Champion Coach Alastair Clarkson Backs New Proposal for Struggling Clubs

First pick of state league players

AAP

Alastair Clarkson knows a thing or two about building a super team.

And he's backed a new proposal to help out struggling clubs like Carlton, Gold Coast and St Kilda.

The idea, first floated by Triple M Footy's Paul Roos back in April during an interview with afl.com.au, suggests that teams don't need more young talent, but instead need some hardened, older bodies.

Speaking to afl.com.au, Clarkson agreed with Roosy.

"We had the benefit of priority picks in the early part of my time at the footy club, which assisted our club to get some access to talent," Clarkson said.

"But so many other mechanisms of player movement and recruiting have changed in the space of the last decade, so there'll be a lot of different views … on how you can inject some talent into your group.

"Roosy's view is just continuing to bring in really talented 18-year-olds isn't the way, and I sort of share that view a little bit as well that some access to mature-age guys is healthy."

With the emergence of older players like Tim Kelly, Bailey Fritsch and more this year, this could be just what struggling clubs need.