AFL Draft 2021: South Australia’s top prospects from the SANFL
From the state’s best juniors to mature-age stars of the SANFL, South Australians are again set to feature heavily in the AFL Draft. We profile and rank the top prospects.
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The AFL Draft is less than a month away and South Australians are set to again feature heavily.
Last year, 14 Croweaters were taken in the national draft, five of them in the first round. Another seven were selected in the rookie draft or signed as Category B rookies.
SCROLL DOWN FURTHER TO SEE THE TOP 10 MATURE-AGE PROSPECTS
Will this year’s crop replicate those numbers in November?
After studying the vision and talking to clubs and recruiters, Andrew Capel and Jordan Pinto deliver the final installement of SA’s top 30 draft prospects.
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1. JASON HORNE-FRANCIS (September ranking: 1)
(South Adelaide)
18, midfielder/forward, 184cm, 77kg
2021 Champion Data ranking points average: 85 (League)
The South Adelaide midfielder has it all, which is why he is set to be the first player taken on November 24. Horne-Francis is strong on the inside, but also electrifying away from the contest, boasting a mix of speed, evasiveness and terrific hands overhead. He’s a serious competitor, whose traits have been compared to those of Patrick Dangerfield and Nat Fyfe.
THE LATEST: After his remarkable performance in South’s preliminary final loss to Glenelg, which saw the teenager finish with 24 disposals and three goals, single-handedly keeping his side in the game, his position as the best junior prospect in the country has been confirmed. “He is as good as any No. 1 in any year I can remember,” experienced North Melbourne recruiter Scott Clayton said recently.
DRAFT RANGE: 1
2. NASIAH WANGANEEN-MILERA (4)
(Glenelg)
18, wingman/forward, 188cm, 70kg
RP: 80 (Reserves)
Tall, gifted wingman is a rare talent, who possesses great skill and can take a high-flying mark. He was a standout in last year’s SA All Stars game and, after impressing at senior level for Glenelg this season, was one of the state’s best at the under-19 carnival, where his unrivalled kicking was on show. There are some question marks over the contested side of his game but the nephew of Port Adelaide and Essendon great Gavin Wanganeen is an exciting prospect who boasts plenty of X-factor, incredible balance, clean hands and speed.
THE LATEST: After a brilliant national championships, where he danced around opponents before finding a teammate with precision, Wanganeen-Milera is in line to be the second South Australian drafted. And he has some admirers in the top-10.
DRAFT RANGE: 5-15
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3. MATTHEW ROBERTS (2)
(South Adelaide)
18, midfielder/forward, 184cm, 80kg
RP: 201 (Under-18)
A natural, smart footballer who wins contested ball and cleverly feeds it out to teammates with quick, clean hands. Roberts is tough, competitive, makes good decisions and is always in the right spot. His footy IQ is as high as any in the pool and Roberts enhanced his first-round credentials further in 2021, breaking into South Adelaide’s senior side after finishing with ranking-point tallies of 175, 188 and 240 in three under-18 matches. “Matty is the best player in SA for footy IQ in his age group,’’ SA coach Tony Bamford said earlier this year. “He sees the game quicker than most in real time.”
THE LATEST: Roberts finished with six goals from seven senior matches, after an impressive finish to the SANFL season. He then ranked second for Champion Data ranking points (112) at the national carnival. He keeps getting the job done – and has more runs on the board than most – but there is some concern over his athletic traits, and whether they will translate to the next level.
DRAFT RANGE: 12-25
4. ARLO DRAPER (3)
(South Adelaide)
18, midfielder/utility, 186cm, 75kg
RP: 142 (Under-18)
Classy, agile onballer who weaves through traffic with ease and can go forward and hit the scoreboard – booting 10 goals and averaging 24 disposals in nine under-18 matches – with his strong overhead marking and allround class. A nice size at 186cm, which adds versatility to his game, and appears to have plenty of time with ball in hand, never seeming to panic under pressure. “Arlo’s a unique player in that he can play anywhere – as an inside or outside midfielder, various roles in defence or anywhere in attack,’’ Bamford said.
THE LATEST: It’s been an interesting end to the year for the highly-rated Draper. He had an impact in his senior debut and showed off his key traits – inside 50 and through the middle – early in the under-19 carnival. But he didn’t take hold of the game in any position and then was injured in the grand final curtain raiser, keeping him out of draft combine. The question now is, where is Draper’s best position at the top level?
