Well, the dust has settled after the draft and it’s time to wrap it up for another year.
It was no surprise that Matthew Kreuzer was taken at No.1 by Carlton with their priority pick. In fact the top ten was fairly standard of what was expected.
For us future sports agents, the draft is more than which players go where. It’s about who represents them.
Below is the top 16 draft picks and the Agents they have signed with. (Thanks to the Herald Sun)
1. Matthew Kreuzer – Carlton (Elite Sports Properties)
2. Trent Cotchin – Richmond (Anthony McConville)
3. Chris Masten – West Coast (Corporate Sports)
4. Cale Morton – Melbourne (Paul Connors)
5. Jarrad Grant – Western Bulldogs (Flying Start)
6. David Myers – Fremantle (Coporate Sports)
7. Rhys Palmer – Essendon (Corporate Sports)
8. Lachlan Henderson – Brisbane (Flying Start)
9. Ben McEvoy – St. Kilda (Elite Sports Properties)
10. Patrick Dangerfield – Adelaide (Paul Connors)
11. Patrick Veszpremi – Sydney Swans (Velocity Sports)
12. Cyril Rioli – Hawthorn Hawks (Elite Sports Properties)
13. Brad Ebert – West Coast (Elite Sports Properties)
14. Jack Grimes – Melbourne (No agent)
15. Robbie Tarrant – Kangaroos (Paul Connors)
16. Matthew Lobbe – Port Adelaide (No agent)
So the standings of the Agents are as follows:
1st. ESP
Tie 2nd. Corporate Sports and Paul Connors
4th. Flying Start
Other agents are in single figures.
ESP is one of the biggest firms catering to AFL Players, so it is no surprise to see them at number 1.
Ricky Nixon, who I have profiled before, is also prominent.
Corporate Sports is largely a Perth based Agency that has a large share of the players from the west, and judging by their three picks in the top seven, will continue to do so. They also have offices in New York and London.
As I have previously stated, a first round draft pick will get about $52,000 base salary, with match payments of $2400. Bonuses are awarded when players have played a certain number of games. Minute compensation compared to the US leagues. However, generally an agent will not take commission on a rookie contract.
The draft also allows players who have been cut by their club to get drafted again (not sure if the US leagues do that?). This was extremely popular this year, with 4 players making a return next season.
– Chris Lesley
One reply on “AFL Draft Wash Up”
nice article chris. As an aussie, i see how important it is for sports agents in our country to sign the best talent before they become stars. smart idea by u guys!