The top young stars to watch in the biggest SA Intercol footy games of 2022
SA’s best young players will do battle this weekend in college footy’s biggest fixture. See which rising stars you should keep an eye on during Intercol.
Local Sport
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Adelaide college footy’s biggest week is finally here with 2022 Intercol set to get underway on Saturday.
Rivals are set to do battle across the First XVIII competition, with Prince Alfred taking on St Peter’s, Rostrevor going head-to-head with Sacred Heart, Immanuel clashing with Scotch and Westminster locking horns with Pembroke.
Each matchup will feature the state’s best young talent and we’ve picked the stars to keep an eye on ahead of the big games.
Here are our players to watch.
KANE MCAULIFFE
(Prince Alfred)
Prince Alfred’s captain has been in terrific form since returning from injury mid-season.
McAuliffe has the ability to play through the middle and also chip in at the back or across half forward.
A tireless bull who hits the contest hard and uses the ball exceptionally well by foot.
PATRICK WECKERT
(Prince Alfred)
When Weckert isn’t kicking bags of eight for North Adelaide, he’s booting important goals for his college and this weekend should be no different.
The Reds’ spearhead is a strong and athletic big-bodied threat in front of goal and has been hard for any opposing side to stop this year.
HUGHEN WISSMAN
(Prince Alfred)
A hard at it midfielder who is at the heart of PAC’s grittiness at the contest, Wissman could hold the key to his side’s chances on Saturday.
The promising star has been among the First XVIII team’s best each week.
BILLY DOWLING
(St Peter’s)
Fresh off of a best on ground performance in Saints’ division one plate game against Westminster, Dowling looks set to cause big problems for PAC.
An explosive and efficient midfielder, Dowling has been impressive at both SANFL (North Adelaide) and college level this year and is a strong chance to be drafted to the AFL.
Has flourished under new St Peter’s coach Josh Francou.
FRASER BONE
(St Peter’s)
A versatile player who can produce in the forwardline or in the ruck, Bone has had a strong 2022.
Possesses safe hands and is a great user of the ball.
If Bone can have an impact in the contest and the ruck, St Peter’s will be a chance at a result.
CHARLIE RAFF
(St Peter’s)
A breakout hybrid forward for St Peter’s this season, Raff remains an important part of his team’s lineup and game plan.
His ability to collect the ball in the air or at ground level and then finish has been huge for Saints, the young gun remaining a threat in front of goal in each appearance.
JACK HODGES
(Rostrevor)
Hodges has been a strong presence in the ruck and at the back for Rostrevor, the versatile weapon impressing in both areas during the season.
His aerial ability is second to none throughout the college competition.
Hodges’ decision-making is also vastly improved, with his distribution out of the middle or the backline often resulting in positive play for Rostrevor.
HARVEY PEDLER
(Rostrevor)
With the ability to do damage in the forwardline or as an inside midfielder, Pedler is one of the most dangerous players to face in the First XVIII competition.
The young star possesses a penetrating left foot and has shown the ability to deal with inside pressure and work in congestion this season, becoming a strong option on the ball for James Allan’s side.
NED ATKINSON
(Sacred Heart)
The son of former Sturt champion Brodie Atkinson, Ned has come on in spades in season 2022.
Just recently the tireless midfielder put together a dominant performance in the grand final against PAC, accumulating plenty of the footy and also booting two long range goals to seal the win.
A fast mover and brilliant decision-maker, Atkinson will be a handful for Rostrevor.
TYSON COE
(Sacred Heart)
Hearts’ captain was best on ground in the grand final against Prince Alfred, dominating the middle of the ground with his tough approach and efficient disposal.
Coe leads by example each week and has been one of the most consistent performers among First XVIII schools.
TOM WHEATON
(Westminster)
Returning to Westminster’s side after a serious ankle injury, Wheaton will be a key factor in any success against Pembroke in Intercol.
Wheaton is as athletic as anyone in the competition and spends most of his time rolling through the forwardline and the midfield.
A strong presence and an adept user of the footy.
ARCHER BYRNE
(Westminster)
Byrne has been a standout defender for Westminster in season 2022.
A standout centre half-back, he positions himself well to spoil or intercept countless forward 50 entries a game and can also hit a target out of the backline with ease.
Will be integral to his school’s chances this week.
ISAIAH WILKSCH
(Immanuel)
Immanuel’s captain continues to lead and perform at a high level for his school.
A speedy midfielder and winger for both Mark Bickley’s side and for Norwood, Wilksch cuts teams up with his efficient disposal and quick decisions.
PHOENIX FOSTER
(Immanuel)
The number one ruck for his team, Foster has had a strong season.
Foster’s tap work consistently gives Immanuel’s midfielders a first look at the ball and he has also shown the ability to move forward and impact the scoreboard as a target forward.
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