DRAFT RANGE: 12-25
5. LEEK ALLEER (7)
(Central District)
20, key defender, 195cm, 84kg
RP: 67 (league)
Injury ruined his draft chances over the past two years but, after switching to defence over summer, Alleer has had a breakout season at SANFL level this year, impressing with his off-the-charts athleticism and high marking. The raw key-defender has dominated the air at times, taking 28 intercept marks in 11 senior games. Central coach Paul Thomas describes the 19-year-old, who is rising quickly up draft boards, as “very athletic, very coachable, very intelligent, very humble and a very quiet professional whose upside is tremendous”.
THE LATEST: Recruiters are just as excited – and that was before he broke the running vertical jump record at the SA combine. He’s raw and, despite starring in the SANFL, will have plenty to learn about playing in defence at the top level. But his ceiling is as high as any key-position prospect in the pool and a club could pounce inside the top 30.
DRAFT RANGE: 20-40
6. JASE BURGOYNE (5)
(Woodville-West Torrens)
18, wingman/halfback, 186cm, 65kg
RP: 124 (Under-18)
Port Adelaide father-son prospect.
The son of former Port Adelaide star Peter Burgoyne, Jase is more highly-rated than his older brother Trent, who has been delisted after being a father-son selection last year. Very lightly built, he is a tall wingman/halfback who is highly-skilled and a smart footballer like his dad. The raw teenager can also play in the centre square, and burst away from stoppages, and has enormous upside. Won the Eagles’ under-18 best-and-fairest in his bottom-age season last year, after averaging 33 disposals and 133 ranking points, but hasn’t been as dominant in 2021, after playing some League footy for Port Adelaide and in the reserves for the Eagles.
THE LATEST: “Boy oh boy, he’s that talented he could turn into the next Shaun Burgoyne,” Bamford said in August. And one recruiter said this week he’d seen enough of Burgoyne in his bottom-age season to consider him. After some uncertainty, he will nominate as a father-son prospect but where will a bid come? The 18-year-old did have some nice moments at the national carnival and dominated on return to the Eagles’ under-18 side.
DRAFT RANGE: 30-rookie
7. COOPER MURLEY (9)
(Norwood)
18, midfielder/forward, 178cm, 69kg
RP: 105 (Under-18)
An excitement machine who can explode from stoppages with blistering speed and kick long inside 50. Has a bit of Port Adelaide’s Zak Butters about the way he plays, although he doesn’t yet possess Butters’ fearless attack on the ball. Murley may be slightly built but he is clean, well-balanced, wins the ball on the move and uses it well with both feet. Injury sidelined him for most of this year but, after earning All-Australian selection at the 2019 under-16 carnival, Murley dominated in his bottom-age year of 2020, averaging 26 disposals and winning Norwood’s best-and-fairest in a premiership side. And clubs won’t forget that.
THE LATEST: Murley only managed seven non-injury-affected games this year – the final one in July – but, in a welcome sight for recruiters, he recovered in time to impress in the agility and vertical jump tests at the SA combine. And Murley’s body of work over the previous two seasons is still likely to him taken in the national draft.
DRAFT RANGE: 30-50
8. LEWIS RAYSON (8)
(Glenelg)
18, halfback, 183cm, 69kg
RP: 118 (Under-18)
Highly-rated, rebounding defender who is super-consistent and a clever ball user. He’s done his best work behind the ball, driving Glenelg forward and setting up play with his neat skills and speed. But the long-kicking left-footer, who is still very light, has also shown his ability as an onballer who can break away from stoppages. Tallied 21 disposals at 85 per cent efficiency in just his second reserves game in Round 17 and was then one of the Croweaters’ better players in the first game of the national carnival, hitting the target with 21 of his 25 disposals in a composed display.
THE LATEST: Rayson capped off a brilliant end to the season with another 27 touches in Glenelg’s losing under-18 grand final side. But he was pushed around at times by the Eagles’ bigger bodies, highlighting where he needs to develop. His offensive qualities are still likely to see him find an AFL home in November, however, with some interest just outside the second round.
DRAFT RANGE: 40+
9. ALASTAIR LORD (18)
(Norwood)
18, defender/midfielder, 180cm, 76kg
RP: 95
Lord starred in the opening month of the under-18s before injury ruined a large chunk of his season. But the dashing defender, who was part of the initial under-19 state squad, reminded recruiters of his talent in the back half of the year for Rostrevor and Norwood. In his first appearance at under-18 level since Round 4, Lord broke the game open with his run-and-carry against Glenelg, kicking a long-range running goal after splitting the Tigers apart with three bounces through the middle.
THE LATEST: Lord is moving fast – on the field, at the combine and up draft boards. After rejoining the state squad, he starred in the final two matches of the carnival, showing off his blistering speed and daring foot skills. Lord then recorded the quickest agility run of any prospect in the country at the combine, and was SA’s fifth-fastest in the 2km time trial. The Rostrevor student has some top-end traits that clubs really like and Norwood coach Jade Rawlings says he’s “the pick of our youngsters who will be picked up”.
