Brad Jefferies, Zac Becker, Kane McAuliffe among SAAS college footy 2021 breakout players
Adelaide’s college footy competition is stocked with talent and some young guns are exceeding expectations. See the players who have had breakout 2021 campaigns.
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From state under-17 squad members to those impressing on return from injury – there have been some breakout performers in Adelaide college footy this season.
With the help of coaches, we’ve identified a player from each division one school who has stood out and exceeded expectations.
BRAD JEFFERIES – ST PETER’S
A hard-working midfielder with an ability to rack up big numbers, Brad Jefferies’ performers have been nothing short of stellar.
The year 12 has been Saints’ most consistent performer and has been named in their best in all five matches this campaign.
“Brad is no fuss, there’s no tricks or flair about him, he just gets a hell of a lot of the football and is super consistent,” St Peter’s coach Sam Elliott said.
“His work rate is first class and he will keep on getting the football when he works that hard.”
The Sturt onballer has also displayed his ball-winning ability at SANFL under-18 level.
He gathered 37 touches, nine inside 50s and eight clearances in a standout round five performance for the Double Blues.
LIAM FAWCETT – TRINITY
A year 10 who recently joined the school, Central District junior Liam Fawcett has made an impressive start at Trinity.
Coach Scott Charlton said Fawcett had backed up a strong pre-season with eye-catching form in a variety of roles.
“We slotted him in as a forward and he’s been playing pretty well,” Charlton said.
“But on the weekend (round five) we played him on a wing and he gave us an extra element.
“He’s someone we’ve been pretty fortunate to pick up.
“And he’s played in the ruck for us a little bit as well, which is pretty encouraging as a year 10.”
Fawcett has also made six appearances for Central District’s under-16s this season.
JESSE TREVOR – ROSTREVOR
Versatile Rostrevor utility Jesse Trevor is beginning to reap the rewards from an injury-free campaign.
Trevor – described as an “excellent team man” by Rostrevor coach James Allan – has played an influential role in nearly every match this season.
“He’s come back from some pretty significant injuries over the last few years,” Allan said.
“We’ve played him all over the shop, in different spots up forward, we’ve played him on ball.
“He’s getting better and better every week and has been really pleasing for us.”
KANE MCAULIFFE – PRINCE ALFRED
Port Augusta product Kane McAuliffe has quickly emerged as a dominant player for Princes this season.
The half-back, who rotates through the midfield, is in the PAC leadership group as a year 11 and has impressed with his progression into one of the Reds’ stars.
“He’s been a consistent performer, getting a consistently high number of touches and kicking goals,” PAC coach Matt Slade said.
“Especially for a young year 11 … he’s emerged as a bit of a powerhouse.”
McAuliffe is linked to North Adelaide and was selected in the initial SA under-17 state squad for the national championships.
JAKOB RYAN – SACRED HEART
In an undefeated Sacred Heart side full of strong performers, year 11 Jakob Ryan has been able to put his name in lights.
The Glenelg youngster was best on ground in Hearts’ biggest test of the season – their seven-point round two triumph over St Peter’s.
He also stood up in his sides strong round one win over PAC and the round five demolition of Pembroke.
Ryan, who measures in at 188cm and 72kg, was selected in the initial SA under-17 state squad for the national championships.
ROCCO MCNEIL-KOVACIC – WESTMINSTER
The Dragons’ second win of the season came in round four and the performance of year 11 Rocco McNeil-Kovacic on a wing was a key part of the triumph.
Westminster coach Tim Weatherald has been impressed with McNeil-Kovacic’s progression.
“He’s only a year 11 boy and he seems to be getting better each week,” Weatherald said.
ZAC BECKER – SCOTCH
Zac Becker was strongly touted headed into the season but his blistering campaign so far has still exceeded expectations.
The Sturt product has shown his versatility as well.
Becker booted 11 goals in Scotch’s round three win over St Michael’s then went into defence in round five to hold down St Peter’s gun Morgan Ferres in a big upset victory.
“He’s been a standout at both ends of the ground as well as being very consistent,” Scotch coach Ben Nelson said.
“Zac’s probably been in our top three every game.”
Becker has also played one reserves game this season for Sturt, along with four under-18 appearances.
NICK SADLER – PEMBROKE
Pembroke midfielder Nick Sadler has been selected in SA squad for the AFL Under-17 National Championships – an achievement made more impressive due to his battle to return from injury.
“He had a shoulder injury which put him out last year, so to come back after that adversity a be selected in the state under-17 team is a real credit to Nick,” Pembroke football director
Robbie Neill said.
“He’s been really important for us and he’s also been impressive with Sturt.
“As a midfielder he can do both – inside and outside – and makes great decisions but he can be devastating by foot … he has an elite kick.”
Sadler has been a constant performer for Pembroke, named in the best players in all but one match this campaign.
JAMES REUTHER – IMMANUEL
Immanuel has managed one win and a draw this season after a winless 2020 campaign and James Reuther has played a major part in the resurgence.
The vice-captain, who has been the stand-in skipper with Fraser Agnew out injured,
“James has been really good for us this year,” Immanuel coach Mark Bickley said.
“He’s a key forward who is a great kick and mark, but we’ve also thrown him in the midfield and he’s shown he can make an impact as a bigger body in there.”
Reuther led the charge with three goals in a best on ground performance in Immanuel’s round two win against St Michael’s.
ADAM D’ALOIA – ST MICHAEL’S
It has been a tough 2021 so far for St Michael’s but the performances of Adam D’Aloia have given it something to smile about.
The Woodville-West Torrens junior has been named his school’s best player in three of five matches – in the other two he was named second best.
A tough midfielder, D’Aloia’s maturity and toughness around the ball has been a shining light for St Michael’s.
Coach Brett Ebert was full of praise for the year 12, in his third year of first XVIII football.
“Adam’s been amazing for us,” Ebert said.
“He’s really dominated for us the first five weeks. He’ll be out this weekend with the state game, so it will be up to some other guys to step up.”
The school is yet to win a game this season, with a nine-point defeat to Immanuel in round two the closest it has come.
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