THE news that Bendigo Pioneers were again visiting Swan Hill for a pre-season camp at the weekend would have been welcomed by football authorities in the region.
Direct interaction between the Pioneers and the communities it represents — and the region is indeed a broad one — is vital if the club is to successfully defend itself against claims it is too Bendigo-centric.
With players from Mildura, Echuca, Kyneton, Kyabram, Wedderburn and Donald, as well as Swan Hill’s Jake Maher and Kerang’s Jaden McGrath, the squad will have less of a Bendigo-only feel to it this year, coach David Newett said last week.
And with scouts like Trevor Mellington in Echuca and Wes Lewis in Swan Hill the Pioneers will continue to search right across the region for local talent.
But for all the merits and flaws in the TAC Cup model, the fact is it is only one step in the path towards a potential AFL career.
While the majority of drafted players come from TAC Cup ranks, a trend of selecting mature-age prospects from outside the elite under 18 system is growing.
Witness the drafting of Josh Jenkins from Lake Boga two years ago.
And as Jenkins works towards a potentially break-out season in 2013, Swan Hill’s Declan Foott will have the opportunity to impress through Carlton’s VFL affiliate the Northern Blues.
While Foott is not an AFL-listed player he had a fantastic opportunity to measure his progress when he pulled on the boots for a practice game with Carlton last week.
All local communities want to see their young talent recognised and clubs such as the Pioneers should certainly search right across their regions for the best possible players — and draft prospects.
But a preparedness for clubs to look outside the square, that is the TAC Cup in the search for the next superstar, should be welcomed.