DRAFT RANGE: 30+
10. HUGH JACKSON (6)
(North Adelaide)
18, midfielder, 181cm, 70kg
RP: 126 (Under-18)
Classy and prolific, left-footed ball magnet who averaged 29 disposals for the Roosters’ under-18s this season, the most of any player to have played more than three games. Jackson can win the ball inside – he averaged five clearances – and outside and breaks from congestion with ease, often finding a target. Jackson’s hands are just as impressive, too, and he’s very balanced in traffic. And, after spending his bottom-age season as purely an outside wingman, it’s the rapidly-developing all-round game that has really caught the attention of recruiters this year.
THE LATEST: His rapid rise was halted slightly late in the season. After averaging 34 disposals in the opening 11 rounds, Jackson failed to win more than 22 in his final five matches at under-18 level, after copping some heavy opposition attention. And he failed to have a consistent impact at national level and was unable to test at the combine. But Jackson appears to have made enough people take notice of his weapons.
DRAFT RANGE: 40+
11. JAMES WILLIS (13)
(North Adelaide)
18, midfielder, 180cm, 75kg
RP: 120 (Under-18)
Hard-as-nails onballer who grew rapidly as the season went on. A powerful, contested ball magnet who loves throwing his body around, whether it be laying tackles or applying blocks for teammates. His field kicking is a little inconsistent but the strong defensive attributes, combined with breakaway speed, power and a strong ability forward of centre, make Willis an intriguing prospect with plenty of admirers.
THE LATEST: An ankle injury brought Willis’ hot streak to end, sidelining him for the final five under-18 matches, the under-19 carnival and draft combine.Butthe 18-year-old really caught the eye of a number of AFL clubs through the middle part of the season. Willis averaged 29 disposals, 148 ranking points and booted seven goals for North between Rounds 9 and 13 and finished with 34 disposals, 17 contested possessions, three goals and 204 ranking points in his final game.
DRAFT RANGE: 40+
12. COOPER BEECKEN (11)
(Glenelg)
18, defender, 190cm, 73kg
RP: 90 (Under-18)
Versatile, key utility who can play as an intercept defender and use his long arms to great effect and then roll off with his strong, left-foot kick. Has been effective on the wing for Glenelg’s reserves, kicking two goals and recording two score assists in his first appearance at the level. The Andrew Mackie or Will Day-like prospect can also play as a high half-forward where he can showcase his marking ability.
THE LATEST: Beecken came into the year as one of SA’s most-exciting prospects but after playing different roles at different levels, the talented teenager was unable to really get going in 2021. He starred on a wing at times but, given he was forced to play a tall, defensive role to start the season, he was unable to have a consistent impact offensively. But he recorded the fifth-fastest agility time in the country and the way he moves, kicks and reads the play for a 190cm 18-year-old is unlike many others in the draft pool.
DRAFT RANGE: 40+
13. MORGAN FERRES (15)
(Sturt)
18, forward, 190cm, 80kg
RP: 169 (Under-18)
A medium forward who performed well in the reserves for Sturt this season, after dominating the junior competition over the past 12 months. Ferres booted 25 goals in his bottom-age season and kicked 13 in his two under-18 matches this year. Ferres has terrific hands, is often a step ahead of opposition defenders with his running patterns, marks well on the lead and can hold his own in contested situations.
THE LATEST: The prospect described as SA’s best under-19 forward by Bamford kicked multiple bags of seven for St Peter’s on the run home and showed glimpses of his best during the national carnival, despite WA’s dominance. He’s undersized but, after recording impressive combine results – second in the running vertical jump and fifth in the 20m sprint in SA – Ferres could get his chance, in a draft pool lacking tall-forward depth.
DRAFT RANGE: 50+
14. SHAY LINKE (14)
(Central District)
18, midfielder, 190cm, 79kg
RP: 67 (League)
The tall midfielder has enjoyed a standout year, dominating the under-18 competition – as he did for parts of his bottom-age season – before having an impact at senior level for Central. He finds the ball in space with ease but is also terrific at the contest and clever in traffic. His defensive attributes and toughness, despite his slight frame, have also stood out at League level with Linke recording 36 tackles in his six matches. Late in the year, during the Bulldogs’ charge to a Reserves preliminary final, Linke’s work in the air as a marking target inside-50 stood out. He took five contested marks in his first four matches after being dropped from the senior side
THE LATEST: Splitting his time between the forward line and midfield in his two national carnival matches against the Sandgropers, Linke made great decisions in traffic, found the footy in space and took a number of strong marks overhead. He then recorded the seventh-fastest time in the 2km time trial at the combine to finish off a year where he’s done a lot right.
