Hughen Wissman, Ned Atkinson, Finn Wakelin among SAAS college footy 2022 breakout players

Adelaide’s college footy competition is filled with talent and some young stars are exceeding expectations in season 2022. See the players who have had breakout campaigns.

From SANFL young guns to up and coming surprise packets, Adelaide college footy has played host to a number of breakout players in season 2022.

With the help of coaches, we’ve identified players from each division one school in the SAAS First XVIII competition who have exceeded expectations so far this year.

See the full list:

HUGHEN WISSMAN – PRINCE ALFRED

Prince Alfred College on-baller Hughen Wissman (right) is already surpassing expectations in 2022. Picture: Prince Alfred College

Wissman was highly touted by Reds coach Matt Slade heading into this season, but the senior on-baller has surpassed expectations already.

“He’s been consistently hard working for us and in our best players each week,” Slade said.

“He does the tough stuff for us as an on-baller.”

Tough is an apt description for Wissman, who loves fighting for the contested ball and never stops running for Prince Alfred.

He’s been a major part of the college’s undefeated start to 2022.

WILL CHARLICK – PRINCE ALFRED

Charlick has taken his game to another level for Prince Alfred this year, slotting in at half-back seamlessly.

“Will has really advanced his game for us across half-back,” Slade said.

“He is another player who wins a lot of contested ball and he also provides drive out of the defence.”

Charlick has been among the college’s best each week and continues to improve with his decision making and disposal efficiency.

WILL MCCABE – SACRED HEART

McCabe’s presence in the forward line continues to play an important part in Sacred Heart’s almost unstoppable attacking play.

A talented goal-kicker and strong mark, the Hearts centre half-forward has produced some key performances for his team this year and has also formed a strong partnership with star forward Ashton Moir.

NED ATKINSON – SACRED HEART

Versatile young gun Ned Atkinson has made a name for himself at Sacred Heart this year. Picture: Michael Hall

The son of former Sturt champion and Magarey Medalist Brodie Atkinson, Ned has had a strong debut season for Sacred Heart’s First XVIII side so far.

Playing as a half-forward and midfielder in coach Jon Symonds’ team, Atkinson has been among the best performers for Hearts each week, showing promising skills and poise on the ball.

His ability to win the ball in the contest and also hit the scoreboard has seen him stand out for the team each week.

Only in Year 10, the best is yet to come for Atkinson and his fast development would have both his college and Sturt excited.

FINN WAKELIN – ROSTREVOR

Rostrevor utility Finn Wakelin has been a welcomed boost to the college's First XVIII ranks. Picture: Claude Beltrame

Wakelin has impressed as a centre half-forward and ruckman at Rostrevor and has played a significant part in the college’s strong start to this season.

The Year 11 only played a handful of games for Rostrevor’s First XVIII team before this season but has quickly become a staple for coach James Allan.

The youngster’s ability to hit packs, take strong marks on the lead and convert on the scoreboard has been big for his team, while his ruck work has been a handy bonus and allowed Rostrevor to rotate.

MAX DAW – ROSTREVOR

Rostrevor's Max Daw has been a pleasant surprise for coach James Allan so far this season. Picture: Claude Beltrame

Daw’s recent performance across half-back against St Peter’s put the competition on notice and added to a promising showing from the young gun so far this year.

Showing the ability to read the ball before anyone else, Daw consistently picked off forward entries by Saints and used his explosiveness and intelligence with the ball to kick-start attacks for Rostrevor.

Another player who only played a few games for the college’s First XVIII team last year, Daw’s contribution to both defence and attack has been a welcomed boost for Rostrevor.

ANDERS MCSHANE – WESTMINSTER

Westminster's Anders McShane (left) continues to develop in the midfield under Tim Weatherald. Picture: Sports Association for Adelaide Schools

McShane has been a reliable midfielder for Westminster this year, showing explosiveness in the contest and a willingness to go in hard and win the ball for his side.

The fast-developing on-baller has been among the college’s most promising performers, according to coach Tim Weatherald.

“He’s become a very consistent midfielder,” Weatherald said.

“He’s an important part of our side and has been in the best bunch each week.”

RILEY DAVEY – IMMANUEL

Immanuel College coach Mark Bickley was impressed by midfielder Riley Davey to start season 2022. Picture: Dean Martin

“Riley was good last year but he’s been excellent so far this year.”

Big words from Immanuel coach Mark Bickley but well-deserved for Davey – one of the team’s most improved performers in the midfield this year.

Davey possesses the ability to not only hit the contest hard, but also explode away from opponents and penetrate the forward 50 with a high efficiency.

Immanuel looks to be a solid outfit this season, and the improvement of Davey has played a big part in the school’s solid start.

HENRY WICKS – ST PETER’S

Wicks is a skilful, courageous midfielder who has become an important part of Saints’ lineup under new coach Josh Francou.

While the college currently sits sixth after the long-weekend bye, Wicks’ early performances have brought some excitement to the team.

The young midfielder’s pace in the middle, as well as his intelligent distribution by hand or foot, have made him a sure-fire pick in the First XVIII team each week.

CHARLIE RAFF – ST PETER’S

St Peter's' Charlie Raff has shown big potential playing as a forward under coach Josh Francou. Picture: Sports Association for Adelaide Schools

A talented hybrid forward, Raff has put his versatile ability on full display for Saints.

Raff possesses brilliant footy smarts around and inside the forward 50, and has been able to hit the scoreboard in each game so far this season.

He has also displayed his tank and speed, with his ability to move around the ground and set up his teammates consistently causing issues for opposition defenders.

HARRY CHAPLIN – SCOTCH

If there was a positive to captain Kyan Eagleton and star player Jackson Bishop missing the start of the season with injury, it would be the rise of promising young midfielder Harry Chaplin.

While Chaplin is still gaining experience in coach Ben Nelson’s First XVIII lineup, he has oozed potential in the middle of the park.

He can distribute on either side of his body and also brings high intensity to the contest through four quarters.

Chaplin would be one to keep an eye on as Eagleton and Bishop return to the side, as the three teammates along with fellow youngster James Dutton could make up a formidable centre unit.