Recruiting and List Manager Stephen Wells.

While not related in any way, the shutdown of the AFL season has ignited a debate regarding the best age to draft young players into the league system.

Count the Cats famed recruiting and list manager Stephen Wells among those that do not understand the push to keep 18-year-old players out of the competition.

"My opinion is that 18 works really well," Wells said in an interview on SEN.

"There's a system in place, the AFL's set it up very well, that any player that didn't want to nominate for the draft doesn't have to.

"If an 18-year-old thought that he wanted to concentrate on his schooling and decided with his family that he didn't want to nominate for 12 months, he doesn't have to.

"Also, clubs don't have to pick 18-year-olds, so there's two safety measures there already for the 18-year-olds.”

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In recent years some of the most exciting players in the competition have done so aged just 18. Close to home Joel Selwood made an immediate impact in 2007, while coach Chris Scott was also a star at 18 with Brisbane. 

"I also think some of the most exciting players to watch in the competition, albeit that they are young, are the 18-year-olds that come in and make a difference to a club right from the start."

“I just think the draft in general works well for 18-year-olds and it's something that I think could and should go ahead this year.”

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