Top 70 rising stars aged 22 and under to watch in local SA footy season 2023
SA’s local footy season is around the corner and we’ve scoured the state’s suburban and country competitions to name 70 gun prodigies aged 22 and under. See who made the cut.
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The 2023 local SA footy season is fast-approaching and a number of rising stars are set to enjoy breakout seasons across the state.
Ahead of the season, we’ve scoured the state’s suburban and country competitions to name the top 70 rising stars aged 22 or younger for 2023.
Here is our list in alphabetical order of first name.
ARCHER PERTZEL
(Marble Range, Port Lincoln FL)
The winner of the Port Lincoln FL U17.5 medal last season, midfielder Archer Pertzel has a bright future at Marble Range.
A skilled player with high potential, Pertzel also played for Norwood in the Futures Championship Carnival last season.
ARYAN SAREEN
(Goodwood, Adelaide Footy League)
The 21-year-old half-back has been listed in Port Adelaide’s SANFL squad but will also remain with the Goodwood Saints in the Adelaide Footy League.
Sareen showed explosiveness and efficiency off of half-back last season for the Saints and also kicked three goals off of the backline.
BAILEY BOUGHEN
(Mannum, River Murray FL)
The 20-year-old is a silky left footer who works hard and always finds space.
Hits the contest hard for a winger and impacts the scoreboard regularly.
Also featured in the RMFL association side’s best players last season.
BAILEY ENGLAND
(Sacred Heart OC, Adelaide Footy League)
A young defender on the up, England joined SHOC this pre-season after a successful period at Reynella in the Southern Football League.
A versatile and strong player, he was among the Wineflies’ best in five of his 16 games last season.
BEN BELPERIO
(St Peter’s OC, Adelaide Footy League)
Originally a Walkerville junior who spent time in Norwood’s underage system, Belperio has started to make a name for himself in SPOC’s midfield.
A tough and tireless mid who is now entering his early 20s, Saints are excited by what Belperio can bring into the future for the club.
BILLY CHAHLA
(McLaren, Great Southern FL)
A talented young small forward for the GSFL’s reigning undefeated premier, Chahla will again be one to watch in season 2023.
In 12 A Grade appearances last season Chahla kicked seven goals and was among the Eagles’ best on three occasions.
BLAKE MARSDEN
(Gawler Central, Barossa Light and Gawler FA)
Last season’s BLG Rookie of the Year, Gawler Central’s Marsden proved to be a force in the middle and behind the ball.
The teenager picked up six best player nods in his 16 A Grade appearances.
CHARLIE POWELL
(Lobethal, Hills FL)
At just 18 years old, Powell is set to make the transition to senior footy for Lobethal this season.
Powell is a talented wing/half-back who provides tireless and explosive run along the flanks and delivers well by foot.
CHARLIE PRIDHAM
(Goodwood, Adelaide Footy League)
A talented midfielder who has come through both the West Adelaide and Goodwood Saints systems, Pridham could be primed for a major 2023 campaign.
A tough player inside who wins his own footy and finds teammates in space.
CODY TAPE
(Tea Tree Gully, Adelaide Footy League)
A 19-year-old emerging talent out of Norwood’s youth program, Tape should feature regularly for the Gullies’ senior side.
The damaging forward who can also play along the wing impressed in his four Adelaide Footy League games last season, tallying three best player mentions and two goals.
CONNOR SAMPSON
(Myponga-Sellicks, Great Southern FL)
The younger brother of South Adelaide gun Hayden Sampson, Connor Sampson has quickly established himself as a key youngster at Myponga-Sellicks.
A forward and winger with electric pace and smart disposal, Sampson spent time with South Adelaide last season and should take his game to another level for the Mudlarks in 2023 as a result.
COOPER GILBERT
(Myponga-Sellicks, Great Southern FL)
Another young gun to keep an eye on out of Myponga-Sellicks, Gilbert’s potential as a long-term midfielder has Mudlarks coaches excited.
A tough workhorse through the middle who can also play wing, Gilbert made 19 appearances in the A Grade last season.
COOPER O’LEARY
(Broadview, Adelaide Footy League)
One of the most talented youngsters in the Adelaide Footy League, Cooper O’Leary experienced a breakout season for Broadview in 2022, booting 11 goals and being named among the Tigers’ best seven times in 21 games.
