AFL Draft 2022: South Australia’s 30 top prospects from the SANFL – May edition
The AFL’s mid-season draft is almost here and a number of mature-age SANFL stars are right in the mix to get their chance. Find out who they are and see full profiles.
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It is the year of the South Australian giant.
While midfielders were the order of the day from SA at last year’s AFL national draft, with 10 of the 12 Croweaters selected being on-ballers, including South Adelaide sensation Jason Horne-Francis at Pick 1 and Glenelg’s Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera at No. 11, this year's standout crop is headlined by talls.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE BEST MATURE-AGE PROSPECTS IN THE SANFL
Led by 199cm West Adelaide key forward Harry Lemmey, who is widely considered a top five selection, the “land of the giants’’ group includes his Bloods teammates Tom Scully and Harry Barnett, who both measure 202cm, while Crows father-son prospect Max Michalanney (192cm) and Woodville-West Torrens’ Mattaes Phillipou (191cm) - son of former Western Bulldog Sam Phillipou - are among 17 members of the 40-member SA under-18 squad who stand above 190cm.
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North Adelaide’s 198cm Isaac Keeler - a Crows Next Generation Academy prospect - is another exciting tall coming through but he hasn’t had the start to the season he would have liked and questions have been raised about his work ethic.
“It’s an exciting group of talls that we have coming through,’’ said SANFL academy manager and under-18 men’s coach Tony Bamford, whose side will begin its quest for this year’s AFL national championship against the Allies at Thebarton Oval on June 19.
While the form of players in the junior championships will go a long way towards deciding the national draft order, there are some mature-age players who have lit up the SANFL in the first seven rounds - and played in SA’s four-point state game win against the WAFL in Perth - who are attracting the attention of AFL clubs as mid or end-of-season draftees.
Here’s a look at The Advertiser's early top 30 prospects and Bamford’s take on the teenage standouts.
THE TOP KIDS
1. Harry Lemmey
(West Adelaide)
Key forward, 18, 199cm, 94kg
2022 Champion Data ranking points average:40 (League)
Has been labelled “Riley Thilthorpe Mark II’’ by West league captain Tom Keough and it’s not hard to see why.
Lemmey possesses similar attributes to the player Adelaide selected at pick 2 at the 2020 national draft. He's very tall, has excellent hands, is quick on the lead and is an elite kick.
“I find myself blinking twice,’’ Keough said of the similarities between Lemmey and Thilthorpe.
“Their football is not identical because I think Harry is what you would describe as a more traditional key forward with his ability to lead up while Riley is probably a little more dynamic in his movement, which gives him the option of spending time in the midfield.
“But in terms of their size, athleticism, ability at ground level, potential to break games open, work ethic, character and attitude there’s so many similarities. Harry has star material written all over him with a bit of Ben King (star Gold Coast forward) lankiness about him.’’
Covid health and safety protocols have cost Lemmey two games and weeks of training this season, stalling his development, but a strong league performance against Central District in round two, when he kicked two long-range goals and hauled in five marks, was a tantalising glimpse into his enormous talent.
Tony Bamford says: “A mobile, tall forward who’s had a taste of league football. He’s an elite runner for a tall player.’’
2. Tom Scully
(West Adelaide)
Key forward/ruck, 17, 202cm, 89kg
RP: 133 (Under-18)
After a blistering start to the under-18 season, Scully is rising up draft boards quickly. The mobile 204cm forward, who spent time in the ruck during his bottom-age season, has booted a remarkable 37 goals in the opening seven rounds – 14 more than any other player. With his height and reach, Scully has been unstoppable in the air, taking 27 contested marks in six matches. The next-best player has 16. The 17-year-old’s running patterns make him equally as hard to stop on the lead, too, with Scully recording a total of 44 marks inside-50. And his ability to win the ball at ground level for a player of his standing has also impressed onlookers so far in 2022.
Bamford says: “Has probably been our biggest improver over the past nine months. Is now a proven key forward who can mark the ball both on the lead and in a contest one-on-one. He's our leading goalkicker in the under-18 competition.’’
3. Harry Barnett
(West Adelaide)
Ruck/key forward, 18, 202cm, 92kg
RP: 111 (Under-18)
The strong-marking 202cm talent gives his midfielders first use in the ruck and has a strong presence as a forward, but it’s Barnett’s follow-up work at stoppages and hands at ground level that have really caught the eye. His development as a ball-winning offensive weapon was on full show in Round 7 of the under-18s, with the 18-year-old tallying 29 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 12 marks, 12 hitouts-to-advantage, two goals and 190 ranking points.
