Ok. So this Monty Patterson, is he getting a look at NRFL? (Suburbs at Div 1, not even Premier) Is he getting a look at ASB? (No) He has to be getting a look at both those levels if he is going to make it otherwise take the education. It's really that simple. Comparative to kids his age that were at that level are Dan Keat, Michael Boxall, Marco and Wood. At 17, they were in ASB sides and featuring regularly.
I'll hang my hat on it that if he takes the Ipswich gig, we are back here in 3 years time and he is just another kid spat out of the system.
Edit: of the 4 names you mentioned, only 1 had regular time at ASB level and he is the only one that disproves what I wrote above. In essence, I guess it validates that if you have got talent, you will shine through