RILEY Corbett is hopeful the Canberra Demons will find a way to continue to exist when the NEAFL merges with the VFL next year, adamant they're a vital option for Riverina talents looking to take the next step.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong forward played a season with the Demons last year before returning to the Lions in 2020.
The NEAFL teams associated with AFL clubs GWS, Sydney, Brisbane and Gold Coast are certain to have a presence in the expanded league, but the future of the other teams is unclear.
Corbett, 20, said Canberra's proximity to the Riverina was a major reason why he signed there after fielding offers from teams in other state leagues.
Leeton-Whitton has also welcomed back a handful of juniors from the Demons fold this year including Lucas Meline, Mitch Hardy and Jono Spina, while Magoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes forward George Kendall has also enjoyed a stint there.
"It would be pretty disappointing actually (if the Demons didn't continue)," Corbett sad.
"You'd think the AFL would want that second tier around NSW and even the closest (option to the Riverina) would be the AFL teams," he said.
"The fact you would have to go down to Melbourne or Adelaide to do things in football now after your draft year would be pretty disappointing."
Corbett said Canberra's smaller size compared to some of the bigger cities made it an appealing prospect for local youngsters looking to develop themselves without getting too far out of their comfort zone.
"It's nice and close to home, us country boys don't like moving to big cities and as you can see there's plenty of Riverina boys around the Canberra Demons just solely because of that," he said.
"Those boys would miss out on that chance and it's a bigger sacrifice I suppose to try it out (somewhere else).
Corbett is still hoping to play some role in GGGM's AFL Riverina Championship finals campaign after breaking his foot in the round two loss to Wagga Tigers.
But he conceded it's more likely at this stage he will sit out the rest of the season.
"I'm out of the boot now and I'm not doing too much training obviously," he said.
"I'd need everything to go my way to play, I'd say. I'm not writing it off just yet, but it's a fair way away.
"I'll be pushing it I reckon but I'll rehab it as best I can and see where I'm at."
READ MORE
