These days would-be draftees are subjected to hours of physical, mental and psychomotor testing, with each test result helping to determine when a player is selected or even if he will be drafted at all.
Clubs are placing more and more emphasis on athletic ability as the game becomes faster and more physically demanding.
But Craig, who requires a high level of fitness from his own players, said there was still a place for kids with football smarts.
“I reckon the real challenge for recruiters and coaches is that you don’t overlook the kid with football instincts,” Craig said.
“Just because he’s got a little fat bum or may not be able to cover the ground [doesn’t mean] he can’t play.”
Craig, who has forecast an increase in the number of teams using rolling zone defences next season, believes instinct will play an even greater role as the pressure on players to move the ball on quickly intensifies.
“Whatever happens with all the zones, you think the game becomes more clinical and methodical, but the instinct [of players] will be even more important,” he said.
“To me, from a physical point of view, [a good example] is Jimmy Bartel at Geelong. I don’t think he runs the lines with great speed … but in terms of instinct, he’s sensational.
“I think they are the ones you always have to look for because they are worth their weight in gold if you can get them.”
Instinct and athletic ability are just two qualities Adelaide is looking for in its next crop of youngsters; another is determination.
Crows development manager Alan Stewart, who has been in the business for more than 30 years, could write a book on all the naturally gifted players he’s seen who have failed to make the grade.
“I’ve seen a number of talented people come into the system who don’t have the drive, desire or ability to handle a real challenge and they drop away from the game,” Stewart said.
“What the quality players all need to have is a fierce drive and determination to overcome whatever obstacles come their way. If they are able to do that, they grow as people and certainly develop as footballers.
“AFL is a very demanding and intense game. You’ve got to have those qualities otherwise the system will shoot you out the other end pretty quickly.”
