Five SANFL players have been picked up by AFL clubs in the mid-season draft

West Adelaide was the big loser in the mid-season draft, having had two players picked up by AFL clubs, while three other SANFL players are set to leave the league.

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West Adelaide’s fears of a mid-season draft raid have been confirmed with the club losing ball magnet Will Snelling to Essendon and wingman John Noble to Collingwood.

Snelling returns to the AFL system after being delisted by Port Adelaide last year following one game in three years, while Noble is the son of former Adelaide head of football David, who currently has a similar role with Brisbane.

Essendon has given Will Snelling an AFL lifeline after he was delisted by Port Adelaide last year before returning to his junior club West Adelaide. Picture: AAP/ Keryn Stevens

The SANFL’s anger at the reintroduction of the mid-season draft on Monday night will be simmering after the loss of Snelling, Noble, Michael Knoll (Sydney) and Lachlan Hosie (North Melbourne).

However, concerns they would lose players to Adelaide and Port Adelaide and thus strengthening their reserves teams has been alleviated after the Crows passed on their selection and the Power plucked former Fremantle utility Cam Sutcliffe from its state league side.

Bloods football manager Andrew Marks said the club was incredibly rapt and proud Snelling and Noble have been given this opportunity.

“Obviously we are also disappointed in the process, particularly as we have won one of our six games this season and part way through the season we lose two of our better players.”

Knoll had been tipped to go early in the draft after being best on ground for the SANFL in the win over the WAFL and the Swans have now taken two key position players from South Adelaide in two months.

Michael Knoll, the SANFL’s Fos Williams Medallist for best afield in this month’s state game, is off to Sydney. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Young forward Hayden McLean was picked up by the Swans in the pre-season supplementary draft on the eve of the opening round. The Panthers also lost gun ruckman Keegan Brooksby to West Coast during the AFL’s preseason supplemental selection period.

“I spoke with Sydney the other night and it is incredible, I’m ecstatic,” Knoll said.

“There was obviously a bit of hype when it comes to the draft and its all come through now and I could not be happier going to Sydney.

“It was an awesome opportunity for me at South, it’s a great club and they gave me the opportunity for me to show what type of football I can play.

“The SANFL is one of the best leagues and to have the opportunity to play at that level, I could not say no to that offer.”

Speculation had also been rife Hosie would get a spot at an AFL club after his brilliant form for Glenelg. The athletic forward leads the SANFL goalkicking with 21 after eight games.

“Lachie has been on the radar for some time, but we feel his improvement this year has been significant,” Kangaroos national recruiting manager Mark Finnigan said.

“His ability in the air and at ground level is really impressive and we think these traits, as well as his power and speed, will give him the scope to multiple roles.”