The younger brother of club captain Jay O’Leary will have the chance to cement himself among the best wingers in the competition this year as the Tigers compete in division one.
DANIEL MARR
(McLaren, Great Southern FL)
A fast-rising star in his early 20s, Marr was dominant alongside GSFL champion Brett Ellis in McLaren’s midfield last season.
He rotated seamlessly through the midfield and forwardline to tally 19 goals and six best player mentions as the Eagles went the entire season undefeated.
DANNY JUCKERS
(Willunga, Great Southern FL)
A 22-year-old star of the GSFL competition, Juckers was one of Willunga’s standout players during the club’s grand final run last season.
The midfielder/half-back was among the Demons’ best on 11 occasions and also booted 15 goals.
Look for him to dominate in the red and white yet again this season.
ELIJAH LAUBE
(Sacred Heart OC, Adelaide Footy League)
Laube starred for Sacred Heart OC’s reserves side as a teenager last season and should continue to put his name forward for A Grade selection as he develops in 2023.
A versatile forward who can also pinch-hit in the middle, Laube tallied 10 goals in nine games for Hearts in 2022.
ETHAN DORTMUNDT-SANSBURY
(CMS Crows, Yorke Peninsula FL)
Teenager Dortmundt-Sansbury had an exceptional season for CMS Crows in 2022, taking out the Senior Colts medal after dominating at U17s and reserves level in the YPFL.
In 16 games for the reserves, the talented mid/forward booted 13 goals to go along with eight best player mentions.
FLETCHER WISMAN
(Glenunga, Adelaide Footy League)
A 20-year-old forward who can also play through the middle, Wisman booted 20 goals in 15 games for Glenunga’s A Grade division one side last season.
After another strong pre-season, the Rams youngster could be set for another big year.
HAMISH RALPH
(Broadview, Adelaide Footy League)
Ralph emerged as an important player in Broadview’s system last season.
A key defender for the Tigers, Ralph is a good user of the ball and makes strong decisions under pressure.
HARRY DWYER
(Port District, Adelaide Footy League)
A 19-year-old utility who has continued to develop in the Port District system, Dwyer is a utility to keep an eye on this year.
Dwyer kicked 19 goals in 20 games for the Magpie reserves in 2022.
HARVEY LAMBERT
(Sacred Heart OC, Adelaide Footy League)
Another Adelaide Footy League utility with high potential, Harvey Lambert remains a key part of SHOC’s future after time with the reserves and the Glenelg U18s last season.
He booted 27 goals in 12 SANFL U18 games in 2022.
HAYDEN KERNAHAN
(Cove, Southern FL)
A talented backman who will spend another year on the Crows SANFL list, Kernahan returned to hometown club Cove this pre-season after a year with Brighton.
The 21-year-old continues to develop his game as well as physically and could take Cove to the finals this year.
HEATH GREEN
(South Augusta, Spencer Gulf Football League)
Green finished runner-up in the Bishop Medal for the SGFL U18 best and fairest last season after a strong campaign for South Augusta.
The 18-year-old midfielder played 14 games for the side, tallying seven goals and nine best player nods.
He also played a reserves game for the Bulldogs and should find himself in more senior footy line-ups this season.
HENRY MCAULIFFE
(Sacred Heart OC, Adelaide Footy League)
A talented small forward in his early 20s, McAuliffe was a standout for Hearts in division two last season and will again look to have an impact in division one.
He booted 27 goals in 20 appearances last year.
HENRY PEDLER
(Hahndorf, Hills FL)
A skilled forward who has impressed during his time at the Magpies, Pedler is set for a big 2023 season according to the club’s coaches.
Is a clean player who possesses reliable hand and foot skills.
JACE DARIS
(Christies Beach, Southern FL)
Daris has emerged as a hot prospect at Christies Beach, taking out the U17.5 senior colts medal last season.
A tireless worker through the middle who consistently wins contested footy.
JACK LUDERS
(Goodwood, Adelaide Footy League)
Luders played a mix of division one and reserves games for Goodwood last season and impressed as an up-and-coming key defender.
The 21-year-old was named among the Saints’ best two times in his eight division one appearances.