DRAFT RANGE: 50+
15. HUGH STAGG (17)
(Glenelg)
18, forward/midfielder, 180cm, 79kg
RP: 123 (Under-18)
Strong, powerful midfielder who loves winning the hard ball and making his presence felt in traffic. Stagg is a high-energy player who can tuck the ball under his arm and burst from stoppages with great intent. Can push forward and hit the scoreboard, as evident by his 23 goals at junior level this year, but there is some concern over his field kicking. Stagg had a combined 62 disposals, 32 contested possessions, 21 score involvements, 12 clearances and six goals in Rounds 8 and 9 of the under-18 season, two best-on-ground performances which earnt him a reserves call-up. The 18-year-old then booted five goals in his first two matches at the next level.
THE LATEST: Stagg continued to show his match-winning traits as the year went on – 36 disposals and six clearances in the midfield one week, 4.3 from 19 disposals the next. Apart from the strong performance against a makeshift Allies side, Stagg was unable to make his mark at national level, however. But clubs have been keen all year and, after he recorded the fifth-fastest 20m sprint nationally and claimed the McCallum Tomkins Medal as the best player in SANFL under-18s, Stagg, himself, confirmed it was Brisbane and the Bulldogs that have shown the most interest.
DRAFT RANGE: 50+
16. BLAYNE O’LOUGHLIN (10)
(North Adelaide)
18, halfback/midfielder, 171cm, 74kg
RP: 116 (Under-18)
A member of the Crows’ Next Generation Academy, O’Loughlin is a neat distributor who helps set up play from defence. The left-footer loves to get his teammates involved and is the man trusted with the kick-ins at North Adelaide. O’Loughlin, the nephew of Sydney Swans great Michael, made a blistering start at under-18 level this year, averaging 35 disposals, eight intercepts and 136 ranking points in the opening three matches to earn promotion to the reserves and a call-up to the AFL Academy game. And, in the second half of the year, the talented playmaker has proven he can play on the opposition’s best small-forwards, after being challenged – and then praised – by Bamford.
THE LATEST: The Crows confirmed they wouldn’t be nominating NGA prospects O’Loughlin and Isaiah Dudley ahead of November’s draft. But if another club can overlook his size, O’Loughlin could still find an AFL home. At the national carnival, his kicking was outstanding, short and long, with 46 of his 58 kicks effective, as he continually cut through the opposition’s defence. He was also sound defensively, proving Bamford’s pre-carnival comments to be true. “He’s tough and strong and you can trust him deep,” the state coach said in August.
DRAFT RANGE: Late-rookie
17. JORDAN LUKAC (20)
(Woodville-West Torrens)
19, forward/ruckman, 196cm, 89kg
RP: 77 (Under-18)
Athletic tall who is a difficult match-up inside-50 given his marking strength and ability to follow-up at ground level. Lukac booted 35 goals in 15 under-18 matches, while also having an influence in the ruck, and has featured in the reserves for the Eagles. Lukac booted 5.4 in the Eagles’ preliminary final victory and followed it up a week later with 2.3 from 16 disposals and four contested marks, with his two final-quarter goals sealing the deal in the Grand Final win over Glenelg.
THE LATEST: Lukac stood up on the big stage to deliver the performance recruiters were waiting to see. The Eagles under-18 captain then confirmed his impressive athletic traits at the combine, finishing third in the 20m sprint and fifth in the standing vertical jump in SA. Add that to his leadership qualities and Lukac could appeal as a key-position prospect – at either end – with a high ceiling.
DRAFT RANGE: Late-rookie
18. HARVEY HARRISON (22)
(North Adelaide)
18, midfielder, 181cm, 71kg
RP: 106 (Under-18)
The prolific teenager was one of the standout midfielders of the under-18 competition in the first half of the season, impressing with his run-and-carry and ability to burst from congestion. Although slightly inconsistent with his ball-use, Harrison kicks goals and works hard to create going forward and capped off his SANFL season with 34 disposals – at 82 per cent efficiency – 16 contested possessions, 14 score involvements, 10 clearances and 163 ranking points in the final minor round.
THE LATEST: Harrison was overlooked for the first state game, despite that impressive performance, but he highlighted his top-end traits against the Allies. Harrison pushed up from half-forward as the link man, impressing with his run-and-carry and showing his class around goal, with two quality finishes around his body. The 18-year-old’s 20m sprint time of 2.845 seconds was the quickest of any potential draftee and, as AFL talent guru Kevin Sheehan said, he’s put himself in the “go back and look at the tape” category for some recruiters.
