GWS Coach Adam Kingsley Defends Giants' Academy Amid Debate

Greater Western Sydney coach Adam Kingsley has passionately defended the value of the club's Academy amid an ongoing debate over Academy draft picks. He called for a broader perspective to be applied, especially considering the unique challenges faced by non-AFL heartland states.

Key Points

• Debate: Ongoing discussions about the cost of Academy draft picks.

• Recent Changes: Proposed revamp of the bidding system for draft picks.

• Importance of Academies: Essential for growing the game nationally, not just serving specific clubs.

Kingsley's Perspective

• Challenges in Western Sydney: Few people play AFL in this region, which has a population of 2.5 million.

• Need for Investment: More investment is needed to grow the game in western Sydney and other non-AFL heartland areas.

• Fair Competition: Academies help level the playing field, giving non-heartland clubs a chance to develop talent.

Detailed Statements

• On the Debate:

• "The debate around it is a little misguided. I've sat in that chair in Melbourne and you need to come up here and understand there's no-one in western Sydney who plays our game."

• "We need to invest in that area and we need to invest more than we currently do. It's not just the Giants and the Swans, it's the AFL."

• On the Role of the Academy:

• "The role of the Academy is to grow the sport, where it's not seen as a competitor to other sports like rugby league or soccer."

• "The more kids in western Sydney that are playing this game, the more opportunities we have to pick those guys but so do the other clubs because ultimately, we have to match those bids and pay a fair price to get them."

Advantages of Academies

• Growing the Game: Increasing participation in AFL in regions where it is less popular.

• Fair Competition: Ensuring that non-heartland clubs have access to a pool of talented players.

• Long-Term Benefits: More players from regions like western Sydney mean more opportunities for all clubs, including those in Victoria.

Comparison with Father-Son Rule

• Established Clubs' Advantage: Long-established clubs benefit from father-son draft picks.

• Giants' Situation: As a newer club, GWS does not have many father-son opportunities.

• Academy's Role: Similar to the father-son system, the Academy helps grow the game in new regions.

Adam Kingsley believes that the debate over Academy draft picks is missing the bigger picture. The focus should be on growing the game in regions like western Sydney, where AFL faces competition from other sports. By investing in these areas, the sport can expand, benefiting all clubs in the long run.