Bamford says: “Harry’s the in-form ruck in our competition for his age group. He’s a big, strong boy who is able to give his midfielders first look at the ball. He’s now also marking the ball around the ground in general play and able to impact offence more.’’
4. Adam D’Aloia
(Woodville-West Torrens)
Midfielder, 18, 186cm, 86kg
RP: 144 (Under-18)
Last year’s top pick Horne-Francis aside, D’Aloia was just about the best-performed junior midfielder in South Australia in 2021. The teenager, who is strong, clean around the ball and boasts exceptional leadership qualities, was best-on-ground in the Eagles’ under-18 grand final win and exploded onto the national scene, finishing with ranking-point tallies of 135 and 177 in his first two under-19 carnival games for SA as a bottom-ager. And he’s hit the ground running this year, leading the under-18 competition for contested possessions (16.5) and clearances (8.5) and ranking second for disposals (30.8).
Bamford says: “A strongly-built, inside mid who has elite, clean hands and is elite at the stoppages. He’s a first possession stoppage player whose game impact comes from restart stoppage, clearances. Also has great leadership skills.’’
5. Mattaes Phillipou
(Woodville-West Torrens)
Midfielder/forward, 190cm, 83kg
RP: 133 (Under-18)
The son of former Eagles SANFL star and three-game Western Bulldogs forward Sam Phillipou, Mattaes has further enhanced his standing as one of the state’s most-promising midfield prospects. His hands are great at the contest, but they’re even better in the air, with the 18-year-old switching between tough, clean on-baller to high-marking, goalkicking forward with damaging effect. Phillipou tallied 23 disposals and three goals in Round 2 against the Roosters, before following it up a week later with 26 and three against West Adelaide. The left-footer was dominant at times as a bottom-ager last year and recruiters are excited about his scope for further improvement.
Bamford says: “Tall midfielder who can go forward and play as a marking target ahead of the ball. Has an exceptional ability to be able to release the ball while being tackled around stoppage.’’
6. Kobe Ryan
(West Adelaide)
Midfielder/half-back, 18, 182cm, 72kg
RP: 156 (Under-18)
Made his league debut, and had an immediate impact, against an AFL-stacked Adelaide team in Round 6, finishing with 21 disposals and two goals. The classy midfielder, who averaged 156 Champion Data ranking points in the opening six under-18 matches for the year, looms as early-round contender in this year’s national draft after a consistent 18 months. As a bottom-ager, the 18-year-old ranked third Champion Data ranking points (129) and fifth for disposals (27.9) at under-18 level. A genuine all-round midfielder, Ryan is clean and tough at the contest, while also damaging when he finds space forward of centre and has also shown he can play behind the ball. West league coach Brad Gotch described his league debut as “special’’.
Bamford says: “A hard-working, bash-and-crash inside mid who can also play across half-back.’’
7. Jakob Ryan
(Glenelg)
Defender, 17, 189cm, 77kg
RP: 148 (Under-18)
He can play forward, as he proved as bottom-ager, but the rapidly-developing teenager has been a standout in defence at under-18 level this season. Ryan leads the competition for intercept marks and averages 27.8 disposals, 7.8 intercept possessions, six score involvements and 148 ranking points – the fourth-most in the league – per game. The athletic playmaker attacks with flare and is decisive with ball in hand.
Bamford says: “Along with Scully has been the biggest improver of this age group in the past six months. He’s a high defender who is able to set up offence really well off an opposition turnover. Also has an elite ability to intercept the ball in the air across half-back.’’
8. Billy Dowling
(North Adelaide)
Midfielder, 17, 187cm, 79kg
RP: 168 (Under-18)
The big-bodied on-baller has dominated the SANFL under-18 competition this season, averaging 32.7 disposals, 10.2 score involvements and 168 ranking points – all league highs – in the opening six rounds. Dowling, a terrific leader, who co-captains his school side St Peter’s, is a balanced midfielder with an impressive ability to find space forward of centre and hit the scoreboard. He’s booted nine goals of his own and played a direct hand in 11 other Roosters’ scores in 2022. The 187cm teenager is one who could further enhance his draft standing on the national stage.
