Fremantle has rolled the dice on a major Academy restructure that could pay dividends for punters keeping an eye on future draft picks. The Dockers are now training four Academy prospects over summer, including highly-rated father-son candidate Oli McManus, in what represents the club's biggest commitment yet to nurturing homegrown talent.
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This strategic shift isn't just about player development – it's a calculated investment in the club's future draft hand. With Academy selections becoming increasingly valuable currency in AFL trades and draft scenarios, Freo's enhanced program could deliver serious returns. McManus, son of former Docker Shannon McManus, shapes as a genuine first-round talent if he continues his current trajectory under the club's expanded coaching.
The extended training program gives these young guns unprecedented access to elite facilities and coaching staff, potentially fast-tracking their development compared to traditional Academy pathways. For savvy punters, this increased investment suggests the Dockers are extremely confident in this cohort's potential – confidence that could translate into earlier draft selections and stronger betting value.
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With father-son picks often presenting excellent value in draft betting markets, McManus looms as one to watch closely. The extra development time could see him emerge as a genuine top-10 prospect, making early odds on his draft position worth monitoring as the season progresses.