How AFL scouts find the stars: family visits reveal true character
AFL scouts assess young players through video, stats and psychology tests, but the crucial check happens at family dinner where candidates cannot hide.
David Walls, head of player personnel at Fremantle, has spent three decades evaluating thousands of young footballers. He watches game footage, reviews fitness tests and psychology profiles, and meets coaches and teachers.
But the real measure comes when he visits a player's home. As Walls says, "You can't bullshit in front of Mum or Dad."
Parents reveal who their children truly are. Dads sell their sons as footballers while mums check whether they are good people.
More than 624,000 Australians play the game; finding the elite few takes years, money and skill.
- David Walls
- Fremantle head of personnel
- Nearly 30 years
- Walls' scouting experience
- 624,000
- Australian football players
Why it mattersYoung players aiming for the AFL need to understand that clubs value character and family stability as much as physical talent and on-field skills.
AustraliaAustralian families with talented young footballers now have insight into what AFL clubs actually look for when scouting the next generation of players.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 50 d ago
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