Karl Finlay, Tom Lewis and Riley Thilthorpe among SANFL 2020 breakout player candidates
A potential No.1 draft pick, comeback kids and a mature-age recruit – we’ve picked out an emerging player at each SANFL club who could be set for a breakout season in 2020.
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SANFL clubs are in the thick of tough pre-seasons with less than two months until round one gets underway.
While all teams talk up those who have been burning up the track, The Messenger has identified those who look likely to take their game to the next level in 2020.
These are among the emerging players at SANFL clubs who could be set for a breakout season, selected with the criteria of 20 or fewer league games played.
NORTH ADELAIDE – Karl Finlay
Many would argue Roosters defender Karl Finlay should not be on this list, because he should be on an AFL one.
The 18-year-old was considered one of SA’s most unlucky prospects to not find a home in November’s draft but, to North’s benefit, he remains at Prospect Oval.
Finlay, a 192cm, 88kg defender, made one league appearance in 2019 and should see plenty of action under new coach Jacob Surjan this season.
An on-field leader who captained Prince Alfred College’s first XVIII side, Finlay is versatile and adept at reading the flight of the ball to leave his man and intercept.
NORWOOD – Henry Crauford
Is this the season where we finally see a changing of the ruck guard at Norwood?
The starting big man spot has been dominated by Sam Baulderstone since 2013 but Henry Crauford continues to bang the door down at The Parade.
The 22-year-old won the Redlegs’ reserves best and fairest and will benefit from a second SANFL pre-season under his belt after joining from Mount Burr before last year.
Norwood coach Jarrod Cotton said prior to the 2019 season he would not be surprised if Crauford made his league debut. This could be the year instead.
STURT – Tom Lewis
After tearing his ACL and missing the entire 2019 season, Sturt midfielder Tom Lewis is chomping at the bit to get back out on the field.
Has been flying during the Double Blues’ pre-season and coach Nathan Grima has earmarked him as a prime candidate to fill a role this year.
Lewis, 19, is yet to make his league debut but with some key senior departures in the off-season there is likely to be a spot for the in-and-under onballer in round one.
EAGLES – Pierce Seymour
He’s done it on the big stage of Adelaide Oval and now Pierce Seymour is set to try his hand at Woodville-West Torrens.
The rebounding defender impressed during last year’s SANFL finals playing as a top-up for the Crows before signing with the Eagles.
In the qualifying final loss to Port Adelaide, Seymour racked up 22 touches and seven rebound 50s and backed it up with 17 and six in the semi-final win over Norwood.
He then went back to Adelaide Footy League club Payneham Norwood Union and helped the Falcons win the division one flag.
WEST ADELAIDE – Riley Thilthorpe
Bloods young gun Riley Thilthorpe is certain to turn heads around the country this year.
The 199cm prospect is one of SA’s brightest talents in this year’s draft pool and has been spoken about as a potential top five pick.
While Thilthorpe will split his time with the state under-18 side, he is likely to be called into coach Gavin Colville’s league side whenever available.
The versatile forward/ruck kicked three goals in just his second game of senior football in 2019 and ended the year with eight majors from six matches.
SOUTH ADELAIDE – Hayden Sampson
Sampson bounced back from the disappointment of not being selected in the 2018 AFL draft by putting together a strong season for South.
The 19-year-old averaged 15.8 disposals across 15 league outings for the Panthers, taking home most improved player at the club’s awards night.
Sampson, who predominantly plays through the midfield and up forward, was a member of SA’s under-18 national championships winning side in 2018.
He is the son of Crows 1997 premiership half-forward Clay Sampson and looks a chance to take it up a notch in 2020.
GLENELG – Finn Betterman
Finn Betterman started the 2019 campaign in strong form for eventual premiers Glenelg before fading late and finishing the season in the reserves.
But the word out of the Bay is Betterman can take it to the next level this year.
The young defender scored the round nine breakthrough player nomination last season after a eye-catching 20-disposal game against North Adelaide.
Betterman is composed, strong in the air and has a decent turn of foot. Expect him to force his way back into the Tigers line-up.
CENTRAL DISTRICT – Corey Durdin
There is not much of Corey Durdin, at 173cm, but the Central District talent has shown he has no hesitation of mixing it with the big bodies at league level.
The young forward will almost certainly add to his three senior games from last year in between state under-18 commitments.
And Durdin, who kicked 3.2 from 11 touches against Norwood in round 17, will be eager to show AFL recruiters he is able to have an impact at senior level.