DRAFT RANGE: Late-rookie
19. OSCAR ADAMS (27)
(Glenelg)
18, ruckman/key-defender, 198cm, 85kg
RP: 78 (Under-18)
The 198cm Adams, who boasts a terrific vertical leap and good skills, transitioned into a strong-marking defender to mobile ruckman, and back again, in the under-18s this season. His potential as roaming big man is highlighted in the Round 3 performance against Central when the 18-year-old finished with 24 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 11 hitouts-to-advantage, 11 score involvements and 159 ranking points in a dominant display.
THE LATEST: Adams was back in defence on a more regular basis towards the end of the season, taking three contested intercept marks in the grand final loss to the Eagles and another four in the final state game v WA. And it’s as a 198cm defender with great reach that could now see clubs take a punt late in the draft.
DRAFT RANGE: Late-rookie
20. ISAAC BIRT (19)
(South Adelaide)
18, midfielder, 181cm, 70kg
RP: 115 (Under-18)
Birt is another young Panther to catch the eye of recruiters, putting together a consistent season on a wing in the under-18s, named in his side’s best in eight of his 13 matches. The left-footer has great skills, delivers with precision inside-50 and wins the ball in the air – he averaged an elite 1.3 contested marks per game – and on the ground. Birt produced one of the SANFL under-18 competition’s best performances of the year, tallying 31 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 12 score involvements, 11 intercepts, two goals and 226 ranking points against Norwood in Round 10.
THE LATEST: A late knee injury saw the impressive runner miss most of the national carnival and the draft combine, meaning he was unable to enhance his draft standing further. But he has plenty of weapons as a wingman, and there are plenty of clubs in the market for a player of his type.
DRAFT RANGE: Late-rookie
21. ZAC BECKER (16)
(Sturt)
18, defender, 190cm, 92kg
RP: 100 (Under-18)
An undersized key defender who gets the job done, despite battling bigger, stronger opponents at both under-18 and reserves level. Can also go forward and kick goals, which he has done regularly for Scotch College. Not overly quick but possesses a penetrating left-foot kick, which has prompted Bamford to make comparisons to Port Adelaide superboot Trent McKenzie. And the strongly-built teenager is just as good at ground level as he is in the air.
THE LATEST: Becker hardly put a foot wrong across the four national carnival matches, highlighting his ability as a tough, rebounding defender, who is equally as effective in the air as he is on the ground. But, as he’s done for Scotch College through his junior career, the 190cm Becker had an impact at the other end of the ground, too, booting three goals from three contested marks in the final quarter against the Allies. The question with Becker, however, is he going to be good enough at either end for the next level?
DRAFT RANGE: Late-undrafted
22. SAM SKINNER (23)
(South Adelaide)
24, key defender/forward, 198cm, 100kg
RP: 86
Signed be Port Adelaide as a delisted free agent on Nov 4.
After playing three AFL games in five injury-ravaged seasons at Brisbane, the 24-year-old started his SANFL career forward, booting 16 goals in the opening 15 rounds. But a move back into defence could result in another chance at the top level. In a similar way to how St Kilda’s Tom Highmore patrolled the air for the Panthers last year, Skinner took 41 intercept marks in his final seven matches of the year. And he produced his best performance of the season in South’s semi-final win over Norwood, finishing with an incredible 16 intercept possessions and 11 intercept marks, nine of them contested.
THE LATEST: Plenty took notice, including Port Adelaide, of Skinner’s unstoppable form in defence. And the mature-ager’s chances of receiving an AFL lifeline appear to be growing by the day as clubs look to fill the need for a readymade intercept defender.
DRAFT RANGE: Late-undrafted
23. EAMON WILKINSON (26)
(South Adelaide)
21, forward, 179cm, 75kg
RP: 74 (SANFL)
The 21-year-old is quick, has terrific goal sense and makes life difficult for opposition defenders, ranking fourth in the SANFL for forward-50 tackles. Similar traits led to Collingwood choosing former teammate Beau McCreery in last year’s rookie draft. And Wilkinson, too, was in the mix to be picked in this year’s mid-season draft before a fractured shinbone at the wrong time put clubs off. But the small forward and youngest member of this year’s SANFL state team is still on the radar after 44 goals over the past two seasons.
THE LATEST: Some believe Wilkinson is a better prospect than McCreery with a touch more class. He booted two goals in South’s elimination final win before kicking 2.2, and applying nine tackles, in the semi-final victory a week later.
DRAFT RANGE: Late-undrafted
24. LUKE BEECKEN (-)
(Eagles)
20, defender, 183cm, 69kg
RP: 69 (SANFL)
Overlooked in previous drafts before moving to halfback and impressing with his run in a premiership side. Sound familiar? Jacob Wehr was drafted by the Giants off the back of a similar rise with the Eagles last year. Beecken is a terrific athlete but he failed to prove exactly where his best position was during his draft year. But that’s changed, with the medium-defender impressing at senior level with his run-and-carry and ball-use from halfback in 2021.
