Now they want 3 straight drafts to themselves --------------------------
West Sydney could raid draft cream from 2010-2012
Jon Pierik | July 31, 2008
THE AFL'S West Sydney franchise could ask for priority picks in the national drafts from 2010-12 in a bid to ensure it is immediately competitive.
AFL NSW chief executive Dale Holmes yesterday outlined this option as part of a presentation to club chiefs on the first day of a two-day conference at Yuroke, outside Melbourne.
West Sydney is set to become the league's 18th team in 2012 - a year after the Gold Coast franchise has joined.
Holmes presented an update on West Sydney's "seven streams of work".
"We gave them an overview of the opportunities and the challenges, and gave them a sense of where we are making some good ground," Holmes said.
"It encompasses looking at facilities, stadia and asset developments for the club and revenue streams and the way we can develop the fan base."
A key issue for the club, the AFL and television networks is giving West Sydney every chance to taste success in its formative years in a market dominated by rugby league.
As well as wanting exclusive access to young NSW and ACT talent in certain areas, West Sydney may ask for first dibs at the game's best talent in three straight national drafts.
The Gold Coast is expected to raid the 2010 draft.
"Our draft paper is looking at participating in the national draft in 2010, 2011, potentially 2012," Holmes said.
"Whether that straddles over two or three drafts, we are just looking at the options there."
While Collingwood president Eddie McGuire wants a rethink of the AFL's ambitious expansion plans because of tightening global finances, Holmes said clubs still backed the move.
"I think there is conviction about the need to grow the game into the northern markets," Holmes said.
Club chiefs will also be addressed by GC17 boss John Witheriff.
Club stadium deals and special assistance for poorer clubs are other agenda items.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24103936-19742,00.html