"poaching" isnt the word I would use, especially since I am heavily involved in this "process" lol
It boils down to the close relationship AU collectively has with all the NPLSA clubs and the FSA programs. (which is very different to almost every other a league club, except brisbane these days)
I have never denied the role of SA NPL clubs play in youth development and im sure you're fully aware of my own involvement within the SA NPL (im also one of those rare people who enjoys the a league as much as the npl and it has nothing do with my employment) so im more than qualified to talk about this topic.
Like I have alluded to, development locally is 100% solely done by the SA NPL clubs, please bear in mind that players are heavily monitored from the ages of 12 and upwards though. The best players are either going to into the FSA/AU squads by the time there 14.