ALMOST seven years ago, a letter arrived at the home of Bailey Rice inviting him to spend a day at Carlton as a part of its program for father-son prospects.
He went, met then-coach Brett Ratten, heard from captain Chris Judd and wondered what it would be like to stay there for longer and follow his dad Dean as an AFL player.
"That's when I started to realise what it all meant being a father-son, but I still didn't know much about it and how it worked," Rice said.
Rice, who is aiming to be picked at this year's NAB AFL Draft, had a bit to wrap his head around. Not only is he a father-son prospect, the speedy half-back is a rare case in that he has two clubs he is eligible to join under the rule: St Kilda and Carlton.
Dean played 116 games for the Saints before finishing his career with the Blues in 118 games, including the 1995 premiership win.
Bailey is a lifelong Carlton fan, but a year or two after that initial meeting with the Blues, St Kilda invited him to one of its meetings of future father-son prospects. Earlier this year he spent a week training with the Saints, and soon will begin to go to the club one morning a week to see how it runs.
Although the Saints have shown more interest to this point, the 18-year-old knows he still needs to prove he is good enough before he gets to choose where he ends up.
"I try not to think about it too much. I try to play footy and do the best I can, do everything right and block it out for now," Rice said.
"Dad has spoken a little bit about his career but he keeps to himself, unless I ask him. He's told me to play footy the best you can, enjoy it, to use your strengths and try not to worry about other things."
Rice isn't the only father-son candidate at TAC Cup club the Dandenong Stingrays, with teammate Jake Lovett, an inside midfielder who goes forward, the son of former Melbourne flanker Brett.
Jake has already spent a week training with the Dees, who have given him a fitness program to follow.
Josh Dunkley will create most interest of the father-sons: the Victorian will decide later in the year if he wants to join the Sydney Swans or enter an open draft. It could depend on what the bidding system looks like, and if the club has enough picks to fit him in with academy star Callum Mills if it's changed.
Tom Wallis knows his way around Essendon, where his dad Dean is a premiership player and former assistant coach, while Darcy MacPherson's rehabilitation from a shoulder reconstruction will be monitored by the Western Bulldogs, the club his father Steve represented in 188 games.
There are more players who fit as possible picks ups. Jordan Matera (the son of Peter) will be watched by West Coast throughout the year, while Carlton will also have its eyes on tall forward Jack Silvagni and speedy midfielder Jake Bradley (Craig's son).
Stephen Silvagni, who recently started as Carlton's list manager, has already said he will sit out of any discussions surrounding his son.
The Bombers could add to their rich history of Danihers with key position prospect Harvey Daniher (Chris' son), while developing tall Daniel Rendell, the son of Collingwood recruiter and former Fitzroy ruckman Matt Rendell, is in the Sandringham Dragons' squad and is eligible to join the Brisbane Lions.
Tyler Roos, another father-son for the Lions to watch, will also play for the Dragons again after being overlooked at last year's drafts.
For Rice, the season can't come soon enough. He started his summer with an average beep test and it jolted him into action, enjoying a strong pre-season to get ready for a role in the midfield and back line this year.
The Vic Country squad member is quick, can kick on both feet and marks well, and has even booted a bag of 10 goals at school level. He's ready for what the year holds.
"I'm a bit nervous and excited, but I'm looking forward to it," Rice said.
