Draft hopeful Hugh Jackson says Rostrevor College set him up for 2021 success

Young gun and AFL Draft hopeful Hugh Jackson has paid homage to his alma mater, Rostrevor, which he says set him up for a massive 2021.

Rostrevor football products Tyson Walls, Jayden Gale, Max Michalanney, Hugh Jackson and Alastair Lord look set to make their mark in the AFL for years to come. Picture: Laura Syme

SA young-gun and AFL Draft hopeful Hugh Jackson has credited his time playing First XVIII Football at Rostrevor College for a gigantic 2021 season.

The North Adelaide under-18s inside midfielder had a dominant season on the ball including an eye-catching 20-touch second half in last weekend’s AFL under-19s SA vs. WA game.

Jackson, who graduated from Rostrevor College last year after arriving from country SA, has put his name right in the AFL Draft fold.

After being invited to the Draft Combine, he credited his time at the college for putting him in a position to succeed.

“When I got to Rostrevor I was a bit soft, on the wing, and all I wanted was to be able to develop myself into a prospect and I did that,” he said.

“They’ve got a really elite footy program with a lot of talent across the board and Jimmy (James) Allan as coach.”

Hugh Jackson breaks from a Rhett Bazzo tackle against Western Australia during his recent NAB AFL U19 Championships game. While South Australia lost, the star midfielder managed to draw a lot of positive attention. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Jackson grew close with that talented list through his time at Rostrevor, namely Norwood U18s talents Tyson Walls and Alastair Lord, as well as Jayden Gale and Max Michalanney, all of whom will put their hand up for AFL selection in coming years.

He still attended Rostrevor games during the recent college season and says staying in contact with the boys has helped him grow.

“I’ve grown close to all the guys, especially Tyson who I learned a really professional mindset from because I probably didn’t take footy as seriously as I should have when I arrived,” Jackson said.

“They’re all a really good bunch of blokes and so talented – I managed to get out to Intercol and a few other games and they’re all showing the right stuff to get to the top level.”

A strong relationship with coach James Allan is something Jackson also acknowledges as integral to his development.

“Jimmy is a tough character and knew I could move into that inside mid role so I’m very thankful for him building me up for that,” he said.

“He’s one of my favourite coaches I’ve had but I don’t want to gas him up too much.”

Jackson has been a force for the North Adelaide under-18s this year. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Jackson’s performances with the North Adelaide under-18s and Reserves this year have caught the attention of many AFL clubs, and his display against WA in Perth at the weekend only increased that interest.

The promising midfielder said his only focus now is producing his best each week in hopes that selectors will call his name.

“Playing for SA was a unique experience I’ll never forget. I played my role in the second half and did really well, and, while we lost, it was great to play with a bunch of elite guys,” Jackson said.

“I’ve had some contact from AFL clubs but until the draft I just want to perform my best at SANFL level and at the Combine, and then whatever happens, happens.”