JACOB WILSON
(Tailem Bend, River Murray FL)
A live wire up front for Tailem Bend, Wilson has had a promising junior career and performed in a handful of A Grade games in the RMFL last season.
If Wilson can continue to develop at the pace he has been, he should be of significant value for the Eagles up front and through the middle.
JAKE SPINKS
(Myponga-Sellicks, Great Southern FL)
Spinks won a club best and fairest at Myponga-Sellicks aged just 20 and has developed into one of the most reliable midfielder/forwards in the GSFL a year later.
A skilful player on the ball, Spinks booted 23 goals in 21 appearances for the Mudlarks in 2022.
JAMES HIGGINS
(St Peter’s OC, Adelaide Footy League)
A 20-year-old midfielder who works hard in the contest and can hit the scoreboard, Higgins could be primed for a big year at Saints after time with the reserves.
A former Norwood junior, Higgins showed promise in his two division one A Grade appearances last year and will have an opportunity for more game time this year after a number of departures.
JAMES RIDGWELL
(Goodwood, Adelaide Footy League)
In five appearances for Goodwood’s A Grade side last year, Ridgwell kicked three goals and was named among his side’s best.
Look for the talented small forward to put his hand up for more top flight appearances after a consistent 2022 with the club’s reserves.
JARMAN SIGAL
(Brighton Bombers, Adelaide Footy League)
The 21-year-old defender has been dominant for Brighton for multiple years now and notably made the Adelaide Footy League division one Team of the Year in 2022.
One of the Bombers’ most consistent performers, Sigal is capable of doing a job on any forward and is a great user of the ball off of the backline.
JESSE LANDERS
(Hahndorf, Hills FL)
Landers has joined Hahndorf after a strong 2022 season with Uraidla Districts in which he tallied eight goals and four best player nods from the ruck.
The 22-year-old will be an important asset for the Magpies as they aim to rotate him with Daniel Roberts.
JOEL PARKER-BOERS
(Hahndorf, Hills FL)
At just 21 years old, Parker-Boers has established himself as one of the best young talents in local SA footy.
A skilled midfielder who can set-up teammates with ease or hit the scoreboard himself, the youngster booted seven goals in 19 Hahndorf appearances last year and was named among his team’s best 12 times.
He also dominated in the SA Country Football Championships last season and should feature again in 2023.
KAI LWAO
(Goolwa-Pt Elliot, Great Southern FL)
An up and coming 17-year-old winger, Lwao has been backed to have a solid year at the Goolwa-Port Elliot Football Club by new coach Reece Slape.
The teenager is an explosive player who provides damaging run and carry.
KAIN SPINKS
(Myponga-Sellicks, Great Southern FL)
Twin of fellow Mudlarks young gun Jake Spinks, Kain has made a name for himself as a classy defender in the GSFL.
A composed player who uses the ball exceptionally well, Spinks tallied four best player appearances in his 14 A Grade games last season.
KANE FLANAGAN
(Broadview, Adelaide Footy League)
Flanagan had an exceptional season for Broadview last year and has been touted for another big campaign as the Tigers enter division one.
A young defender who can do a job on most forwards and is as strong as anyone in the air, Flanagan was second best on ground in last season’s division two grand final.
KENNY ANGUS
(Goolwa-Pt Elliot, Great Southern FL)
Another talented 17-year-old in the Goolwa-Pt Elliot system, Angus has been impressive as a forward throughout the pre-season.
The teenager competes well in the air and at ground level and knows his way around goal.
KEYNAN HARRADINE
(Rambler, River Murray FL)
The winner of the 2022 RMFL best under 21 player award, Harradine is coming off of a fantastic season for Ramblers.
The explosive midfielder and forward can rip a game apart on his day and will be a must watch player this year.
Won his club’s best and fairest award last year, was named in the league Team of the Year and finished equal third in the Mail Medal count.
LACHIE CAMM
(McLaren, Great Southern FL)
The 21-year-old tall forward proved a handy asset during McLaren’s undefeated 2022 campaign, booting 10 goals in six appearances for the A Grade side.
A strong player who competes well in the air, Camm should play an instrumental role in season 2023.
LACHIE DECESARE
(St Peter’s OC, Adelaide Footy League)
In 17 games for SPOC in division one last season, 21-year-old forward/midfielder DeCesare kicked nine goals and was among Saints’ best on six occasions.