9. Max Michalanney
(Norwood)
Crows father-son prospect
Defender/midfielder, 18, 192cm, 78kg
RP: 144 (Under-18)
Michalanney qualifies as Crows father-son prospect after his dad, Norwood great Jim, played 211 SANFL games for the Redlegs between 1974 and 1986. Thee versatile, mid-sized defender, with a nice turn of speed, reads the play well and is very composed. Michalanney, who has impressed in three reserves games for Norwood in 2022, can play taller than his height suggests and was the sixth-ranked player for intercept possessions at SANFL under-18 level in his bottom-age season last year.
Bamford says: “He’s a medium-tall defender who has an elite ability to be able to read the opposition ball movement and intercept the ball and set up attacking moves from the back half. Has excellent leadership skills.’’
10. Isaac Keeler
(North Adelaide)
Crows NGA prospect
Key forward/ruck, 18, 198cm, 88kg
RP: 114 (Under-18)
The athletic teenager is rated by some as the most-talented player in this year’s South Australian crop, but questions still remain over his work ethic and application. At his best, Keeler is an unstoppable forward – in the air and at ground level – with a brilliant eye for goal. His ability as a mobile ruckman has also been compared to St Kilda’s Paddy Ryder. Keeler’s performance at the upcoming national carnival should tell us more about where he sits in the bigger draft picture.
11. Nick Sadler
(Sturt)
Midfielder, 18, 178cm, 83kg
RP: 132 (Under-18)
It’s been an impressive start to 2022 for Sadler with the balanced, goalkicking midfielder earning a place in Sturt’s senior side for Round 1 after 22 disposals and 122 ranking points in the under-18 season-opener. Sadler didn’t get his hands on the ball as often but he was still clean and efficient with his hands at ground level. The 18-year-old then stormed back into under-18 action with a 23-disposal, three-goal performance, which, again, highlighted his array of elite traits.
Bamford says: “An inside-outside midfielder who also plays high half-forward. He has more speed than D’Aloia and is able to carry the ball away from congestion.’’
NEXT IN LINE
Archie Lovelock
(Glenelg)
Midfielder/forward, 17, 178cm, 72kg
RP: 135 (Under-18)
Tough teenager with brilliant hands, who wins the ball in traffic and can find a teammate under pressure. Lovelock is averaging 23 disposals and six tackles and has booted seven goals in six under-18 matches this season, featuring in the middle and inside-50 for Glenelg. But he might attract some interest as a pure half-forward.
Adam Deakin
(Central District)
Defender, 17, 191cm, 87kg
RP: 49 (League)
The composed, reliable defender featured for Central in the first three League matches for 2022, with his 55m long-bomb goal against Sturt the highlight. A well-built 17-year-old, Deakin is strong in the air and can get involved going back the other way.
Jaiden Magor
(South Adelaide)
Forward/midfielder, 18, 185cm, 79kg
RP: 124 (Under-18)
The South Adelaide product impressed as a forward last year, sending an early message to recruiters with a four-goal semi-final performance against West Adelaide. Magor has continued his goalkicking ways in 2022, booting 10 in the opening six games, but he’s also been given more opportunity to showcase his ability as a tough ball-winner through the midfield. In Round 7, the 185cm teenager finished with 28 disposals, six clearances and three goals.
Will Verrall
(South Adelaide)
Ruckman/key-forward, 18, 199cm, 92kg
RP: 106 (Under-18)
Another talented tall on the draft radar, Verrall hasn’t quite hit the heights of his bottom-age season, which saw him average 15 disposals, eight hitouts-to-advantage and 118 ranking points, but he’s booted seven goals in attack and started to show his ability as marking target inside-50.
Blake Hansen
(Eagles)
Defender/midfielder, 18, 178cm, 71kg
RP: 136 (Under-18)
A classy ball-user who delivers with precision from the back-half, Ryan leads the under-18 competition for kicks (21.3) at an impressive 81.2 per cent efficiency. Hansen is an attacking weapon on the outside, but can he win enough of his own ball? The under-18 championships might tell us more.
Kyle Marshall
(South Adelaide)
Defender/forward, 18, 198cm, 79kg
RP: 71 (Under-18)
Marshall is a raw, rangy defender, who is good below his knees and has done a little bit of ruck work. But, while the talent and athleticism is there, the 18-year-old is still developing and is yet to really take hold of a position. One to watch if he gets his chance for South Australia in the national carnival opener.