THE LATEST: At the draft combine, where he finished third in the 2km time trial after receiving a late invite, Beecken confirmed he had been in discussion with one AFL club in particular. Could he find a home late in the draft like Wehr?
DRAFT RANGE: Late-undrafted
25. CASEY VOSS (-)
(Sturt)
21, defender, 182cm, 80kg
RP: 107 (SANFL)
The son of Brisbane triple-premiership star, and new Carlton coach, Michael Voss, Casey was overlooked as a father-son prospect in 2018. But after settling across halfback for Sturt this year, he’s well-and-truly back on the radar. The composed 21-year-old, who is smart with the ball in hand, averaged 23 disposals – at 82 per cent efficiency – and seven intercepts per game to win Sturt’s best-and-fairest and a place in The Advertiser’s SANFL team of the year.
“He is one of the smartest players I have ever seen play the game of footy. That is AFL, SANFL, everything,” Coach Marty Mattner said recently. “His vision with the ball in hand and his is ability to read the play, intercept mark and rebound out of defence or go inside 50m are fantastic.
THE LATEST: That’s a huge wrap from his coach but he’s not the only one that holds a high opinion of Voss, who now presents as one of the top mature-age prospects from the SANFL.
DRAFT RANGE: Late-undrafted
26. ISAIAH DUDLEY (12)
(Central District)
18, small-forward/midfielder, 166cm, 69kg
RP: 129 (Under-18)
Adelaide NGA prospect.
The raw excitement machine is quick, elusive and boasts terrific vision and clean hands at the contest. While there’s concern over his work ethic, Dudley – only small in stature – is as talented as any in this year’s pool. Has shone through the midfield for Central – and South Australia – at junior level and impressed in the reserves, including taking a spectacular mark against Sturt at Unley. “Isaiah has unbelievable attributes, Bamford said as he doubled-down on Dudley’s talent ahead of the combine. “He has high-end skill, the best ball control, decision-making and vision I have seen. In order of pure talent, he’s No. 1 from SA in this draft.”
THE LATEST: Dudley stared in the grand final curtain raiser against WA, booting three second-half goals and recording 130 ranking points. But, despite his undeniable talent, questions about his desire and worth ethic have left many AFL clubs unimpressed and questioning whether he is worth a spot on their list.
DRAFT RANGE: Rookie-undrafted
27. LUCA WHITELUM (29)
(Central District)
18, forward/midfielder, 188cm, 77kg
RP: 77 (U18)
The Sacred Heart College has great hands – in the air and below his knees – and covers the ground extremely well. In a standout season for Central, at multiple levels, the athletic teenager had 21 disposals in his reserves debut. Whitelum is creative in the forward half but it’s his potential as a 188cm midfielder which has some clubs interested.
THE LATEST: A 188cm prospect that can run, too, as he proved at the SA combine, finishing second in the 2km time trial and fourth in the 20m sprint. Whitelum played the final national carnival match against WA, after starring in Central’s finals charge in the reserves, but he had just one disposal in the first half and failed to have any real impact.
DRAFT RANGE: Rookie-undrafted
28. WILL SPAIN (21)
(Sturt)
18, midfielder, 178cm, 69kg
RP: 97 (Reserves)
The midfielder averaged 21 disposals in the shadow of Tom Powell in Sturt’s under-18 side last season but he’s making his own name in 2021. Spain boasts a number of similar traits to Powell, too. He’s a strong ball-winner with a high footy IQ and terrific hands in close. The 18-year-old has impressed against bigger bodies this year, averaging 103 ranking points in his first 10 reserves games and averaging 103 ranking points and recording an enormous 46 tackles in a three-week block between Rounds 12 and 14.
THE LATEST: He only played one national carnival game for SA but clubs have been watching, with Spain, who was of Sturt’s best players in the reserves this year, receiving a late invite to the draft combine. But has he done enough to dispel any of those concerns about his athleticism?
DRAFT RANGE: Rookie-undrafted
29. LUKAS COOKE (25)
(Woodville-West Torrens)
17, key forward, 195cm, 80kg
RP: 106 (Under-18)
Athletic, strong-marking key-forward who booted 20 goals in eight under-18 matches this season. He doesn’t crash packs, but Cooke is outstanding on the lead and uses his body well in one-on-one contests. While there’s been no more big bags, after he kicked 14 in the opening four rounds, for the Eagles – there has been for Westminster – Cooke has continued to show his talent as a forward in the second half of the season.
