Here's a list of Christchurch lads aged 16,17,18 who mostly left around 13-15 years old and, as far as I know, are still chasing their footy dreams. I've included last known Chch club and where they are now (apologies if incorrect). I think if you asked them why they left, the answer would simply be that they're aiming higher than playing MPL/Dragons. As such, they need to invest more time in their footy than Tuesday/Thursday/pub; so they either a) were selected for or b) chose, full time football environments. In the football lifetimes of these kids, the Dragons/ASBP has been a stepping stone to nowhere much. Being a big fish in your own backyard is no guarantee of success in the wider world. Obviously its a lottery at whether any of these make it, but at least they are having a crack.
97 Joash Sutherland. FC20. Wynrs. Ole. US College (Xavier)
97 Bryce McMillen. Coastal. Wynrs. Ole. Belgium
97 Louie Evans. APFA/Cashmere. >>>?
97 Jackson Brady. APFA/Coastal. Academy in Spain. Coastal
98 Ben Stroud. St Bede's. Wee Nix
98 Kieran Pinkney. Cashmere. Academy in Spain. TBA
98 Liam Gerathy. Coastal. Ole
98 Marcel Kampman. APFA/FC20. Wee Nix
99 Joe Bell. APFA/Christs College. Wee Nix
99 Jacob Anderson. APFA/Nomads. Wee Nix
99 Sam Phillip. APFA/STAC. Wee Nix
99 Luke Tongue. APFA/Waimak. Wee Nix
99 Ellis Hare Reid. STAC. Academy in Spain.
I couldn't help notice you forgot that Dean Gibson fellow who was scouted with Kieran and Ellis while in Valencia. Watched him play with Western reserves and made some bloody good saves. I think he is u-19 schoolboys as well.