A smart player with ball in hand who always makes the right decision, the young gun will be important again this year.
LACHIE THOMAS
(Jervois, River Murray FL)
A versatile player who can play all over the ground, Thomas typically plays his best in midfielder/wing and half-forward roles.
The youngster made a controversial move from Tailem Bend to RMFL powerhouse Jervois at the end of last season and will be one to keep an eye on at the Bluds.
LEWIS SAINT
(Broadview, Adelaide Footy League)
An elite runner and ball-user who brings toughness to the contest, Saint is among the most exciting young wingers in the Adelaide Footy League.
He also has elite goal-sense, booting 14 majors in 21 division two games last year.
LIAM DELANEY
(South Gambier, Western Border FL)
A strong half-forward who can pinch hit in the middle, South Gambier coaches have tipped Delaney to have a big year in the WBFL.
The 19-year-old played 13 A Grade games last season, kicking 10 goals.
LOUIS BROWN
(Hatherleigh, Mid South Eastern FL)
Brown is coming off of a major ankle surgery after an injury sustained last season but has looked back to his best this pre-season according to Hatherleigh coaches.
The 22-year-old forward played seven A Grade games in the MSEFL last year and booted five goals.
MAVERICK COOPER
(Kongorong, Mid South Eastern FL)
The 18-year-old midfielder had a strong 2022 season, winning the Senior Colts best and fairest in the MSEFL.
Cooper kicked 14 goals and tallied 11 best player performances for Kongorong’s Senior Colts side and also played for the reserves.
Look for him to earn more reserves or A Grade opportunities in 2023.
MICHAEL WILDEN
(Lobethal, Hills FL)
An 18-year-old defender making his way into senior footy for Lobethal this year.
Wilden has been a reliable centre half-back and half-back flanker for the Tigers throughout his junior years and has been touted to have an impact at senior level in season 2023.
MITCHELL HARROLD
(South Gambier, Western Border FL)
A hard-running wingman who provides explosiveness and composure with the ball in hand, 18-year-old Harrold should play regular footy at senior level this year.
Played nine A Grade games for South Gambier last season, kicked six goals and was among the side’s best on four occasions.
MITCHELL HEWARD
(Mannum, River Murray FL)
A reliable and hardworking midfielder, Heward has become a major force in the engine-room for the Mannum Football Club.
The rising star is also someone his side can count on in the contest when under the pump defensively.
MITCHELL SIMS
(South Gambier, Western Border FL)
A clever forward who can also rotate through the middle, Sims has been one of the best young goal sneaks in the WBFL.
Booted 29 majors in 22 A Grade games last year at 19 years old.
NICK EGARR
(Glenunga, Adelaide Footy League)
Egarr has been one of Glenunga’s most reliable small defenders.
At 22 years old, he has become adept at playing on the opposition’s best small forward each week and is as composed as anyone coming out of defence.
OLLIE STAFFORD
(Lobethal, Hills FL)
An 18-year-old half forward out of Lobethal, Stafford booted 18 goals in 15 U18 appearances for the Tigers last season.
Will be one to watch as he continues to progress up the Lobethal ranks this season.
PADDY CHAY
(Hatherleigh, Mid South Eastern FL)
A 19-year-old forward who possesses a strong mark and impressive athleticism, Chay has looked set for a breakout season in 2023.
The teenager was consistent for Hatherleigh throughout the 2022 MSEFL season, booting 24 goals in 13 A Grade games.
PRESTON COCKATOO-COLLINS
(Port District, Adelaide Footy League)
Son of Che Cockatoo-Collins, Preston Cockatoo-Collins will play for Port District this season and will also be on Port Adelaide’s list as a top-up player.
The 19-year-old played both wing and forward for the Magpies reserves last season and should provide a strong and explosive option in 2023.
REECE COWLING
(West Gambier, Western Border FL)
Cowling has emerged as one of the best young prospects in the Western Border Football League.
The 18-year-old has been a strong and reliable midfielder for West Gambier and made his A Grade debut at just 17 years old.
RILEY VERRALL
(Tea Tree Gully, Adelaide Footy League)
A talented defender who has come through Norwood’s reserves and U18s system, Verrall is set for a big year with TTG in division one.
The 19-year-old was dominant for the Redlegs U18s last season, kicking five goals and being named best afield three times in 19 games.
