CALL it 'the handcuff', clubs' new weapon against the dreaded go-home factor.
The idea is a player is more likely to settle interstate and resist the lure of home if they have a mate coming along for the ride.
Think classy onballer Adam Cerra and Eastern Ranges teammate Tom North at Fremantle.
Geelong Falcons Matthew Ling and Tom McCartin at Sydney, and Port Adelaide recruits Sam Hayes and Joel Garner, both Ranges products, are other examples.
Essendon paired Sturt young guns Jordan Houlahan and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher together with its opening two selections on Friday night.
There was even talk the Power signed Jack Trengove in part to aid in former Melbourne clubmate Jack Watts' transition to living in South Australia.
Draft pundits expected the Brisbane Lions to handcuff Lachie Fogarty to his fellow Western Jet and No.1 pick Cameron Rayner, but they went in another direction.
The theory was simple: the Lions need to do everything they can to avoid the Christian Petracca clone becoming the next Josh Schache, Sam Docherty or Elliot Yeo.
Before that, when Andrew Brayshaw was still in the mix to be the dux of the 2017 draft class, the suggestion was Chris Fagan's team might seriously consider grabbing brother Hamish late.
The Lions are familiar with the tactic, having snared prized No.3 selection Hugh McCluggage's North Ballarat Rebels teammates Jarrod Berry and Cedric Cox after him in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft.
Berry and Cox have already re-signed, and they hope McCluggage is next.
The Lions selected Hugh McCluggage and Jarrod Berry in last year's draft. Picture: AFL Photos
It's not that the second or third player isn't worthy in this situation.
But in the case of a 50-50 call, as Fremantle list manager Brad Lloyd explains, it is prudent to think of how you can appease your blue-chip investments.
"Tom (North)'s a good friend of Adam Cerra's, so he'll fit in well," Lloyd told AFL.com.au.
"We took Tom on his own merit, that's for sure, and we see him as a quality player.
"Where we got him (at No.65) was a bonus, but the fact he's friends with Adam as well; that's great they'll come over happy and enjoy their time together."
No.5 pick Cerra has also been joined at the Dockers by Vic Metro teammate Brayshaw, who was selected with pick No.2.
Clubs must start thinking outside the box to tackle the wantaway issue, which reached a climax in this year's NAB AFL Trade Period.
Jake Lever, Jarman Impey, Adam Saad, Brendon Ah Chee, Harley Balic, Bryce Gibbs, Nathan Wilson, Gary Ablett, Charlie Cameron, Lachie Weller, Brandon Matera and Schache all successfully sought trades home.
The Lions armed their list with Vic Country representatives in recent years, similar in philosophy to the handcuff rule, but also of the belief country boys have to move either way.
Port Adelaide followed suit last year with Todd Marshall (Murray Bushrangers), Joe Atley (Bendigo Pioneers) and Willem Drew (North Ballarat Rebels).
But Power national recruiting manager Geoff Parker said ultimately clubs had to back their environment to convince players to stick around.
"It's becoming a bit more of a factor, but we just want to try and find the most talented players that fit what we're looking for," Parker told AFL.com.au.
"If they come from interstate, then we're happy to back our club and develop the culture around them and (make them) want to stay and be long-term players for our club."
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