Messenger Shield top players, AFL draft prospects to watch this college footy season
Messenger has spoken to coaches and captains to identify one of the best schoolboy footballers to watch from each college when the 2020 Messenger Shield competition begins this Saturday.
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Some of South Australia’s most talented junior footballers will be on display when the Messenger Shield college football season gets underway this Saturday.
With potential AFL draftees, state representatives and other exciting prospects taking to the field, Messenger sport reporters Patrick Keam and Daniela Abbracciavento have spoken to coaches and captains to identify a player to watch from each division one school.
JAMES BORLASE
PRINCE ALFRED
At 191cm with natural ability, aerial prowess and strong bloodlines, James Borlase will certainly turn some heads at Prince Alfred in 2020.
The key defender, son of Port Adelaide premiership captain Darryl Borlase, is a member of the Adelaide Crows’ Next Generation Academy and has already had a taste of SANFL reserves football with Sturt.
First-year PAC coach Matt Slade hinted Borlase could be used as a swingman for the Reds.
“For a big fella, James has maintained fantastic condition and is moving really well,” Slade said.
“He’s played most of his footy down back in recent years but I think he’s keen to maybe play a bit more forward here to show that other element of his game.
“But it will depend on the circumstances and injuries as well … I don’t doubt we’ll see him at both ends through the year.”
NED CAREY
ROSTREVOR
The 198cm and 89kg utility was selected in this year’s AFL Academy Hub SA despite having limited opportunities in 2019 due to a knee injury.
In the eight matches Ned Carey played for Norwood’s under-18 side last season, Carey impressed with his athleticism and competitive edge.
Carey can play ruck, forward or in the back, providing plenty of options for Rostrevor.
He will, however, miss the opening round match against Prince Alfred due to another injury set back but is expected to return for round two.
RILEY HOLDER
SACRED HEART
Strong marking key forward Riley Holder is set to play an important role this season for a Hearts side down on height from a year ago.
The 190cm spearhead’s top qualities were on full display in the SANFL under-18 competition this month when he was named the round two MVP.
Holder kicked four goals straight and clunked eight marks to go with 22 touches in the best-on-ground performance against South Adelaide.
“Riley’s been involved in various state programs across the years and will certainly be one to watch for us,” Symonds said.
Holder has played some of his best football at centre-half forward but has shown he is equally adept to fill other roles across the ground.
SAM DUKALSKIS
ST PETER’S
Sam Dukalskis is a key, tall back who really impressed St Peter’s coach Sam Elliot during the few weeks of training before the COVID-19 pandemic shut sport down.
He previously played as a forward but switching to defence has helped him become better.
Dukalskis is quick and always willing to compete.
ZACK BUCK
ST MICHAEL’S
St Michael’s coach Mark Mickan has touted Zac Buck his first XVIII captain as one to keep an eye on this season.
The midfielder, who won the team’s best and fairest two years ago and came runner up last season is known for his strong leadership skills.
He is tough, works hard and makes good decisions under pressure and helps bring his teammates into games.
Buck is also a member of Woodville-West Torrens’ under-18 side and formed part of the 2019 premiership winning side.
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LUKAS COOKE
WESTMINSTER
Lukas Cooke is one of the younger players in Westminster’s side but the Year 11 is expected to star on field this year.
The 195cm ruck/forward is super athletic, versatile and exciting when he gets the ball in his hands.
“he hasn’t had much experience outside of school football,” new Westminster coach Tim Weatherald said.
“But he’s definitely a player to watch for us just with his pure size and goal kicking ability.
“He’s going to be really exciting for us.”
HUGO WALTER
SCOTCH
Scotch coach Nathan Eagleton says co-captain Hugo Walter will be a key for his side, not just through ability but his presence on-field.
Walter, who will share the role of skipper with brother Ned, brings experience to the school’s line-up having played first XVIII football since Year 10.
The senior is set to rotate through the midfield and across half-back.
“Hugo is really good with his voice and the way he goes about it – he’s a real leader,” Eagleton said.
“And he lines the ball up well, just like his brother, they play hard and strong.
“We’re really lucky to have them as captains in 2020.”
HUGH STAGG
IMMANUEL
Immanuel will lean on skipper Hugh Stagg and need him to produce big performances this season, according to coach Troy Clements.
The Glenelg forward has been in terrific touch with the Tigers in the SANFL under-18 competition, including collecting 28 disposals and kicking 3.5 in a win over West Adelaide last week.
“Hugh’s been in some really good form for Glenelg and is one player we’ll be relying a lot on this year,” Clements said.
The PHOS Camden junior product should be damaging for Immanuel with his work ethic, ball-winning ability and nous around goal.
Stagg was also a member of Glenelg’s triumphant under-16 grand final side last year, starring with three majors and 23 touches.
ETHAN SCHWERDT
PEMBROKE
Ethan Schwerdt is making his return to Pembroke’s side from a knee injury he sustained earlier this year while training with Norwood’s under-18 side.
The outside midfielder is an elite runner.
He is known for his endurance and his unquestionable workrate, with a desire to win the ball at all costs.
Schwerdt also uses the ball well by hand.
Redlegs talent manager Rick Shrowder describing Schwerdt as a “valued member of the under-18 squad who gets along with all the coaches”.