In the months leading up to last Thursday's draft it felt like New South Wales was represented by just one person. His name was Isaac Heeney and because he was such a good footballer, the fact Sydney was able to access him so cheaply created a hysteria that drowned out any talk about the ways in which the northern academies should start benefiting every other club.

Now it's time for some good news. No doubt, the bidding procedure attached to the academy (and father-son) system needs some tinkering. If Heeney had not been spotted and won over he would probably not have developed into the player he has become, and Sydney (Brisbane, Gold Coast and GWS) deserve a return for their hefty investment in their programs.

But in an open draft, Heeney might have gone to Melbourne at pick 3. If not, it's unlikely the Giants would have passed on him at the next selection. If the academies start doing what everyone hopes they do, and add first-round talent to the pool year after year, then the clubs that bring them up should have to cough up a little more.

That said, on Thursday night seven players from NSW had found their way onto AFL lists. That comes after just one last year, and after six clubs had chosen just 10 players in the previous 17 years.

The Swans made things official for Heeney, adding Jack Hiscox and Abe Davis with later picks. The Giants did the same with Jack Steele and Jeremy Finlayson, both of whom have grown up in the Giants Academy. It's worth noting that any club could have drafted Hiscox or Steele, secured in the second round, in last year's drafts. Jordan Foote will make it eight on Wednesday, when he will join the Swans as a pre-listed rookie.