A strong and athletic player, Verrall could be a major player for the Gullies as they aim to make it back to div one finals after missing last season.
RORY HAUSSER
(Goolwa-Pt Elliot, Great Southern FL)
A reliable midfielder and forward coming through the Magpies’ system, Hausser has been tipped to have a big year by his club.
Had four best player performances in 12 A Grade games last season as a tough inside mid.
RYAN FARNHAM
(Imperials, River Murray FL)
A strong and consistent one-on-one defender, Farnham has been selected in Imperials’ leadership group for season 2023.
Farnham tallied four best player nods for the A Grade in 2022 and has looked fit and strong leading into this year.
SAM RENNEY
(Willunga, Great Southern FL)
An emerging star in the GSFL, Renney has made a name for himself as one of the best young forwards in the competition.
The 22-year-old is a courageous and tireless forward who can kick goals and also pinch-hit in the middle with his ability to win the ball.
Kicked 28 goals in 16 games last season.
TERELLE MCKENZIE
(West Augusta, Spencer Gulf FL)
The U18 Bishop Medallist last season in the Spencer Gulf Football League, McKenzie will be one to watch in 2023 as he looks to back-up his 2022 campaign up front.
The strong-bodied and skilful forward played three A Grade games for West Augusta last season, kicking three goals.
He booted 65 goals in 23 U18 games.
TOM PACKER
(Lobethal, Hills FL)
Packer performed at a high level as a back pocket in Lobethal’s U18s last season and is set to receive more opportunities in senior footy this year.
The 18-year-old has the ability to compete with most forwards in the air and is a smart user by both hand and foot.
TONY KEMPSTER
(Myponga-Sellicks, Great Southern FL)
A 22-year-old defender who oozes class and composure out of the backline, Kempster was one of the most impactful backman in the GSFL last season and should back-up that effort in 2023.
Kempster’s competitive nature and impressive skills off of both feet saw him tally five best player performances in 20 games last season.
WILL CANSDELL
(Tea Tree Gully, Adelaide Footy League)
22-year-old Cansdell has racked up nearly 100 games as a Tea Tree Gully senior and remains one of the side’s most impactful forward/midfielders.
Boasting the ability to win the ball in the contest or finish in front of goal up front, Cansdell has been an outstanding leader at the Gullies and should have a strong 2023 campaign.
WILL CHARLICK
(Prince Alfred OC, Adelaide Footy League)
Charlick had a breakout season for Prince Alfred College’s First XVIII side last year and has impressed at PAOC during this pre-season.
A tireless half-back who wins plenty of contested ball and damages sides with his drive out of defence, the 18-year-old young gun could prove to be yet another weapon in the Old Reds’ arsenal.
WILL CHARLTON
(Prince Alfred OC, Adelaide Footy League)
Charlton impressed during his debut senior season at PAOC last year, booting five goals from the middle in 16 games played.
The youngster has impressed coach Craig Pitt during the pre-season and should be a regular selection again in 2023.
WILL CHAY
(Hatherleigh, Mid South Eastern FL)
The 21-year-old onballer won Hatherleigh’s A Grade best and fairest at just 19 years old and has been a staple of the MSEFL side ever since.
A tough player who shows courage in the contest and can move up the ground to hit the scoreboard, Chay should star for the Eagles again this year.
WILL CLARKE
(Goodwood, Adelaide Footy League)
21-year-old forward Will Clarke established himself as a regular in Goodwood’s division one A Grade side last season, booting 25 goals in 19 appearances for the Saints.
Clarke has shown great poise in front of goal and competes well in the air to fit the forward role seamlessly.
ZAC GRIVELL
(Hahndorf, Hills FL)
Grivell played 19 A Grade games as a 20-year-old defender for Hahndorf last season and was a solid contributor in the club’s heartbreaking grand final loss to Lobethal.
Also playing association footy last year, Grivell is a strong player in the air and at ground level who can give the best forwards headaches.
ZAC ROSE
(Port District, Adelaide Footy League)
An 18-year-old key position player who has already played 12 A Grade games for Port District, Rose could be an exciting option for the Magpies in 2023.
Can provide security at the back but also move up the ground and provide a target inside 50, kicking six goals in 12 A Grade games last year.
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