The 10 South Australians selected for 2023 AFL and AFLW academies revealed
The 2023 AFL and AFLW academy squads have been selected and a number of SA young guns feature. See the 10 players who made the cut.
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South Australia’s most talented 17-year-old footballers have been selected as part of the AFL and AFLW’s academy programs for 2023.
A total of 10 SA stars will have the opportunity to train and compete with the nation’s best throughout next year as they chance their 2023 draft dreams.
Star North Adelaide and Prince Alfred College midfielder Kane McAuliffe was one of the players named in the AFL academy squad.
He said the achievement had been a goal for multiple years.
“When academy coach Tarkyn Lockyer called me it was surreal, it has been an aim of mine since 2021 and to know I’ve reached that goal has left me really proud of the work I’ve put in,” McAuliffe said.
“The program as a whole will be an invaluable asset in further developing not only my skills and playing style but my character and professionalism off the field, and the advice I’m going to receive about becoming the best player I can through off field practices like nutrition, hydration and wellbeing will definitely benefit me.”
McAuliffe – who at age 15 moved to the city from Port Augusta as a PAC boarder – has seen his game develop significantly in recent years.
The captain of his college side has performed consistently through the middle and around the ground for the Reds and for North Adelaide at SANFL U18s and reserves level.
The academy selection has reflected his development and given him a boost as he aims for draft selection next year.
“I think involvement in the program will lead to a lot of exposure to AFL clubs and recruiters which will be great for me as I try to achieve that ultimate draft goal,” McAuliffe said.
“Having said that I know that being selected will not automatically put me ahead of anyone else and I know there is a lot of hard work to come in order to get drafted.”
Another big selection was 16-year-old Lauren Young, who ruptured her ACL after winning the SANFLW best and fairest award with West Adelaide at just 15 years old in 2021.
She was thrilled to be selected despite missing a season of footy.
“It definitely got rid of a lot of nerves and I’m very grateful for the coaching team to give me a go and so honoured to have been selected,” Young said.
“It’s a massive honour to be picked alongside the other SA players and I also love a bit of friendly banter with the SA girls so if we have to play against each other it may get interesting.”
Young was also full of praise for the job coach Tarkyn Lockyer had done with developing the young players across Australia and looked forward to evolving her game further.
“Tarks has been so good in bringing this team together,” she said.
“Especially since I’ve had a year not playing footy, this will give me the opportunity to get back into the swing of things and I hope I can continue to build my skills and confidence getting back into the game.”
Here is the full list of SA players selected to the AFL and AFLW academies.
AFL
JACK DELEAN
(South Adelaide and Reynella)
A talented forward who has developed well at South Adelaide and Reynella.
Delean is a strong target and possesses clean skills, kicking 28 goals in his 16 U18s games for the Panthers last season.
KANE MCAULIFFE
(North Adelaide and Central Augusta)
A strong midfielder who can be deployed around the ground, McAuliffe’s selection in the AFL academy is well-deserved.
He kicked six goals and averaged 20 disposals through his 10 games for North Adelaide in 2022 and was also impressive as captain of Prince Alfred College’s First XVIII side.
ASHTON MOIR
(Glenelg and Plympton)
Moir has emerged as a star forward in SA, dominating for Glenelg and Sacred Heart after developing through Plympton’s program.
A tall and athletic player who can take big marks and finish efficiently, he booted 30 goals in 10 games for the Bays’ U18s last season and also averaged 15 touches.
WILL PATTON
(West Adelaide and Mitcham)
A talented utility, Patton had a statement season for West Adelaide’s U18s.
In nine appearances he averaged 20 disposals and six rebound 50s, making him a potent part of the Bloods’ lineup.
AFLW
MOLLY BROOKSBY
(Norwood and Golden Grove)
Brooksby was named Norwood’s best first year player for 2022 after a consistent season for the Redlegs.
A tireless player who always makes the right decisions with ball in hand, Brooksby averaged 12 disposals at 82 percent efficiency for the club.
SHINEAH GOODY
(Woodville-West Torrens and Henley)
Goody was named MVP of the 2022 NAB AFLW National Championships and is a sure-fire high draft pick for 2023.
The gun midfielder starred for Woodville-West Torrens throughout 2022, averaging over 20 touches.
ELAINE GRIGG
(Central District and Broadview)
Elaine Grigg experienced a strong season with North Adelaide in 2022 and has now joined Central District for season 2023.
A versatile player, Grigg played an important role in North Adelaide’s SANFLW premiership, averaging 10 touches and kicking six goals in her eight games.
MATILDA SCHOLZ
(Glenelg and Goodwood)
Scholz showed big potential as a ruck for Glenelg last season and has dominated in her seasons with Goodwood.
She averaged 26 hitouts and two inside 50s a game for the Bays last season and should develop at a high rate in 2023.
PIPER WINDOW
(Glenelg and Uraidla Districts)
Window’s selection comes as no surprise after a positive season through Glenelg’s midfield.
She wins contested ball consistently, averaging 13 disposals and three inside 50s to go along with five goals in 11 games.
LAUREN YOUNG
(West Adelaide and Goodwood)
Young missed the entire 2022 SANFLW season after sustaining an ACL injury at the end of 2021 but remains arguably the biggest talent in SA women’s footy.
Young won the 2021 SANFLW best and fairest award at just 15 years of age after impressing as a midfielder and forward for West Adelaide, and was also recognised as the national U19 MVP.
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