We only have to look at shows like The Voice or MasterChef to realise that those at the top are not the only talented people in the world. Let's see if current AFL players find a six kilometre run carrying an awkward, rough, 10 kilogram concrete block the "easy route". I doubt anyone else was "reaching for the Kleenex" at the simple statements of fact about giving up work or university for 10 weeks of intensive training as a display of "striving", "commitment" and "doing extra work to get the best out of themselves and their game" while following another legitimate avenue to be noticed.

To suggest that Nathan Jackel was chosen because of his "shaggy hair", is a misrepresentation of the rigorous process these boys went through to earn their spot at the top.

Ms Whelan obviously missed the discussion about Jackel's "blistering" speed, which is above the AFL standard of nine metres a second ... and rebellious?

Perhaps his long hair is an expression of someone who is comfortable in their own skin, without the need to conform.

Of course, this is television and the audience needs to warm to the characters in the final selection or the show would flop, but to suggest they have no talent is a display of ignorance to the statistics which prove the ability of these boys is "up there with the best".

Coach Michael Voss and Ryan Fitzgerald, host of The Recruit have expressed their genuine surprise at the quality of talent among these boys and that any one of them have the ability to be an AFL player.

This is the beauty of all reality TV talent search, regardless of being television, that ordinary people are given the opportunity to display their prowess and to be recognised and given the break that they would otherwise not have had. This program is no different. So if you don't like it, don't watch it.