From Herald Sun
Reported by Sam Landsberger
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ADELAIDE ruckman Josh Jenkins has indirectly questioned the support AFL-listed talent receives from VFL clubs in a bizarre and candid comparison with the SANFL.
Jenkins, who played 17 games with Bendigo last year while on Essendon’s list, said the integration of the Crows with second-tier clubs was superior and the SANFL was "unarguably" the best league outside the AFL.
The 23-year-old also gave a swipe to the VFL’s dwindling crowd figures and highlighted the sensitive issue of AFL clubs wanting to develop talent at the expense of VFL success.
The unprompted remarks have disappointed VFL clubs.
"I’ve now played in three Sturt trials… and one thing is clearly evident; the support for the SANFL and its clubs is sensational," Jenkins said in his blog JJ’s Journal.
'In some cases, the VFL end of the club want wins and premiership cups while the AFL group want player development as the number one priority.
"Both cases are fair enough but are not always conducive to a great partnership.
"The crowd at the Norwood v Sturt trial on Friday night was probably double what I would expect to see last year in the VFL regular season.’’
Jenkins described VFL-listed players as "ring-ins" despite 16 VFL stars graduating to AFL clubs at last year’s drafts.
"Whilst my goal is to participate in the Crows 22 week in and week out, I am pleased I can go back to my SANFL club and receive great support whilst playing in unarguably the second-best competition in Australia,’’ he said.
The 197cm basketball convert spent 2011 developing under then-Bendigo coach Shannon Grant before being traded to the Crows for pick No. 31
