COBDEN export Sam Walsh is urging the AFL to resist pressure to lift the minimum draft age from 18, saying most teenagers are ready to make an immediate impact.
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Current rules stipulate players must be at least 18 in the year they're drafted to be eligible for selection, but several AFL figures believe it should be lifted to 19.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick and Western Bulldogs mentor Luke Beveridge have backed the draft age switch.
Warrnambool-based duo Noel Mugavin and Mark Dwyer, who both played for Fitzroy, also told The Standard on Saturday a lift to 19 would ease pressure on south-west talents and clubs.
I'm of the belief that at the age of 18, most guys are mature enough and ready to thrive at AFL level.
- Sam Walsh
But Walsh, who started his football journey at the Hampden league club before he was drafted to Carlton in 2018, said the move was unnecessary.
"I've got my own opinion on it all. I'm of the belief that at the age of 18, most guys are mature enough and ready to thrive at AFL level," he said.
"For the kids that maybe aren't ready yet, whether it be mentally or physically, there's still other pathways, as we've seen."
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Walsh, who was a number one draft pick, has earned plaudits for his maturity and leadership skills.
He was elevated to Carlton's leadership group for 2020 after winning the AFL's rising star award in his debut year. The 19-year-old said the balance of school and football in his draft year helped to maintain focus.
"For me personally, when I was in my draft year at the age of 18, the balance of school and footy gave me great structure," Walsh said.
"Even if you didn't want to go to uni and you wanted to get a trade, I don't think too many people are going to be putting you on as a one-year apprentice knowing you're going to get drafted the next year.
"There's a lot of things that have been discussed about it but I think the way that it is at the moment really helps kids get the best out of themselves and I think the clubs are all for it as well."
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan last week hinted the draft age would remain at 18 but said it was being examined.
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Nick Ansell
Nick Ansell is a sports journalist at the Warrnambool Standard.
Nick Ansell is a sports journalist at the Warrnambool Standard.
