INDIGENOUS players from regional and remote areas could start their transition into the AFL at an earlier age under a scholarship concept raised by clubs.
The initiative would see clubs be able to sign players in their early teenage years to scholarships but not be allowed to relocate them, instead working with the Indigenous or multicultural player in his home environment over a number of years.
Similar to the bidding system for father-son and zone academy players, the clubs would get first option at nominating the player in the draft when he reaches eligibility and pay market value for him if another club bids.
The idea was one of many raised at Tuesday's national talent forum, where club and state talent representatives came together to discuss ideas on the underage systems around Australia.
A focus was diversity issues within the game, with another idea raised for the West Australian clubs to have access to remote and regional Indigenous players in their state for a zone academy program, in much the same way clubs in the northern states have access to local recruiting zones.
In a survey, 70 per cent of clubs and 65 per cent of state representatives thought the AFL should work more intensely at an earlier age with those from diverse backgrounds, with some believing it can be harder to engage later on as some players go through different cultural experiences.
As well as targeting more indigenous talent, the League's review highlighted a view from clubs that they feel they don't have the expertise to support remote Indigenous players to make the step to the AFL.
A suggestion was also put for more profiling of the players involved in the AFL's ongoing programs for indigenous talent, the Flying Boomerangs and Kickstart Championships.
The AFL sees projects such as the Michael Long Academy as central to its program, with the centre to be based in Darwin accessing remote-based talent.
The Essendon champion will have a role in its development, with the academy to be completed next year. As well as having accommodation and a community aspect, the academy will include a gymnasium and swimming pool, and a rider that those involved had to be studying or have finished school.
Study undertaken by the League's special projects manager Tristan Salter showed while an indigenous draftee is more likely to play a game than a non-indigenous player, the non-indigenous player will have a longer career, averaging 21 more games.
