pre-season draft.
Last year's pre-season draft had only eight picks - six kids and former Crows Scott Welsh and Darren Pfeiffer.
This year it may be even smaller, with clubs scouting for players from opposition clubs reporting that the cupboard is bare.
Melbourne (selection one) said yesterday it was more likely to choose an up-and-coming youngster than a recycled player.
Fremantle (pick three) is stripping back its list and will go with youth, and Essendon (pick four) and Carlton (pick five) have no grand aspirations.
Both Victorian clubs would be in the market for an experienced player but said yesterday none were available.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24527157-19742,00.html