THE LATEST: The 195cm forward struggled against WA’s powerful defence in the opening two national carnival matches but finished on a high, booting four majors in the final clash. Cooke marked in space, or won the ball at ground level, and while still impressive, does he have the competitiveness for the top level?
DRAFT RANGE: Rookie-undrafted
30. MANI LIDDY (24)
(Sturt)
19, midfielder, 183cm, 80kg
RP: 83 (League)
Liddy was overlooked in last year’s draft, despite a consistent year at under-18 level. There was – and still is – some concern over his speed and capacity to hurt the opposition but he’s further underline his strengths at senior level this season. After a blistering start in the reserves, Liddy made a quick transition to League footy, tallying 21 disposals, 11 contested possessions, six clearances and five tackles on debut. His outstanding ability to win the ball at the contest and put a teammate in space was also on show all year, with winning 28 clearances in his final four matches at reserves level for Sturt.
THE LATEST: The state vice-captain continues to do what he does best, ranking in the top seven for disposals, contested possessions and tackles at the under-19 carnival. But, in a similar story so Spain, did he do enough to dispel those longstanding concerns?
DRAFT RANGE: Rookie-undrafted
Mature age prospects: Skinner ready to see more action at top level
Sam Skinner is ready for his second chance in the AFL.
Having successfully overcome three knee reconstructions and then shining in his first season in the SANFL with South Adelaide this year, the 24-year-old says he is set – physically and mentally – to jump back into the big league.
Declaring his rebuilt knees had not troubled him for years, Skinner - before the Power signed him as delisted free agent on Thursday - said he has plenty to offer an AFL club and just needs another opportunity to prove himself.
“The main reason I moved to the SANFL was to play in the best competition outside the AFL to potentially give myself another shot at getting on a (AFL) list,’’ Skinner said.
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SCROLL DOWN TO FIND OUT THE BEST MATURE-AGE CHANCES
“The first half of the year was a little bit different for my partner (Charlotte) and me, moving from interstate and coming off two months training with North Melbourne.
“But once I settled in I started playing better footty and especially when I moved down back (in the second half of the season).
“I felt a heap more comfortable down there and was able to probably show why I have been on lists for a while, which was nice.’’
The 198cm Skinner, who had trained with the Kangaroos in the hope of being thrown an AFL lifeline in the pre-season before being overlooked, spent the first half of the year with the Panthers stationed in attack before moving to centre half-back and starring.
He turned heads with a standout first semi-final performance against Norwood, where he took 11 intercept marks – the most in a SANFL game since the statistic started being recorded in 2010.
“I hadn’t played down there for three years and forgot how much I enjoyed playing there,’’ Skinner said.
“I was drafted as a defender but since my recos I’ve played mainly as a forward. But I found my love for playing as a defender again this year.’’
Skinner, who was drafted by Brisbane at pick 47 at the 2015 national draft from Gippsland Power, had three knee reconstructions by the time he was 20, derailing his career.
He played three AFL games in five years on the Lions’ list from 2016-20 before being delisted.
“I often get asked about how my knees are holding up but, touch wood, I haven’t had any problems with them since my last surgery (at the end of 2017),’’ Skinner said.
“I feel really good, having been able to get some good, consistent footy under my belt, particularly this year, and I’d love another chance in the AFL.
“I still feel I’ve got a bit to prove, especially having gone through those three knee reconstructions, and would love for all my hard work to be rewarded.’’
Skinner fielded some minor interest from AFL clubs, with Port Adelaide one of those, late in the year.
And the Power pounced, signing Skinner during the delisted free agency period.
With Woodville-West Torrens premiership small forward Tyson Stengle having already been handed a third AFL lifeline by Geelong, which has secured him as a delisted free agent after stints at Richmond and Adelaide, Skinner is another mature-age success story from the SANFL.
And there are more hoping to follow the same path.
Stengle’s Eagles premiership teammate Daniel Menzel, who played 80 AFL games and kicked 143 goals for Geelong and Sydney in a career hurt by four knee reconstructions, believes there are a host of mature-age SANFL players who would shine in the AFL if they were given the chance.
“The SANFL’s a great competition and there are a lot of players who could be at the next level. All they need is an opportunity,’’ he said.
Here, in alphabetical order and taking age and likelihood of being drafted into account, is The Advertiser’s list of top mature-age SANFL prospects who have played league this year.
TOP SA MATURE AGE DRAFT HOPEFULS
LEEK ALLEER
Central District
Key defender/utility
20, 195cm, 84kg
Champion Data ranking points average: 67.
