THE FOUR northern clubs' access to academy talent will be again under the microscope this year after the AFL moved to reassure rivals it will closely monitor the eligibility of every prospect.
The AFL wrote to clubs on Monday alerting them to the processes regarding qualification for academy players, saying it will need to tick off many club requirements before an academy player is able to join their respective club.
In the memo, clubs were reminded they needed their academies to present annual development plans for each player by January 31.
They are also required to submit individual development plans at the start of the season for approval, as well as up-to-date match schedules for players.
At the conclusion of the season all clubs' access to talent will need to be "validated" by the AFL based on the passing of key eligibility.
There continues to be angst among some clubs about Greater Western Sydney's access to the Riverina academy region, where all four of the Giants' selections at last year's NAB AFL Draft hailed from.
Another strong talent pool has emerged again for the Giants, with the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast also tipped to have some early academy picks at November's draft under the bidding system.
The AFL's head of talent Tristan Salter said the League will be asking for as many details as possible from clubs.
"At this stage…what our message has been publicly has been about making sure we have the right checks and balances around our current rules and the right protocols that sit below what's specified as a very broad role," Salter told AFL.com.au's Road to the Draft podcast.
"We're able to say at an individual player level, we want to be able to see what you're doing with kids, whether it be from the Riverina, or Albury or Deniliquin or wherever. What are you actually going to do with that kid to be able to develop him?
"If they can show they are developing that kid and they warrant access to that kid and the discount on him, then that's something we really want to support.
"If the club can't demonstrate they are going to be able in some way develop that kid...it's something we'll explore for the best option for that kid."
The League's email to clubs this week said that if a club academy was unable to fulfill the requirements or did not follow the rules, it faced a $20,000 fine and could lose access to an academy player at the draft.
It also said a number of clubs had raised concerns with the AFL in regards to academy eligibility in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Salter said the development plans for players and progress of prospects would be shared with all clubs for greater information around the academy system.
"If we identify anything along the way that can strengthen the transparency and integrity around these programs, then we'll do that and we'll communicate that with all stakeholders," Salter said.
Harrison Macreadie, Will Setterfield and Max Lynch are seen as three of the standout GWS academy prospects this season, while Jack Bowes (Gold Coast) and Jacob Allison (Brisbane Lions) are attached to their respective academies.
