bondiblue wrote:
For the AFL to give a priority pick to Carlton and Brisbane they have to see some benefit for the competition.
The AFL have always wanted every game to be fought out with closer results, making for more exciting games and giving all supporters hope their team of a win which will give the AFL greater support.
Every team gets a round 1 draftee: Wooden Spooner to Premier.
One, including AFL, just hopes the quality helps improve the position of the lower team over time.
Generally a top 3 player is better than the rest of the top 10.
But, what we do know is a 11-20 pick in the draft may be better than the 4-10 pick.
The big question for the AFL is whether the current system with one high selection will help to equalise the competition overtime?
One thing for sure is that there's no guarantee the higher pick will be better than the lower pick see Fyfe, Selwood, Wingard etc.
One standard high pick in the draft for Carlton and Brisbane will not improve their plight. I'm sure the AFL can see the top teams and bottom teams are poles apart.
If the AFL want most games with closer results and give every supporter some hope of a win every round the result will be an increase in crowds and TV viewing.
Will the AFL do the right thing by Carlton and Brisbane and give them both a priority pick? .
Excellent post.

I couldn't have said it better myself.
My belief is the AFL is scared of displeasing other clubs and will say "let's wait another year" before they consider a priority pick but the fact is Carlton had its worst EVER defeat this season. This is a club in crisis. Four wins. Just four wins. It is in the AFL's own self interest to have more competitive games. Carlton - a competitive Carlton - is the 2nd biggest drawing club in the league. That should be a factor to consider.
One priority pick in a team game of 22 players means next to nothing.
One priority pick in a team game of 5 or 7 (eg basketball?) would mean something.