High-flying athletic machine has been nicknamed “Air Alleer’’ because of his extraordinary speed and leap at the footy, which he highlighted in last month’s record-breaking combine jump. Is still raw in football terms, having missed most of his draft year in 2019 following a “gruesome’’ leg injury suffered in an under-18s match, but came on in leaps and bounds this year after being moved into defence by new coach Paul Thomas. Having fled war-torn South Sudan as a five-year-old, Alleer’s upside is “tremendous’’, according to Thomas. “He has a very bright future,’’ Thomas said. A club could pounce inside the top 30.
LUKE BEECKEN
Woodville-West Torrens
Medium defender
20, 186cm, 74kg
RP: 69.
Hard-running, long-kicking halfback won a premiership in his first season of league football with the Eagles this year. The one-time medium forward/wingman became a defensive playmaker who averaged 16 disposals and kicked seven goals. His ability to hit the scoreboard as a defender, including a long, crucial goal in the second semi-final win against Glenelg, illustrated his ability to get up and down the ground. Beecken confirmed last month he has fielded significant interest from one club in particular.
JACK HAYES
Woodville-West Torrens
Key forward/ruckman
25, 193cm, 92kg
RP: 128.
Has been a SANFL star for years, with dual Eagles premiership coach Jade Sheedy saying he is the best player in the competition. Joint runner-up in this year’s Magarey Medal and a unanimous winner of the Jack Oatey Medal as best on ground in the grand final, where he starred with 171 Champion Data ranking points, 26 disposals, nine marks, seven clearances and a goal, despite playing with a hairline leg fracture. “Playing AFL has always been my dream and if I was to get a chance I would be over the moon,’’ he said.
DYLAN LANDT
Glenelg
Medium defender
21, 182cm, 79kg
RP: 95.
The Victorian asked to join Glenelg this year to bolster his draft hopes after spending the summer in Darwin playing with St Mary’s. A gifted junior athlete who finished third in the 100m sprint at the Victorian state championships before deciding to pursue football, his long-kicking was such a feature of his game this year that he was often handed kick-in duties. Has AFL attributes with his elite left-foot kick, speed and playmaking ability. “The AFL is a dream of mine and something I’ve always been pushing for,’’ he said.
TOM LEWIS
Sturt
Midfielder
21, 180cm, 80kg
RP: 119.
Overcame the shock of not being drafted as one of SA's top prospects three years ago and then undergoing a knee reconstruction to enjoy a standout 2021 league campaign, culminating in a spot in The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year. A tough, no-nonsense, left-footed midfielder, who is a tackling machine, averaged 22 disposals and 10 tackles and desperately wants a shot at the AFL. “Hopefully the draft door might open for me because my dream is still to play AFL and I’m not going to give up on that,’’ he said.
MANI LIDDY
Sturt
Midfielder
19, 183cm, 80kg
RP: 83.
Tough midfield ball magnet who possesses sharp, clean hands in close. Loves dishing the ball out to teammates. Played five league games this year, averaging 17 disposals, five tackles and four clearances. Was State under-19s joint vice-captain this year but there have been some questions over his lack of speed and ability to hurt the opposition.
MITCH O’NEILL
South Adelaide
Midfielder/forward
20, 176cm, 72kg
RP: 80.
The Tasmanian, a former West Coast rookie, joined the Panthers this year and displayed electrifying pace and game-breaking ability in 15 league games. Averaged 18 disposals, five tackles and three clearances. Enjoyed a standout finals campaign, having 27 disposals and eight clearances in the elimination final against North Adelaide and 25 disposals in the first semi and preliminary finals against Norwood and Glenelg respectively.
SAM SKINNER
South Adelaide
Key defender/forward
24, 198cm, 100kg
RP: 84.
Signed be Port Adelaide as a delisted free agent on Nov 4.
CASEY VOSS
Sturt
Medium defender
21, 185cm, 82kg
RP: 107.
The son of Brisbane champion and triple premiership captain Michael Voss, Casey took his game to the next level this season, making The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year and winning Sturt’s best and fairest award. A playmaking halfback, he has been described by Sturt coach and Sydney premiership player Martin Mattner as “one of the smartest players I have ever seen play the game of footy’’. “That is AFL, SANFL, everything,” Mattner said. “His vision with the ball in hand and his is ability to read the play, intercept mark and rebound out of defence or go inside 50m are fantastic.’’
EAMON WILKINSON
South Adelaide
Medium forward
21, 179cm, 75kg
RP: 71.
Classy medium forward is a tackling machine who knows where the goals are. Represented South Australia in this year’s State game win against Western Australia and was in line to be selected in the mid-season rookie draft before suffering a bad leg injury which put clubs off and reduced his influence when he did return. A smart player who has all the forward line tricks, which clubs covet. Some believe Wilkinson is a better prospect than former teammate Beau McCreery, who was drafted by Collingwood from the Panthers last year. Should be in demand.
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