THE MATURE-AGERS
Casey Voss
(Sturt)
Medium defender, 21, 182cm, 80kg
RP: 107 (League)
What more can you do to get drafted? The son of Brisbane triple premiership captain, Brownlow Medallist and current Carlton coach Michael Voss has dominated the SANFL at half-back for two seasons and won the prestigious Fos Williams Medal as SA’s best player against WA in the state game in Perth. The playmaking defender had 29 disposals and took 15 marks against the Sandgropers in a stunning AFL audition for the mid-season rookie draft and leads the SANFL in marks this year with 62 in six games. “It was nice that my form was able to carry over into a big game like this,’’ Voss said. “As far as the timing (mid-season draft) is concerned, I’m not really thinking about that. If it (being drafted) comes, it comes, but I’m just really enjoying my footy at the moment.’’ Voss made last season’s The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year and won Sturt’s best and fairest award. Dad Michael says Casey deserves to be on an AFL list but ruled out taking him at the Blues because of the family connection.
Jye Menzie
(South Adelaide)
Small forward, 19, 180cm, 81kg
RP: 71 (League)
Electrifying small forward has made an immediate impact since joining the Panthers from Tasmanian club North Hobart this season. Took the SANFL by storm by kicking 10 goals in his first two league games against Central and Port Adelaide after being overlooked by AFL clubs at two drafts because of his inconsistency. Has booted 15 goals in six matches and made the State team, where he struggled to make an impact against WA, going goalless and having only six disposals. But he desperately wants to play AFL and is working hard on his game to become the complete package. “That’s the main thing I’m trying to work on,’’ excitement machine Menzie said. “I need to string four good quarters together more regularly, become the complete package, instead of just having these little glimpses here and there. I definitely think I’ve got it in me to play AFL.’’ In an era where damaging small forwards are worth their weight in gold, Menzie is a human highlight reel with top-level traits. He is quick, elusive, has great goal sense, X-factor and good footy IQ.
Josh Carmichael
(West Adelaide)
Midfielder, 22, 189cm, 89kg
RP: 129 (League)
New to the SANFL after plying his trade in Mildura, Carmichael has been a revelation in his first year with the Bloods. The multi-talented sportsman, who has played high level junior table tennis, basketball, cricket and football, has caught the eye of AFL clubs looking to take a pick in the mid-season draft by averaging 24 disposals, six clearances and five tackles while kicking seven goals in six games in a struggling team that has yet to win a game. Coming off his first full football pre-season, Carmichael made the SANFL state team, performing well with 17 disposals and a goal. Well built at 189cm and 89kg, it is no surprise he models his powerhouse game on explosive Richmond superstar Dustin Martin. “I’ve loved my time at West and feel that every challenge, every step up that I’ve had in my footy career, I’ve been able to rise to,’’ Carmichael said.
Jacob Bauer
(North Adelaide)
Medium forward, 19, 191cm, 80kg
RP: 68 (League)
The high-flyer started the year in the reserves, after a last-minute move to SA, but he put his name in front of AFL recruiters with a commanding five-goal performance on debut against the Crows in Round 2. In his first appearance at SANFL League level, Bauer took three marks inside-50 opposed to AFL-listed Crow James Borlase, who lined up in a strong Adelaide defence. He followed it up a week later with another five majors and three outstanding contested marks, to further highlight his aerial prowess and confirm what North Adelaide is thinking about his future. “I’m not sure how much longer we’re going to see him at SANFL level,” Roosters reserves and development coach Darren Reeves told The Advertiser after Bauer’s second five-goal haul against Central. “He has great hands, takes marks at the highest point, is an excellent kick and is such an exciting talent that I’m sure AFL clubs are starting to sniff around.” Bauer, who joined the Roosters from the Swans Academy after being overlooked in last year’s draft, has kicked 13 goals in four games.
Mitch O’Neill
(South Adelaide)
Midfielder, 21, 178cm, 76kg
RP: 129 (League)
Former West Coast rookie has backed up last year’s standout finals campaign with a sizzling start to 2022. The speedster has averaged 31 disposals in five games, missing one match through Covid health and safety protocols, to earn selection in the SANFL state team. He was one of the Croweaters’ better midfielders in Perth, finishing with 19 disposals and kicking a goal, and appears ready for a second crack at the AFL.
Connor Ballenden
(Woodville-West Torrens)
Ruck/key forward, 23, 200cm, 100kg
RP: 124 (League)
Former Brisbane Lions big man has made a strong start to his SANFL career for reigning premier Woodville-West Torrens, alternating between key forward and the ruck in the absence of injured tap ruckman Jarrad Redden. Has averaged 18 disposals, seven marks and a goal to earn a spot in the SA state side, where he had 12 disposals, four marks and a goal. Possesses a booming right-foot kick and could boost any AFL sides big man stocks.
