You could call it "academy seduction" ... a new affliction that might just be playing a role in the downfall of the Gold Coast Suns.
For so long, rivals in traditional footy markets have been grumbling about access to academy picks, but is the temptation of taking them hobbling the Suns?
It is one theory doing the rounds amid astute footy watchers.
Sure, it sounds like a stretch. Why wouldn't the Suns take the discount on local kids they have nurtured? But hear me out.
The Suns seized their moment in last year's draft, pouncing on Zeke Uwland, Dylan Patterson, Jai Murray, Beau Addinsall and Koby Coulson as academy picks from their own backyard. Yep, "academy seduction".
They also brought in Christian Petracca, of course, but smart minds are now wondering if the Suns' academy plunder has thrown their list out of whack.
Out the door went seasoned mid-to-top-range, mid-age experience: Sam Flanders (St Kilda), Brayden Fiorini (Essendon), Connor Budarick (Western Bulldogs) and Ben Ainsworth (Carlton).
All four are strong "core players". It helped provide cap space, and allowed for academy picks, but clearly it has left a hole.
Flanders had played 89 games for the Suns, Fiorini 124, Budarick 55 and Ainsworth 158. That's 426 games' experience gone.
Flanders and Fiorini have been hobbled by injury, Budarick has been a handy pick-up despite his own run of bad luck, and Ainsworth has been an outstanding addition for Carlton.
It's left a big hole, hence Suns coach Damien Hardwick often talking about the challenges of playing youth. This is the year the Suns were supposed to be challenging for the main prize; instead it's kind of a mini rebuild.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is also struggling at the Suns. That was a free throw at the stumps.
His history at the Dogs, though, is another story ... and a reminder you can fall for next generation academy seduction, too,
The Dogs went all chips in on Ugle-Hagan. It is easy in hindsight, and the move at the time appeared a no-brainer, but right now it is a horror show.
After Ugle-Hagan at No.1, the Dogs' next pick was Dominic Bedendo at pick No.55.
A wasteland draft for the Dogs, who would be in a much better place with three to four emerging youngsters from the Covid draft.
Ah, the dangers of seduction.
