Commentary Box: Rule change gets the tick of approval

Nick Ansell, Sean Hardeman and Brian Allen are eager to talk sport via The Commentary Box.

BRIAN: Lads, it was fascinating to read on the AFL website this week Warrnambool product Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will be the last top-end talent to be taken under the current Next Generation Academy system.

The AFL is changing the NGA rules so clubs can't get access to the best draftees as part of the program.

There'll be a protected zone for NGA players for the first 20 picks in the draft.

It essentially means any club can go after a top prospect rather than the draftee just going to their NGA club.

To me it seems fair enough.

The worst performing teams should have access to the best talent to try and help them rise up the ladder.

What are your thoughts?

NICK: I'm a big advocate for this shift.

If the AFL wants to have NGA, get rid of the draft altogether and return to zoning or soccer-style academies.

You can't have both because they work against each other in a system which is supposed to equalise poor clubs with the best young talent.

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SEAN: As a Bulldogs supporter I'm happy it comes in next year as we get a jet in Jamarra.

But in all seriousness I do agree with you Nick.

How can clubs towards the bottom get better if the stronger clubs, with strong NGAs get the first pick of the talent they have managed to scoop into their pathways.

Will be interesting to see how it plays out in the next two years and if further changes are made.

BRIAN: Another question. If you could pick any player from this year's seemingly available players in the trade period, who would you take?

I know Greater Western Sydney has him but would have loved Jesse Hogan at Tigerland, especially with Jack Riewoldt nearing the end of his career.

Listen to this week's The Main Break podcast with Tri Club president Ian Barnes:

I saw him play for Melbourne against the Tiges a few years ago and thought he was going to be the next big thing.

SEAN: I'd love Aidan Corr. The Dogs need another good defender and he is a jet.

Very strong in the contest and also a very good kick which is handy to have in the modern game.

Accurate rebound 50s are critical to the Dogs' counterattack style and he would be handy to be that first stopper-turn-attacker.

NICK: I was rapt when North picked up Corr, and it was nice to see you say that Sean!

Otherwise I'd have liked Zac Williams at North but I don't know if he's worth as much as Carlton seems to be paying him.

Just anyone who can play a unique role for the team, really. Someone who can actually play, too!

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