Billy McCormack
(Central District)
Ruck/key utility, 21, 199cm, 94kg
RP: 116 (League)
Former Frankston VFL player had thrust his name before AFL recruiters with a series of standout performances in the ruck for the Dogs in the opening four rounds before injuring his knee in the opening quarter of the round five clash against the Eagles. McCormack, who had been chosen in the SANFL State squad before his injury, suffered a subluxed patella and will be sidelined until at least round 10, most likely ruling him out of mid-season draft calculations. The athletic big man, whose dad Brendan played 44 games for Fitzroy and 12 for the Brisbane Bears from 1989-94, was averaging a competition-high 171 Champion Data ranking points prior to his injury, illustrating his all-round effectiveness. “I don’t consider myself just a hitout and marking player, I can win my own footy on the ground and lead up pretty well,’’ McCormack said of his unique playing style, where he virtually acts as a fourth midfielder. “My agility and the way I cover the ground are strengths of mine.’’
Frank Szekely
(North Adelaide)
Defender/forward, 22, 170cm, 70lg
RP: 91 (League)
The younger brother of former Power midfielder-forward Wade Thompson moved across from Port August to Adelaide in 2015, when he started his North career as a skilful small forward and a member of Port Adelaide’s Aboriginal AFL Academy. But in 2022, his elite speed and foot skills have been used on a wing and across half-back for the Roosters, catching the eye of AFL clubs. He has enjoyed a career-best season for high-flying North.
Hugh Stagg
(Glenelg)
Midfielder/forward, 19, 180cm, 84kg
RP: 75 (League)
The strongly-built 19-year-old was overlooked in last year’s draft, despite averaging 24 disposals and 24 goals to win the McCallum Tomkins Medal as the best player in the SANFL under-18 competition. But Stagg, who recorded the fifth-fastest 20m sprint at the national draft combine last year, has had an instant impact at SANFL League this year, booting nine goals in the opening six rounds, including a career-best four in round six against North, to show of his power and smarts around goal. His forward pressure has been elite.
Brett Turner
(Glenelg)
Midfielder, 25, 185cm, 88kg
RP: 119 (League)
Midfield powerhouse enjoyed a stunning start to the season before hurting his foot against the Eagles in round four and not playing since. Was averaging 24 disposals and five clearances until his injury. The former Blood caught the eye of Adelaide recruiters with a scintillating performance against the Crows SANFL team in round two, when he dominated with 38 disposals, four goals, seven marks and six clearances. On Tuesday, Turner was one of another eight players from around the country to be granted a mid-season draft exemption, after not initially being eligible, given he didn’t nominate for last year’s national draft.
Harrison Magor
(North Adelaide)
Defender, 21, 184cm, 83kg
RP: 76 (League)
Has enjoyed a breakout year for North at league level, standing out with his strong intercept marking across half-back. Has averaged 18 disposals, five marks and three rebound 50s with an elite disposal efficiency of 92 per cent, highlighting his excellent ball use. Has only played 11 league games but is an athletic type who should appeal to AFL clubs.
Kim Kantilla
(South Adelaide)
Small forward, 23, 179cm
RP: 76 (League)
The famous Kantilla surname made a return to SANFL league ranks in round five when Kim Kantilla made his debut against the Crows at Noarlunga Oval. Fifty-eight years after the legendary David Kantilla starred in South’s last men’s league grand final win against Port, his great grandson Kim thrilled Panthers supporters just weeks after joining the club from the Tiwi Bombers. He didn’t disappoint, starring with 18 disposals, 11 marks and three goals.
“It’s a great story for our football club,’’ South general manager football and former Crow Brent Reilly said of the small, high-pressure forward. Kantilla, who was another to be granted a late mid-season draft exemption, has x-factor qualities and a big upside which makes him an intriguing AFL prospect
Lachlan Grubb
(North Adelaide)
Medium forward, 19, 178cm, 76kg
RP: 60 (League)
Speed machine has taken his game to the next level since moving from Central to North this year. Considered unlucky not to have been drafted previously largely because of his blistering speed, Grubb has blossomed in league ranks at Prospect this season. He has averaged a modest 11 disposals, four marks, three tackles and a goal but is so fast that he makes defenders nervous when he is around the ball and splits backlines open when he takes possession and decides to run.
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